Why did you compare an encrypted Linux OS with a Windows 10 machine without encryption?
I'm maybe out of the loop here since I don't use Windows, but last I checked, Windows did not have a full disk encryption option, unlikely pretty much every Linux distro. BitLocker will do it, but it is only available on Professional or Enterprise editions, which most people do not have. So you are left either trying to set up your own system which is likely to beyond the capabilities of many users, or not encrypting the whole disk but only encrypting your wallet files. With most Linux distros, it's as easy as checking a box and entering a decryption key during the install process.
A well-prepared and determined robber who knows why he is targeting you and what you may have on that computer. Now it's a bit tricky. You could reject his demands, but there are also two knee caps and your family that you need to consider if he knows about them.
Now that's where plausible deniability comes in, but that isn't really relevant to the discussion about which OS you are using. There are things like hidden volumes which would allow you to hide the existence of both your wallet files and your wallet software.
Regarding the part where you mentioned vulnerabilities in software on Windows. Are there no similar cases to the ones you mentioned on Linux?
Sure there are - any piece of software has the possibility of bugs and vulnerabilities. But if I can install a bare-bones operating system with no unnecessary software, compared to installing something like Windows 10 which has literally gigabytes of unnecessary code, then the potential for critical vulnerabilities is much smaller.
If you know how to work on Linux or you have the time and patience to learn it, sure, I see no reason to use Windows. The only plus side is its easy of use and greater offer of software.
If you want to make the jump from Windows, then try out Linux Mint. It is designed to be as similar to Windows as possible to make the transition almost seamless. You can even boot it from a USB just to play around with it, or set up a dual boot so you can you always fall back on Windows if you need to.