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7 Beginner Friendly Linux Distros For Windows Users

Leo Migdal
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7 beginner friendly linux distros for windows users

Anyone can use Linux today. Gone are the myths surrounding its steep learning curve (outside of something like Arch) and some excellent distros are available for those who have yet to visit the command-line interface (CLI). If you're considering the switch from Windows or macOS, I've rounded up a few of my favorite beginner-friendly Linux-based operating systems that almost anyone can use. Don't let this list fool you into believing these are basic distros. Once up and running, you'll have the full power (and versatility) of Linux at your fingertips. It all starts with Debian, which happens to be the distro that many of my recommendations here are based on — yes, that includes you too, Ubuntu!

This is largely because of its pedigree. Debian is one of the oldest available Linux distros, having launched in 1993 yet it's still live and kicking to this day. What makes Debian such a solid Linux distro is the solid foundations, vast package repositories, excellent performance and minimal resource impact, and user-friendly interfaces. The default desktop environment shipped with Debian is GNOME, a name you'll be familiar with by the end of this collection. Debian is a great choice for Linux beginners thanks to the easy GNOME experience, long-term support, fantastic community, and the use of APT to install and manage packages, allowing anyone to start learning commands... Everything is documented too, making quick reference checks a breeze, should you get stuck.

Windows is one OS to migrate to Linux from, but what if you're moving from an Apple device and want something that resembles its user-friendly OS? That's where elementaryOS comes into play with its striking design and similarities to macOS. From the get-go, this distro looks like macOS with the floating dock at the bottom full of shortlisted and running apps. The top bar also looks like the same feature from macOS with all your tray icons and a single menu entry. We haven't covered Ubuntu yet, but it's coming and is what elementaryOS is based on — specifically Ubuntu LTS (or long-term support). This means you can expect rock-solid Debian and Ubuntu foundations with all the benefits of a long-term major release with countless updates along the way.

There's expansive support for hardware through the underlying platforms too, so you can bet your old Windows PC will be more than capable of running elementaryOS. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. We list the best Linux distros for Windows users, to make it simple and easy to make the leap from Windows machines to Linux. It can be an inundating experience, especially for people coming from proprietary operating systems like Windows. Linux distributions - aka, distros - are open source, which has the advantage of allowing for degrees of customization unheard of in Windows, but it also means there can seem to be a bewildering...

This is where these specialized distros, designed for Windows users, come into the picture. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. Why would you want to switch to the Linux desktop? There are many reasons, but the short version is that the operating system is more secure, provides far more privacy, and frees you from vendor lock-in. For current Windows users, it also provides a way to continue using your Windows 10 PC even if your machine cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. Besides, contrary to popular opinion, anyone can use and enjoy Linux as a desktop operating system.

I taught my then-mother-in-law, who was 79 years old, how to use Ubuntu Linux, and we didn't even speak the same language! If she could do it, you can do it. Also: 8 ways I quickly leveled up my Linux skills - and you can too Yes, Linux was once difficult to learn, but those days are long gone. Don't believe me? Ever use an Android phone?

A Chromebook? Congratulations, you're already a Linux user, but maybe you didn't know it. Making the transition from Windows to Linux can seem like a daunting task for many users. However, with the right Linux distribution, this shift can be smooth and rewarding. Linux offers a high degree of customization, better security, and a wide range of free software. In this blog, we will explore the easiest Linux distros for Windows users, their usage methods, common practices, and best practices to make your switch seamless.

A Linux distribution, or distro, is an operating system built on top of the Linux kernel. It includes a collection of software packages such as a desktop environment, system utilities, and applications. Different distros are designed with various user needs in mind, from beginners to advanced users. Note: Replace /path/to/iso/file with the actual path to your Linux ISO file and /dev/sdX with the correct USB drive device name. Do not use your hard drive device name as it will overwrite your data. Regularly updating your system is crucial for security and performance.

You can update your system using the following commands: Before installing Linux, it is recommended to backup your important data. You can use external hard drives, cloud storage services, or backup software. It’s fascinating how Windows 10 took off shortly after its release on July 29, 2015, quickly becoming one of the most popular versions of Windows. Many considered it to be the best Windows ever, which is exactly what a sequel operating system should be — unlike its predecessors (looking at you, Windows 8/8.1). As of now, Microsoft boasts over 1.3 billion devices running Windows 10, a massive milestone.

However, despite this impressive growth, Windows 7 held a strong market share for several years after Windows 10’s launch, reflecting the continued loyalty of many users to the older OS. With the release of Windows 11 on October 5, 2021, Microsoft has once again pushed for users to upgrade. Windows 11 offers a fresh, modern design, improved performance, and new features such as enhanced multitasking and support for Android apps. Many of the improvements in Windows 11 build on what made Windows 10 successful, while also addressing areas like user interface consistency and security. Although Windows 11 has seen steady adoption, Windows 10 continues to hold a significant share of the market, particularly since not all older devices meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. That said, given Microsoft’s focus on promoting Windows 11, it’s expected that more users will transition to the new OS over the coming years.

For anyone stepping into the world of Linux from Windows, the sheer number of Linux distributions (distros) can feel overwhelming. Which one should you choose? What’s the difference between Ubuntu and Linux Mint? Should you go with Debian or try something more modern like Pop!_OS? In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through the six best beginner-friendly Linux distros: Linux Mint, Zorin OS, Ubuntu, Debian, MX Linux, and Pop!_OS. We’ll explore their look and feel, ease of use, support, default apps, developer backing, and more—all tailored for someone just like you: a general computer user looking for a simple desktop operating system that...

Before we jump into comparisons, let’s understand what a Linux distro really is. Technically speaking, Linux is just the kernel, the core of the operating system that interacts with hardware. A Linux distribution (distro) bundles the Linux kernel with a bootloader (which starts the OS), a graphical desktop environment, system utilities, default applications, and a package manager. So when you choose a distro, you’re not just choosing “Linux”—you’re choosing: If you're thinking of getting into the world of Linux, you'll be happy to learn that there are hundreds, if not more, distributions to meet your needs. However, some are more comfortable for beginners to use than others.

While Linux itself is just a kernel, the distros and operating systems that use Linux as their kernel can have different desktop environments (DEs), package managers, release models, and target audiences. Each of these things can impact the newcomer-friendliness of a distro. Another significant aspect of a distro that can matter a lot to a novice is its community. A large and active community can be a big help when you get stuck trying something on Linux. Here are some of the best Linux distributions that I believe will suit most Linux newcomers. Linux Mint, often touted as the most beginner-friendly Linux distro, is a comforting choice for those transitioning from Windows.

Its desktop environments, including the flagship Cinnamon, offer a familiar interface, making you feel right at home. The straightforward installation process and easy-to-understand options, including additional proprietary drivers and multimedia codecs, ensure a smooth start to your Linux journey. The default installation has all the essentials you may need out of the box, and the Software Manager provides access to thousands of apps. There is built-in support for both DEB and Flatpak packages, and if you want, you can also enable Snap support. Looking to switch to Linux but unsure where to start? These seven beginner-friendly Linux distros offer a smooth learning curve, excellent community support, and reliable performance, making them perfect for newcomers.

If you want to know more, click here for the full article. Or book a 10-minute intro call at Yellow Tail Tech. Making the switch from Windows or macOS to Linux can feel intimidating as a new user. With so much choice, it‘s hard to know where to begin when picking a Linux distribution (distro). The good news is many Linux distros now prioritize user-friendliness, making it easier than ever to get started. In this guide, I‘ll cover the most beginner-friendly Linux distros to consider in 2023 based on desktop environment, software, hardware support, documentation and community resources.

My recommendations are great options for those dipping their toes into Linux for the first time coming from a Windows or Mac background. Before diving into distros, it helps to understand what makes a Linux user-friendly for beginners. Some key factors include: Desktop Environment – The graphical interface and included software. More Windows/Mac-like interfaces have a gentler learning curve. Hardware Compatibility – Out of the box support for common hardware like printers and Wi-Fi cards removes headaches.

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