Would Linux Make This Browser-Only Laptop Run More Smoothly?

Linux could work very well for this, especially with a lightweight desktop environment. A normal browser such as Firefox should be fine with 8GB of RAM, and many lightweight distributions use fewer background resources than Windows. However, the biggest thing to check first is whether your clicking extension and script support Linux and your chosen browser. If the extension is browser-based, it may work, but its developer will know for sure.

Since the laptop uses an Intel processor, compatibility should be straightforward; you are not dealing with an unusual ARM setup. Fedora or another mainstream distribution would be reasonable choices, though almost any well-supported distribution should handle four browsers. It may also be worth investigating the current Windows installation first, since a faulty extension, browser profile, driver, or unwanted background process could be causing the freezes.

For a browser-only machine, Linux is definitely worth testing from a live USB before installing it. That lets you check Wi-Fi, graphics, browser performance, and the extension without changing the existing system. If everything works, a lightweight Linux setup should feel responsive, but do not assume the operating system alone will fix a problem caused by the script or browser extension.

A browser profile sync tool that keeps the profile in temporary RAM storage can reduce constant writes to the SSD and may make the browser feel snappier, but it is optional and not the first thing I would try. Start with a clean browser profile and confirm the extension works on Linux before adding tweaks.