Linux

Just let him read the arch with wiki.

if hes willing try zorinos. If that does not work I know of nothing easier. It comes with play on linux pretty well configured.

There's a drm-free version of prism launcher called PollyMC (note the two l's)

Haven't personally used it but I heard there is a native Roblox client for Linux called Grapejuice. Might be worth looking into to solve one problem. I have no idea if it's good or not but here's a link: https://brinkervii.gitlab.io/grapejuice/

I've tried to switch to Linux as my primary OS several times over the years, and every time I've done it I've run into some bullshit where I need to install a kernel patch to make my mouse wheel work or find a custom driver on some obscure forum to have working sound. I'm a technically-competent person but it's been a huge hassle literally every time I've tried, and that's without getting into WINE or other cross-platform shenanigans. I want it to "just work" and my experience is that it just doesn't. That said, it's been a few years and Windows 11 appears to be insanely hot garbage, so maybe I'll give it another shot.

Laptops often have open slots for hard drives. With his permission open the back and see if he has one. Bonus points for replacing his win10 hd with a 1tb. He'd probably appreciate it enough to give Linux another go

I think the best course would be to tell him something along the lines of "I'm sorry these games didn't work out well for you and the experience didn't turn out to be good for you, there's still the option to dual-boot or try a different distro if you want but I understand if you don't. Just know that these issues aren't specifically because of Linux but rather poor support from the game's devs, or more likely their publishers, games (about 90% of them) work fine through steam or Lutris unless the devs implement anti-cheats without linux compatibility so hopefully in the future if you happen to play more steam games you'd consider giving Linux another chance." nonetheless I'd still say he should go on windows, find out that his games will likely still run like shit on there on his own and if he complains about it maybe bring up Linux again, gently and appropriately of course.

At least he tried it. Maybe he'll pick up a second drive and dualboot. Regardless I have mad respect for someone who doesn't just assume things but puts the effort into finding out for themselves.

I remember when I was testing the water. I accidentally nuked my drive and something about that felt so final. At least after I found the USB drive I kept my backed up files, that was a real nightmare. I thought I lost my receipts for tax sure but all those photos and videos.

Better luck next time.

If you want to game stick up with Windows, for everything else use Linux.

I swear it's always the same mistake each time someone has an issue trying linux. It should be a rule at this point : never switch to another OS without knowing what will work and what will not.

Going at it blindly is a quick way to get overwhelmed and discouraged.

(Not pointing fingers here, had a friend who wanted to try it out too, didn't listen to my warnings, didn't wanna check if everything would work out and then spent three month of pure hell, with me picking up the pieces and fixing their pc all the god damn time..)

Slap the bottoms of his bare feet with reeds until he complies. /s

If you want to persuade your friend down the road to give it another shot, try asking what things he'd like to do and see if you can configure everything in advance. It's impossible to predict all future desires, but knocking out some of the bigger ones could help. Honestly, I'd be surprised if he tries again any time soon. Can't blame him. We all have different levels of tolerance for drudgery vs wanting things to just work.