Linux

I did the same and moved to kubuntu. You can play Xbox game on the cloud really good on Linux. And you have heroic games launcher for the main non steam launchers. I game and work in Linux and couldn't be happier honestly, ask me anything you want

Scan through some YouTube videos of each of these recommended distros and see which one you like the look of best; They are all good recommendations.

I'd like to throw Zorin in the pot, I use it on all my devices (and servers) since it's just smooth and works without fuss or tinkering. There's a Gnome version and an XFCE version, both are very nice. XFCE is a little lighter in weight of course, which you may like or need.

The recommendations here aren't bad but I would highly recommend ZorinOS. It's familiar to Windows and does a lot to be beginner friendly.

So far my main struggle with any flavor of Linux has been battery drain and ram usage. I haven’t been able to get laptops to suspend properly, they only turn the screen off.

Here's a tl;dr of my Linux learning curve -- from 0 (Windows pleb) to hero:

Start with a "user-friendly" distro (Linux Mint, ZorinOS) and get used to its package manager (i.e How to install, uninstall and remove stuff. Also, your best friend.).

Then go for a more "serious" distro like Debian. And from Debian... Arch. Keep at it until you've got the most interesting commands (and "whom is whom" regarding video graphics, audio, etc... the "basic" stuff) written on your forehead.

After that, "duckduckgo" about "Minimal linux installation" or "Baremetal linux installation". Follow the instructions closely and at heart. PS: You are gonna suffer a bit.... but that is perfectly fine. Once again, you are gonna have to get used to it and to witness "your own distro" booting up for the first time. Yes, the nerdgasm feels quite great.

At this point, there is nothing "much" to learn other than to add more "depth" to the stuff you learned by "duckduckgo" about "Linux how do I improve my network", "Linux how to improve performance", etc until you are used to all that.

Now, you've reached the "average user" status and there is nothing "strictly necessary" to learn -- so start your own github, send your .dotfiles/scripts in, and go take a break. Congrats, you are now a penguin.