I can install Linux Mint much quicker than Windows, after it updates itself I have a compete working system with web browser, office suite, etc. Windows takes much longer, then additional software must be installed. For the average user, I maintain Linux is easier.
I’ve been using Linux since the 90’s. Back then it was frustrating and really couldn’t do much of what I needed done so I had to dual boot with Windows. These days Linux is (in my opinion) MUCH easier to use than Windows. It has been for a few years. The problem really is inertia. The vast majority of hardware is made to work with Windows. Linux does an amazing job of supporting hardware that was not designed to work with Linux, but will never be as seamless until hardware manufacturers support Linux at the same level as Windows. That day may be coming. The EU push for digital sovereignty could get hardware manufacturers to finally support Linux at the same level as Windows. As for Linux phones, they seem to be at the same point Linux OS was in the 90’s. There is a lot of promise, but they still have a lot of development left to do. It is difficult for the community to support such projects when it will take many years to become mature. Again, I am hoping the EU will help as they try to break their dependency on American phone OSes. BTW, I am a supporter of open source. I donate annually.
Better late than never.