Linux that is like windows

6 Linux Distributions to Replace Windows 10 & 7

Windows 7 is long gone but even in 2021, 100 million PCs were actively using it. You can either upgrade to Windows 10 or switch to Linux. Considering that you do not like Windows 10 or just cannot have your old system run Windows 10, you might want to consider using Linux instead.

If you want to have a similar user interface to Windows 10 / Windows 7 or better, you should try the Linux distributions that look like Windows.

Here, I have picked some of the best Linux distributions for Windows users that you’d find comfortable using.

Best Linux Distributions That Look Like Windows

While you may not find the same applications or tools on Linux — the user interface is what will make you feel comfortable using the OS.

Of course, if you don’t have a specific requirement but just want to have a Linux distro, you can take a look at the best Linux distributions out there.

So, in this article, I shall mention only the distributions that resemble the look and feel of Windows (to some extent, at least).

Once, you’re done choosing what you want — you can simply take a look around for the essential applications available on Linux, installing themes, and many similar resources available in our portal.

1. Linux Lite

Windows 7 users may not have the latest and greatest hardware — 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 includes the Libre Office suite as well.

You do not need to upgrade your system just because Windows 10 is resource hungry. Linux Lite should work perfectly fine with an old configuration as well.

If you are curious to try other distros, you can check out our list of lightweight Linux distributions. But the user interface in most of the options may not be like Windows 10 or 7.

2. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a beautiful Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. The user interface should make both Windows and macOS users feel right at home after installing it. In fact, I find it a great modern alternative to Windows 10 as well.

They also offer a lite edition to their OS if you have a slightly underpowered hardware configuration on your system. You can also take a quick look at our impressions on Zorin OS lite to know more about it.

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 having all the essential software tools bundled, you can opt to buy the Zorin OS ultimate edition.

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 also targets the Windows 7 users trying to make the switch to Linux. Many users also use it as a replacement to Windows 10 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 as well (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 20.

5. Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE is yet another Windows alternative Linux distribution that provides a snappy experience across a range of hardware configuration.

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 as well, which happens to be one of the raspberry pi alternatives.

If you want a slightly unique experience with a similar layout, you can try this!

6. Solus

Solus is one of the most beautiful Windows replacements. You may like it more than Windows 10. 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 home computing experience elegant and easier. You will get several essential tools pre-installed to get started quickly.

It offers its own “Budgie” desktop and provides other desktop editions if you want.

Wrapping Up

Potentially, you can install any beginner-friendly Linux distribution, however, I do not want you to confuse yourself with a whole lot of choices available.

So, I recommend trying the distributions mentioned in this article if you’re switching from Windows to Linux in general. Also, if you’ve tried something else and you like it a lot – feel free to let me know about it in the comments below.

Like what you read? Please share it with others.

Источник

Top 5 Best Alternative Linux Distributions for Windows Users

It is quite intriguing how Windows 10 took off shortly after its announcement on the 29 of July 2015 and it is without a doubt that it’s the best Windows ever – which is what a sequel of any operating system should be anyway – unlike those that came before it (I’m looking at you Window 8/8/1).

Microsoft currently boasts of over 200 million devices currently running its flagship operating system, which is a humongous amount if you ask me. Notwithstanding, the market share of Windows 7 still surpasses that of Windows 10.

However, given the success rate of Windows 10 in the short space of time, we’d expect its usage share to eventually grow over the next few years to beat Windows 7 – just the same way the latter took over Windows XP.

I like to attribute Windows 10 to “8.1 done right” particularly because it’s more or less a refined form of the latter – with still a lot of improvements under the hood.

Given the entire nature of the Windows operating system as a closed – money/data hoarding platform, it’s mostly fair that people that value their privacy or are otherwise displeased with Windows 10 will look out for the better alternatives while still offering a similar experience akin to what the 10’s GUI offers.

In this article, we’ve picked 5 Linux distributions that will give you the best possible Windows-esque desktop experience on Linux.

1. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is perhaps the most prominent of the bunch and has quite the manpower with a standardized development cycle (one that is similar to Ubuntu LTS and short-term releases).

Zorin OS – an Ubuntu-based OS designed for Windows Users

The Zorin OS once installed, will make you feel right at home as it has that generalized Windows look, and for a user coming from Windows, you almost will be able to go wherever you’re most fond of visiting on your Windows PC.

It is noteworthy that Zorin shares the same codebase as Ubuntu and uses a heavily modified DE dubbed Zorin DE and based on Gnome 3.

By default, Zorin OS is meant to look like Windows 7, but you have other options in the look changer which are the Windows XP style and Gnome 3.

Better yet, Zorin comes with Wine (which is an emulator that allows you to run win32 apps in Linux) preinstalled and many other applications that you’ll need for basic tasks.

2. ReactOS

ReactOS is a very old operating system that has been active development for the last two decades and it aims to be the most aesthetically pleasing OS that steals you completely from Windows.

ReactOS Desktop

If you thought Windows 10 was quite the looker, give ReactOS a try and you’ll almost never look back. The OS comes with a complete and unique customizability set which is quite comparable to that of Zorin OS but much more extensive and consistent all through the operating system.

Given that ReactOS is a relatively old operating system, you might be a tad unwillingly to give it a shot, but believe me, I’ve test-driven it for the well part of a week and I can very well say the stability is top-notch and comparable to the rest of this list which is why I gave it the number 2 spot.

3. Elementary OS

Elementary OS is one of the many options poised as a fast replacement for Windows and MAC users alike looking to migrate to Linux.

However, Elementary OS doesn’t have the same conventional windows-like UI as the aforementioned distributions (why it made the third on our list).

Elementary OS – A Ubuntu-based Linux OS

The operating system is extremely solid and will easily grow on you once you begin using the Pantheon DE (which is elementary’s home-grown desktop environment).

Pantheon is more or less a MAC lookalike and will be mostly befitting to users coming from OSX, however, that doesn’t rule out the fact that Windows users can as well enjoy the distro as much.

The most recent release of Elementary OS 5.1.7 Hera is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS which, of course, means that you’ll be getting updates and security patches for the next five years as it is with most Ubuntu LTS releases.

The latest release is codenamed Hera and it’s available for the most popular PC architectures out there (x64) and quite lightweight too. For optimal performance, it’s advisable to have a PC with at least 2GB of RAM and a dual-core Intel SoC or an AMD equivalent.

4. Kubuntu

Kubuntu will be your go-to distro if you’re looking for extreme reconfigurability with an app for everything outside the box.

The distro comes with the KDE desktop environment and has for long been an officially supported branch of Ubuntu with KDE-specific applications for pretty much everything you’ll need to do.

Kubuntu – A Ubuntu-based Linux OS

The flagship desktop experience is tagged Plasma and it’s currently at version 5.21 which features a seeming flat UI all through the operating system.

The KDE Plasma experience is, however, evolving to be a more rolling type of release for those that want the latest and greatest of KDE under the moniker KDE Neon which was recently established by the former maintainer of Kubuntu.

So whatever the case may be, if you decide to go with Kubuntu, be sure to keep an eye on the KDE Neon development so you may know whether to switch or not.

It is noteworthy, that the KDE Neon experience will eventually evolve to use the up-and-coming Ubuntu 20.04 LTS base which, of course, means updates and patches for the next 5 years.

KDE apps are built using the Qt framework which is known for having strong cross-platform support and also allows easy interoperability with other platforms.

Mind you, Kubuntu is not exactly lightweight and your system must have ample resources to be able to effectively run the OS as it features animations all through (which can, of course, be disabled but will strip down the Kubuntu experience).

5. Linux Mint

This list wouldn’t be complete without Linux Mint in it. Let’s just be fair about that. Linux Mint perhaps has an edge here for being the second most popular operating system for newbies in the Linux world which is not too much of a surprise (putting into consideration the original vision of Linux Mint devs – which is essentially an operating system that has absolutely no learning curve to start working immediately).

Linux Mint – A Ubuntu-based Linux Distribution

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and essentially shares a high percentage of the Ubuntu codebase. Mint has been fondly called “Ubuntu done right” over the years which is certainly true when you look at it from the perspective of a newcomer to Linux.

Mint will make you feel right at home once you get a hang of the fair amount of navigation difference that makes it differ from what you’ll mostly find on Windows.

Cinnamon is an in-house DE that ships with Mint, However, there’s the Mate, and Xfce variants (all of which are configurable to the very core).

Conclusion

This brings us to the end of our list and while it’s not exactly comprehensive, you can be sure that you won’t go amiss with whichever of the aforementioned distros you finally settle with.

In the event, you come across issues installing them or any challenge whatsoever, drop your comments in the box below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

If You Appreciate What We Do Here On TecMint, You Should Consider:

TecMint is the fastest growing and most trusted community site for any kind of Linux Articles, Guides and Books on the web. Millions of people visit TecMint! to search or browse the thousands of published articles available FREELY to all.

If you like what you are reading, please consider buying us a coffee ( or 2 ) as a token of appreciation.

We are thankful for your never ending support.

Related Posts

55 thoughts on “Top 5 Best Alternative Linux Distributions for Windows Users”

1. 

Windows 10 is the best Windows?

I’d used Windows from 3.0 to 8.1, and the only one that was so bad that I left the Windows platform completely was 10. Win ME didn’t do that, Vista didn’t do that, and 8.1 didn’t do that. Only Windows 10 was that level of awful.

On the good side, by now I have been using Linux for almost 6 years (in other news, Windows 10 is about to celebrate its 6th birthday… such a coincidence!), and as my sole OS for more than 5 years. Don’t miss it at all.

Windows 8.1 was, by my way of thinking, far better than 10. They both have ridiculous half-phone, half-PC user interfaces, but you can fix that with things like Classic Shell (now Open Shell, since the constant churn of Windows 10 updates burned out the creator and former dev of Classic Shell), Old-New Explorer, a custom theme and the enabling patch, and so on.

Once you have done that with Windows 8.1, you have an OS with a sensible UI that doesn’t get a feature update every 6 months, that decides when it will update, that overrides your settings whenever it feels like it, that serves as a vehicle for Microsoft’s monetization efforts, and all kinds of other such things that don’t make consumers happy.

With Windows 10, you can fix the weird UI now, but in 6 months when the next feature update comes along, you might have to do them again. You never know what Microsoft-serving change has been introduced that you’ll have to figure out how to get rid of, or which of your settings has been undone, or which of your hand-chosen drivers has been replaced with one that MS picked for you, or what unwanted “apps” have been installed, or what programs you actually wanted on your PC were unceremoniously uninstalled because MS decided that’s what should happen.

No, that’s not the best Windows ever to me. It’s the worst ever, though, with 11 on the horizon, it may have competition for that title soon. Time will tell when the final version is available. From the reports so far, it’s not looking like MS has gotten any friendlier to its users (home users in particular).

Not a well-researched article, and seems out of whack in priorities. ReactOS is an especially terrible inclusion, for reasons already stated. Zorin is okay but a very debatable number 1, Kubuntu seems strange given it’s just a desktop environment change from Ubuntu (though it’s fair to say Zorin isn’t too much different in that either), but heavier weight and not exactly a first pick from anyone’s suggestion list I know.

Lubuntu would be a more broadly applicable choice while carrying the same ‘basically ubuntu but more windows-y’ flair. For an article titled with specialty to Windows users, pitching Elementary is a bizarre choice anywhere but as #5 honorary mention for looking good in a Mac paradigm, not a Windows one. Given options ranging from misleading to strange, it’s pretty sad that Mint barely scrapes in at 5.

Frankly, I would rewrite this article, because it’s unfortunately high in search queries for the subject and above all goes the wrong direction for someone trying to get useful input.

In this article, we’ve picked 5 Linux distributions

and where’s the Linux in ReactOS?

> however ReactOS is not Linux

It is quite intriguing how Windows 10 took off shortly after its announcement on the 29 of July 2015″.

Win 10 did not “take off”, it TOOK OVER. The users of previous versions had no choice. Microsoft forced the Win 10 upgrade on just about everybody. Just as very few Windows users will have a choice about “upgrading” to Win 11. Did I hear someone say “vendor lock-in”?

More than a few posters have commented that “if Linux were made easier (whatever that means), it would take off”. By that, they mean that Linux should look and feel like Windows, work like Windows, and run all the Windows software but not be from Microsoft. If that is what you want, there’s ReactOS BUT don’t forget that as of July 2021, after close to 20 years of development, ReactOS still has not released a beta version, let alone a version 1.0. Ever since they came into existence, ReactOS has been in a perpetual state of development, playing a continuous game of catch-up with Windows. With each new Windows release, ReactOS has been falling further and further behind on features and capabilities.

Other posters have bitterly complained that Linux is much harder to learn than Windows. No, it is not Linux that is hard to learn but Windows habits that are hard to unlearn. Not ONE PC user in the entire world was born knowing any particular O/S. They/we all had to go through the difficulties of learning each O/S from the ground up. Having had to learn at least 10 different O/Ss so far, I can unequivocally state that no O/S is inherently any harder to learn than any other.

If you take that apocryphal 86 year old grandmother who is completely computer illiterate and sit her in front of a Linux PC, she will have a little problem learning Linux as if you sat her in front of a Windows PC and had her learn Windows.

As a side note. I used Windows for more than 10 years, then I switched to Linux cold turkey. I have been using Linux now for over 15 years. MY daughter gave me her Win 7 laptop. I feel lost trying to use that laptop. I have forgotten most of my Windows knowledge. I have to re-learn Windows all over again. It’s a case of “use it or lose it”. So, please, don’t anybody try to tell me that Windows is easier to learn than Linux because both have pretty much the same learning curve.

BTW – when you switch from one O/S to another (Linux distros ARE NOT different O/Ss, no matter what anybody tries to tell you), you’d better expect a learning curve. Even though every O/S performs basically the same function – allows a user to run applications on a computer, they ARE NOT ALLOWED, by copyright law, to look, feel or work the same. O/Ss are also different by choice of the developer(s). Each O/S has its focus and each O/S tries to correct problems exhibited by other O/Ss. So a user will always have difficulties in switching from one O/S to another.

Got something to say? Join the discussion. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Источник