I have had to use Windows 11 bare-metal in a data center connected straight to the internet, unfirewalled including a Public IPv4, just like in the Yolo Colo for almost two years now.

This talk will be both a self-support group for those who also have or want to do so, and an in-depth exploration of the state of the Windows firewall and its quirks, pre-installed OpenSSH, managing a desktop OS via PowerShell, the state of the different WireGuard servers, file syncing, and further tips to do what you must in a safe manner, avoiding security concerns and making the admin life just a bit nicer.

For standard Windows desktop users, there may be a lesson or two on debloating.