Hot Take Best Linux Distributions To Replace Windows

[lokamoka820]

Looking for a Windows-like Linux? Here are the best Linux distributions that look like Windows.

1. Linux Lite​

Windows 10 users may not have the latest and greatest hardware to upgrade to 11 — so it is essential to suggest a Linux distribution that is lightweight and easy to use.

Linux Lite targets Windows users with a similar UI offering a taskbar, Windows-inspired wallpaper, and a lot more to go on with that, including the LibreOffice suite.

You do not need to upgrade your system to run this distribution. Linux Lite should work perfectly fine with an old configuration as well.

2. Zorin OS​

Zorin OS is a beautiful Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. The user interface should make Windows and macOS users feel at home after installing it. I also find it an excellent modern alternative to Windows 10 or 11.

They also offer a lite edition if you have a slightly underpowered hardware configuration. You can also take a quick look at our impressions on one of Zorin's recent releases to get an idea.

It looks and feels incredibly good, with a quick learning curve. For starters, if you want to make the most out of Zorin OS while bundling all the essential software tools, you can buy the Zorin OS ultimate edition.

With the premium edition, you can also get the option to apply a Windows 11-like layout.

3. Kubuntu​

If you’re new to Linux — it is worth noting that there are different desktop environments.

If you want to try something that resembles the look and feel of Windows, you can try any distro with KDE’s Plasma on board. And Kubuntu is an official KDE flavor of Ubuntu.

You may not find this to be the prettiest Windows-like distro – however, if you want something that does the work reliably, Kubuntu should do the trick.

4. Linux Mint​

Linux Mint targets Windows 7/10/11 users trying to make the switch to Linux. Many users also use it as a replacement for Windows because of its familiar user interface and useful features.

Among all the others mentioned in this list, Linux Mint would be my personal recommendation. Linux Mint is reliable, performs great, and offers several desktop environment editions (including the MATE desktop).

If you’re curious, you can also take a detailed look at how it looks and works for one of its recent releases Linux Mint 22.

5. Ubuntu MATE​

Ubuntu MATE is another Windows alternative Linux distribution that provides a snappy experience across various hardware configurations.

This may not directly resemble the UI of Windows in general – however, you will find it quite easy to get comfortable with. It is also interesting to note that Ubuntu MATE works well with NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano, which is one of the Raspberry Pi alternatives.

You can try this if you want a unique experience with a similar layout!

6. Solus​

Solus is one of the most beautiful Windows replacements. You may like it more than Windows 11. It is not based on Ubuntu, so unless you are not comfortable taking up a slight learning curve, you should stick to the options mentioned above.

This is an independently developed Linux distribution aimed at making the home computing experience elegant and easier. You will get several essential tools pre-installed to get started quickly.

It offers a “Budgie” desktop and other desktop editions if you want.

7. MX Linux (KDE)​

MX Linux is one of the popular distributions based on the Debian stable branch.

MX Linux offers many built-in GUI utilities to manage your computer out-of-the-box, which will be very helpful for starters.

Its flagship edition offers an XFCE desktop, and KDE Plasma and Fluxbox options are also available.

7 Linux Distributions to Replace Windows 11 & 10

Looking for a Windows-like Linux? Here are the best Linux distributions that look like Windows.

itsfoss.com

 

[Spiff]

Why not mention the source?
https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/

 

[partha_roy]

Nice! I like Peppermint too

 

[simmerskool]

I (re)-started with Zorin, liked it so much I donated to the developers and now run Zorin Pro (and looking into other distros too).

 

[lokamoka820]

Why not mention the source?
https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/

This is the full article, nothing more in the source to mention, I preferred to copy the full article "with desktop screenshots" rather than just put an intro and a link for the full article because most members will not be impressed by Linux articles thinking that it is still a hard to use it and need terminal commands experience to do every task, but with this I hope some will like what they see and start to search and read more about Linux.

 

[lokamoka820]

Nice! I like Peppermint too

Peppermint is great, I like it too, but the new version needs some knowledge for the user because it is based on Debian now rather than Ubuntu.

 

[lokamoka820]

I (re)-started with Zorin, liked it so much I donated to the developers and now run Zorin Pro (and looking into other distros too).

All distros have their pros and cons, try and find what fits your needs best, for me, I like a stable base with the latest desktop environment.

 

[Victor M]

20+ years ago I sought out Linux because I was sick of how insecure Windows XP was. I didn't care about the UI. I just wanted more security. The same approach still guides me today. I chose OpenBSD as my first distro. Back then they were bold enough to claim 'secure by default'. But after 7-8 years I think a CVE was found in their distro and they dropped the slogan. I was most impressed by them doing on-going re-audits of their code. They actually go over known good code to look for bugs and vulnerabilities and correct them even when exploitation is not evident.

 

[lokamoka820]

20+ years ago I sought out Linux because I was sick of how insecure Windows XP was. I didn't care about the UI. I just wanted more security. The same approach still guides me today. I chose OpenBSD as my first distro. Back then they were bold enough to claim 'secure by default'. But after 7-8 years I think a CVE was found in their distro and they dropped the slogan. I was most impressed by them doing on-going re-audits of their code. They actually go over known good code to look for bugs and vulnerabilities and corrected them even when exploitation is not evident.

OpenBSD is hard for me, if I want to go with a BSD-Based Operating Systems I will use GhostBSD.

 

[simmerskool]

ok, just now, I have Fedora 40 running in VMware, for sure needs some tweaking. I am seeing graphics anomaly or artifacts on my the initial default desktop. also not seeing the correct keyboard, but firefox icon was at the bottom of the desktop, opened, and I am online. a start. Zorin was initially 100% good to go when install finished. Once I figure out the graphics issue and or make it to configuration to get things right or better, I may like Fedora. Already it has somewhat feel of CentOS which I used for a long time once upon a time.
@Victor M do you continue to use openBSD. I am also aware of freeBSD and now GhostBSD. any BSD suggestions.

 

[lokamoka820]

ok, just now, I have Fedora 40 running in VMware, for sure needs some tweaking. I am seeing graphics anomaly or artifacts on my the initial default desktop. also not seeing the correct keyboard, but firefox icon was at the bottom of the desktop, opened, and I am online. a start. Zorin was initially 100% good to go when install finished. Once I figure out the graphics issue and or make it to configuration to get things right or better, I may like Fedora. Already it has somewhat feel of CentOS which I used for a long time once upon a time.
@Victor M do you continue to use openBSD. I am also aware of freeBSD and now GhostBSD. any BSD suggestions.

Not all Linux distro ready to use after install, some of them need to install components and tweak some sittings to fit your needs, it is because some users think that beginner-friendly distros are bloated and prefer to add what they need instead of remove what they don't need, Debian and Fedora are examples of those need to tweak distros, while Linux mint and Zorin OS are 100% ready to use distros.

What is your GPU? I think the issue you mentioned called screen tearing, search about it, and you should find a solution, it mostly related to Nvidia drivers but could happen for Intel or AMD too.

 

[simmerskool]

UPDATE: Fedora 40 crashed & burned on my VMware. I see in 2023 I tried Fedora 37 and also had graphics issues. Sad but oh well, running Zorin Pro 17.2 is a delight

 

[simmerskool]

Not all Linux distro ready to use after install, some of them need to install components and tweak some sittings to fit your needs, it is because some users think that beginner-friendly distros are bloated and prefer to add what they need instead of remove what they don't need, Debian and Fedora are examples of those need to tweak distros, while Linux mint and Zorin OS are 100% ready to use distros.

What is your GPU? I think the issue you mentioned called screen tearing, search about it, and you should find a solution, it mostly related to Nvidia drivers but could happen for Intel or AMD too.

Nvidia on hardware but I think VMware uses its own graphics... unsure (when things seem to be working I don't dig too deep)
Initially Setup did not open, last post from Fedora was pre-setup somehow, then rebooted and Setup window opened but totally frozen, I gave up and preformed surgery. Could have been some snafu with VMware during initial installation pre-setup, most likely Fedora never had a chance to get configured correctly. Maybe the 3d time will be the charm

 

[lokamoka820]

UPDATE: Fedora 40 crashed & burned on my VMware. I see in 2023 I tried Fedora 37 and also had graphics issues. Sad but oh well, running Zorin Pro 17.2 is a delight

I never liked Fedora, it is not for home users.

 

[Shadowra]

If you want to start : Linux Mint, Zorin.

If you want to push Linux: Manjaro (ArchOS)
Don't use GNOME, which is a gas factory....

 

[lokamoka820]

Nvidia on hardware but I think VMware uses its own graphics... unsure (when things seem to be working I don't dig too deep)
Initially Setup did not open, last post from Fedora was pre-setup somehow, then rebooted and Setup window opened but totally frozen, I gave up and preformed surgery. Could have been some snafu with VMware during initial installation pre-setup, most likely Fedora never had a chance to get configured correctly. Maybe the 3d time will be the charm

Maybe RAM is not enough to deal with it, although Fedora mentioned that 2GB is good to run, my experience that even 8GB is not.

 

[colin.p]

I am used to the "apt" world, so it's a distro that is Debian/Ubuntu based for me, even though I was never a huge "proper" Debian fan. Back in '21, I thought I'd try Mint and now all of my "obsolete - land fill" computers happily run Mint 22. Well all except one (that my son gave to me) that is new enough to run Windows 11 "bonofide". For now at least...

 

[simmerskool]

If you want to start : Linux Mint, Zorin.

If you want to push Linux: Manjaro (ArchOS)
Don't use GNOME, which is a gas factory....

Zorin Pro 17.2 running great, Fedora 40 crashed & burned, I prefer Zorin to Mint, so... I should try Manjaro next...? or try FreeBSD??

 

[lokamoka820]

Zorin Pro 17.2 running great, Fedora 40 crashed & burned, I prefer Zorin to Mint, so... I should try Manjaro next...? or try FreeBSD??

Manjaro is easier than FreeBSD in my opinion.

 

[lokamoka820]

I am used to the "apt" world, so it's a distro that is Debian/Ubuntu based for me, even though I was never a huge "proper" Debian fan. Back in '21, I thought I'd try Mint and now all of my "obsolete - land fill" computers happily run Mint 22. Well all except one (that my son gave to me) that is new enough to run Windows 11 "bonofide". For now at least...

You can try SparkyLinux or SpiralLinux - Linux, faster than a snail for a pure Debian configured for the end user without a hassle, both are good, stable and lightweight.