Windows 7 was the last possible usable version as far as I´m concerned. When Steam sunsets support in 2024 I´ll most likely switch to Ubuntu. Windows 8-11 are just untenable choices and we should all just realize this.
I've used xfce as my desktop for the last decade or so, before that it was fluxbox/blackbox, and before that enlightenment.
Looking at other people's screens at FOSDEM there's till plenty of choice in UI