I've had laptops where the manufacturer loaded various things to the generic Windows install. Things such as an OEM startup screen. Often there were trial versions of programs such as Symantec AV and other non-essential crapware. But I don't see anything in my Surface that includes any of those extras. I can install a pristine copy of Windows Pro, which is a free download from Microsoft these days. Once installed I can add the drivers and other files from the Surface downloads page and I should be good to go. I haven't tried it yet but when I do I'll post a report here.