Thank you for the valuable advice.
After the harsh experience, I decided to use only open source software and install Linux on a bootable flash drive
I think it's the best way to avoid running into this problem again.
Perhaps a somewhat late decision, but it is better late than never.
To add to everything that LoyceV suggested, a dual boot setup seems like a solid idea here too. With that, you'd have Windows and Linux both installed on your computer, and when booting up, you'd just select which one you feel like going with that time. This lets you benefit from the software options of Windows and the security of Linux in the same machine. Dual boot gives flexibility if you ever find yourself needing something only one OS provides, and is generally a more optimized solution compared to VM, because it requires less resources.