Provided that you’re only using it for things that aren’t sensitive or worth protecting Windows Home vs Pro doesn’t matter much in my opinion.
- Windows 11 is a must. If it connects to the internet then it needs security updates.
- Installation media should be obtained as officially as possible in my opinion. You can modify it using trusted tools if you wish, but do consider that such tools and untrusted media sources are perfectly capable of adding maleware to the disk.
- If possible, install Windows without a Microsoft account and never link one.
Since it automatically logs in if connected to something like an XBox account this might not be realistic.
I’m not so sure about unlicensed installs, but Windows Pro does give you the group policy editor. Not much else other than more control over Bitlocker.
The Policy Editor is a pain to go through, but can be used to disable many of the more invasive and annoying “features” in Windows. Things like Bing Search built into the start menu. Generally speaking this makes it the best option for privacy. Windows Home can be modified to similar effect using things like regsitry edits, but Microsoft has to support the Policy Editor