Use autounattend.xml[1] to pre-configure an image before installation. This is what corporate sysadmins have done in the past three decades to administer Windows NT fleets. Use PowerShell and various admin modules to configure an online installation.

Then, to get a better version of Windows, use MAS[2].

[1]: https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/

[2]: https://massgrave.dev/

To be frank, no. In order to make windows not suck, you must invest a lot of time into knowing what to disable on the various SKUs, and in my opinion, it stopped being worth it around the time of windows vista (2006-7ish). I worked for Microsoft back then and ever since I left in 2007 i have thankfully been able to have a no-windows policy. I did briefly try going back last year for Unity dev but it was a mistake that made me want to quit computers entirely.

Use Pro, Home is needlessly limiting for a power user.

Don’t turn it on unless you need to print something.

Yes, Windows LTSC is an edition without as much crap.

Haven't used it lately (over 2 decades with linux as daily driver), so can't personally vouch for it.