Windows:
- β Easy to set up and troubleshoot
- β Better driver support for new GPUs
- β More overhead (uses RAM and CPU)
- β Windows updates can interrupt mining
Linux:
- β Lower overhead β slightly higher hashrates
- β More stable β can run months without reboot
- β Steeper learning curve
- β Some miner tools lack Linux versions
Verdict: Beginners should start with Windows. Switch to Linux if running a dedicated mining rig.