Windows breaks:

1. find a Windows installation Disc or USB (1 hour)
2. backup files from broken installation (2 hours)
3. Install windows (15 minutes)
4. Install Windows updates (8 hours) 4a. Debloat/Decrapify Windows (30 minutes)
5. Restore backed up files (2 hours)
6. Find and install previously installed programs (??? Years)
7. Try to remember accounts and special settings for special previously installed programs (3 hours)

Done in 16 hours

Linux Breaks

1. Find Linux Live USB (5 minutes)
2. Reinstall Linux (10 minutes)
3. Install updates (20 minutes)
4. Reinstall previously installed programs (5 minutes)

Done in <1 hour and spend the rest of the weekend playing Elden Ring

Separate /home partitions are a godsend.