I wouldn't really say the user experience is as good as Windows. Apps hang more often, steam freezes and restarts more. Games crash more often. All problems I wouldn't have on windows.
Even though Linux has gotten really far, I wouldn't be using it if windows wasn't so shit now.
It's like Ubuntu saw the Windows Store (less features, worse performance, unmoderated and not used by anyone) and said we want that too.
Just download the thing from whoever's website and you won't run into problems.
You can download steam for linux directly on steam (in a .deb package).
Actually I can't remember having it at all but I only have a handful of things installed through .deb files anyway.
hmm.. while i do not use my linux systems for steam or high-end gaming, I do not share the same user experience as you. To me, my Linux machines.. running web browsers, RDPs, Text Editors, Mail, etc.. are run rock-solid. If anything, is faster loading apps compared to my Windows 10 work machine and Windows 11 home laptop.
My Windows 11 home laptop (which upgraded itself over a year or so, now) only exists because of a job... but that is ending end of the year. I cannot wait! First thing I am doing when im done.. uninstalling Windows 11... hello debian!
I have been using steam in arch-based distros for a very long time and I have had no issues at all running most Windows games (see https://protondb.com). As someone else mentioned, the only real issue might be anti-cheats in competitive games.
I use Windows mainly for work. The user experience is terrible. At least 10 years ago it had a usable GUI, now it is a mess. Crashes are normal. Security theater is _security_.
I've noticed that Windows 11 (on multiple computers) will often display a flash of whatever programs are currently open on my computer before it gives me the login prompt after I wake the computer from sleep. That should never happen. It's yet another nail in the Windows 11 coffin for me.
Can't say I've shared your experience in terms of programs hanging more often, with the exception of Steam and games. Productivity apps and browsers run perfectly fine for me. That said, Windows has its own frustrations. I'm not sure if it's all fixed yet, but Xbox Game Bar and Game Mode for Windows came with awful performance penalties. When it first came out they had this Game DVR feature which was like Shadowplay but limited your FPS to half of your refresh rate. Enabled by default.
If anyone here is considering switching to Linux, I'd recommend taking a look at whether the games _you_ play run well.
Also, AppImage is so awful.