Which Linux distribution is easiest for a beginner on this Lenovo laptop?

Before installing anything, make a bootable USB and run the distribution in live mode. That lets you check Wi-Fi, audio, graphics, touchpad behavior, and other hardware without changing the internal drive. Try Mint, Ubuntu, or Fedora for a while and choose the one whose interface you prefer.

Those specifications are more than capable of running essentially any mainstream Linux distribution, so you don’t need to limit yourself to an especially lightweight option. Linux Mint Cinnamon is probably the easiest transition from Windows: it’s stable, familiar, and well supported. Ubuntu, Fedora KDE, and Zorin OS are also reasonable choices.

You can start with Mint or Zorin and switch later if you become interested in other setups. There’s no need to learn every part of Linux immediately—just learn the pieces related to what you want to do. I’d avoid Arch, Gentoo, and other hands-on distributions until you’re more comfortable.

MX Linux with XFCE is another lightweight and complete option, but your laptop is powerful enough that you can comfortably use Cinnamon, KDE, or another full desktop. For the least friction as a new user, I’d still begin with Mint Cinnamon or Zorin OS.

Mint is a great first choice, especially if you want a Windows-like desktop and a relatively straightforward setup. Ubuntu generally offers excellent hardware support, while Fedora KDE provides newer software and updates. The best option mostly comes down to which desktop environment feels comfortable to you.