Mint is great if you want a Linux experience that works with minimal hassle. It uses the Cinnamon desktop environment that is similar to Windows UI. It also has lots of apps and settings that imitate Windows, so it should be intuitive. Ubuntu is also an easy transition for new Linux users, but not as intuitive as Mint, and it has been getting some critique lately for decisions made by the distro’s developer (Canonical). The decisions are likely not going to make much difference in your daily use as a new user, so I wouldn’t worry to much about that specific issue because Ubuntu is a great distro for new users as well. In fact, Mint is based off of Ubuntu. Additionally, Ubuntu Server is one of the most popular server builds because of its ease of use. If you are unsure, you can make a Live USB of each and try them out for a few days.
Tip: As a new user, it’s possible that you will eventually make a mistake or change to your build that you would like to undo. To undo easily when the time comes, make sure you set up Timeshift when you first install your build. It takes snapshots at whatever regular intervals you would like so that you can revert back to one when the time comes. It has saved me lots of frustration.
I haven’t used Windows in about 3 years, so I may be out of date, but in my experience, Ubuntu and its derivatives work easier with scanners and printers. For me and my printer-scanner combo, I literally just have to place it and the Linux desktop on the same network/WiFi. I don’t even have to add the printer-scanner. The OS finds it in the background on its own. It confused me the first time it happened because like you, I had wearisome issues in the past. Last I used Windows, I had to tell the OS to search for the printer and find the drivers for it myself online. Now, it’s installed before I open up printers on my OS.