but a 128gb/256gb usb doesnt cost much

even tho i would be better to buy a sata ssd and a sata->usb cable

I suggest trying a virtual machine! Some softwares detect this (and there are ways around that too) but mostly it should be seamless!

On one hand, I get it. You're used to Windows and want to use an environment you're used to and apps you're comfortable with.

On the other, you need to be aware that you're going to be constantly fighting an uphill battle. Microsoft doesn't care that you don't want those programs using resources, they're going to install them because it's in the best interest of their shareholders. The programs might be able to be removed using third party tools, but then you're relying on random tools found on the internet to remove bits of your operating system without hurting anything or doing anything malicious.

The data these programs gather is more valuable to Microsoft than the blowback because this is the exact stance people will take: sure it sucks that this is being forced upon me, but it's still better than leaving. So I'll either deal with it (99% if users are here) or ill find a random program and cross my fingers it does only what's on the label.

The only solution I see is to swap to something else, causing Microsoft to lose market share and thereby convincing shareholders not to force this on users.

The choice is yours.