Windows 10 and 11 have great desktops. Definitely still ahead of anything Linux can offer.
But I agree it's only partly because of that. The bigger issues are poor hardware support (especially for laptops) and over reliance on the CLI and config files.
We will have to just agree to disagree on that one.
Windows 10 reverted back to a warmed over 7, but with flashy boxes to add noise, and the injection of adverts over time.
The multi-desktop implementation was half baked, and when applications request focus you can end up with an unresponsive desktop until you find it.
11 is an interface that only a mother could love. Pointless changes like centering the bar make me wonder if you ever used it. It's a step back in every way, but without a guts to try something different like 8.
8 didn't work for laptops/desktops, but at least there was an attempt.
But I agree it's only partly because of that. The bigger issues are poor hardware support (especially for laptops) and over reliance on the CLI and config files.