Windows 7 isn't supported on a lot of newer hardware and software. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is the way to go, which is what I'm using with the new PC I built this year. No forced Windows updates, full user control, and I've never accidentally nor intentionally launched Edge before, even though it's technically there. It has zero impact on my system.
I intentionally chose a MacBook Pro for my work laptop because no work-configured Windows system is ever worth it unless you also get local admin rights, and even then, it will still be full of crap.