Linux at least gives us useful logging
Mate, don't take it the wrong way, but you're living in a fantasy world if you think an average user has any semblance of idea as to where logs are or how to read them.
The Linux community support can actually fix your problems without boilerplate copypasta
LOL, nice one! :D
I've read "just recompile the kernel" together with "just switch to [distro_x]" more times than I can count to... :D
Randomly change registry settings, delete files, install software on the advice of random Internet people/LLMs until the software works or the randomware kicks in.
See? Here's your problem. You're doing random stuff without understanding what it does or even without a guide. Try that on Linux and tell me how well your OS works. :)
In general, seems like you've been sheltered from Windows for the past, I don't know, 15 years? In terms of reliability and stability, 10 and 11 are on par with MacOS.
You seem to be confused. We're talking about an "OS for the masses". What you're talking about is so far beyond the "high end for the top tier enthusiasts" that it's not even funny.
Could that be because he’s had fewer issues with Windows and hasn’t had a need to troubleshoot it?
It's actually the opposite. Worked in IT for 20 years, had to troubleshoot every conceivable issue with Windows.
Here's the difference: 90% of the time, once you've installed the OS, it's smooth sailing*. If it's not, reboot, and it will be fine. For the fringe cases, just search online to find help.
This last bit is what kills Linux as "user-friendly OS" - you have one distro, but solutions you find are for five different distros and each one looks and feels slightly differently, so things are in different places.
EDIT:
* I should've added: TODAY. It used to be VERY different, but these days? It's mostly "fire and forget".
Here's the problem with sweeping statements on the Internet like the one you just did - you never know who you're talking to.
You have no clue how hilarious your comment reads from the perspective of someone who's worked in IT for the past 20 years. :D
Here's the difference between Linux and Windows TODAY (that's a CRITICAL point) - the average user gets the OS installed, fires it up and just uses it. If there's a problem, a reboot will fix it 99% of the time. For that 1% there's a bajillion different forums where they'll find help.
Now, Linux? You install it, fire it up, and it runs without issues. Or it doesn't! You use an app, and it works - or it doesn't! You start searching for solutions online and find that the issue you've had has been resolved but on a different distro, things look different on yours and you have no clue how to proceed.
Windows is not a perfect OS, but it's as good as it gets (next to MacOS) in terms of "I'm John, this is my first computer, I just learned how to log in and now I want to have some fun". Linux is FAR from that, still.
It’s easier to use than Windows
LOL, good one!
I especially loved the user friendliness of my distro randomly disconnecting my BT mouse and refusing to reconnect. Had to edit grub to get it back to working order.
Or how I changed the lock screen image through settings. Now I can see it - in Settings. Only. Because if I lock my device, I still see the old one.
Or how on Kubuntu, my previous distro, the applications' menu (the one with "File", "View", "Help", etc.) just disappeared from all apps. Spent two days trying to sort it out and ended up switching to Tuxedo OS.
Such an easy to use OS, especially for those who've never done one bit of troubleshooting themselves!
Hey, thanks for being the voice of reason in this thread!
Windows is, by all means, not a perfect OS. But people claiming that it's "easier to use" for the average user are just detached from reality.