Laypeople don't install operating systems. As long as they get help to set up Linux with working drivers and configuration, the rest of Linux is actually easier because it doesn't change default browsers, add unwanted applications, pop-ups with scary text etc unlike Windows.

I've had a great experience putting my computer illiterate mother on Linux Mint. I've never had to help her once with the operating system or programs (she only uses Firefox and an IPTV application) whereas Windows was a mess at times.