I was wondering similar with Windows Server core editions, if turning off Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer could create a less of a attack surfice on workstation editions of Windows, I feel like I would like to improve Windows 10 at home doing this.
you can uninstall the UI of internet explorer, but you cant uninstall its components as long windows uses them you cant uninstall or turn off explorer = desktop explorer is only another UI for the windows core components - you can also surf with explorer, but not that comfortable like IE. but you can uninstall windows 10 if you dont like it
If you will "turn off" Windows Explorer, which shell replacement will you use? Is it safer than Explorer? Or will you be using only command prompt?
Actually I was thinking of using command prompt when Windows boots up, I know this might sound weird but the Windows Explorers from Vista and XP works on Windows 10 and 8.1 though they are broken and can't do much.
I doubt that using command prompt on workstations would be practical. Also, using Explorer from one (unsupported) OS version on another OS version is IMO looking for troubles. In this case of security vs. convenience, convenience wins.