7 Linux Distributions To Replace Windows 11 10

Leo Migdal
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7 linux distributions to replace windows 11 10

Some people hate Windows 11, and some people hate the updates on Windows 10. So, it is not entirely a good desktop experience for many.Do you hate the Windows experience too? Is your computer not eligible for an upgrade with slightly dated hardware? Fret not; Linux distributions that look like Windows can be of use. You will get a similar user interface layout and more benefits for using Linux. Here, I have picked some of the best Linux distributions for Windows users that you’d find comfortable using.

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 want a Linux distro, you should look at the best Linux distributions. 'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and...

Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. With the official support for Windows 10 now at its close, a growing number of users are actively seeking reliable and user-friendly alternatives. This pivotal moment presents an opportune time to explore the world of Linux distributions, offering a powerful, secure, and often more performant computing experience.

For those accustomed to the familiarity of Windows, the prospect of transitioning to a new operating system can seem daunting. However, our extensive research and hands-on experience at Its Foss have revealed a selection of Linux distributions that are not only exceptionally fast and efficient but also remarkably similar in their user interface and... Crucially, these distributions are also completely free, eliminating any additional cost for a robust operating system. We’ve meticulously curated this list to ensure a smooth, intuitive, and ultimately rewarding migration for anyone looking to step away from the soon-to-be unsupported Windows 10. The end of official support for Windows 10 marks a significant turning point for millions of users. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for the operating system.

While Windows 10 may continue to function, running an unsupported operating system leaves your computer vulnerable to new security threats, malware, and potential performance issues. This makes the decision to switch to a more actively maintained and secure platform not just a matter of preference, but an increasingly important security imperative. Linux, as an open-source operating system, offers a compelling alternative. It is renowned for its stability, security, and flexibility. Unlike proprietary operating systems, Linux benefits from a global community of developers who constantly work to improve its performance and patch vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the open-source nature means you are not locked into a specific vendor, and the vast majority of Linux distributions are free to download, install, and use.

This financial benefit, coupled with enhanced security and often superior performance, makes Linux an increasingly attractive option, especially now. For users transitioning from Windows, the perceived complexity of Linux is often the primary hurdle. However, many modern Linux distributions have made incredible strides in user-friendliness, offering graphical interfaces that are intuitive and even mimic the familiar layout and functionality of Windows. This article aims to demystify the transition by highlighting distributions that provide a comfortable and productive experience for former Windows users, ensuring you can continue your digital life without missing a beat. When embarking on your journey to switch from Windows 10 to Linux, several factors should guide your decision. Understanding these will help you select a distribution that best aligns with your needs and expectations, ensuring a positive and productive experience from the outset.

Microsoft‘s latest operating system, Windows 11, has received a mixed response from users. The new UI changes, hardware restrictions, removal of features, and various bugs have left many Windows users considering alternatives. For those looking to switch to Linux, you‘re in luck – there are several excellent Linux distributions that can completely replace Windows. In this guide, we‘ll explore 7 top options, including: Each distribution has its own strengths and is suitable for particular types of users. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to pick the right Linux distro to meet your needs.

Let‘s get started! Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions and with good reason. It‘s easy to use, has great hardware support, a massive community, and comes in different flavors to suit different desktop tastes. The default Ubuntu ships with the GNOME desktop environment. But for those after a more Windows-like experience, I recommend checking out Kubuntu. This uses the highly customizable KDE Plasma desktop whose layout and functionality resembles older versions of Windows.

There are plenty of reasons to quit using Windows 10 and switch over to Linux, but it's easy to become overwhelmed with the many different Linux distributions out there. To help you transition, I put together a short list of Linux distros that are similar to Windows 10. In case you haven't heard, Windows 10's support cycle is ending soon and you will have to switch to Windows 11. However, with Windows 11 regularly breaking computers (and that’s not the only story out there, sadly) and impacting performance on even relatively modern laptops, switching to the less resource-intensive Linux may be a good... Moreover, you may find your PC isn't supported by Windows 11 at all. My personal favorite Linux distro for people coming from Windows 10 is Linux Mint.

As I explain in my overview of what Linux Mint is and why I like it, this is mainly because, as a former Windows user, I could more or less intuit where all the... At first glance, the desktop even looks a bit like the Windows of yesteryear. It’s not just on the surface, either: once you start working more and more with Mint, you’ll quickly realize all of it is pretty easy to use, and it’s rare that you’ll have to... You can even install software via the software manager, using a massive repository of suitable programs, and it’s all free. My next pick is Linux Lite, which is perfect for anybody who is running an older PC or laptop and wants to make sure they can keep doing so without performance issues. As the name suggests, it’s a lightweight distro that’s geared toward less powerful devices, making the most out of what it’s offered rather than demand systems live up to its requirements.

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.

If you’re looking for a Linux distribution to replace Windows 11, the goal is to find one that is highly user-friendly and suitable for beginners. Here are ten excellent choices that can offer a smooth transition from Windows to Linux. These distros have been chosen for their ease of use, stability, and community support. Make sure not to miss our bonus mention at the end! Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and Debian and offers a choice of three desktop environments: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. The Cinnamon desktop, in particular, is designed to be familiar to Windows users, providing a comfortable and easy transition.

Linux Mint provides a seamless transition for Windows users with its familiar interface and user-friendly design. Zorin OS is designed to ease the transition from Windows to Linux. It offers a highly polished and visually appealing desktop environment that mimics the look and feel of Windows. Microsoft has officially closed the door on Windows 10 support. Now, if you're not on Windows 11, and didn't sign up for the extended support, you're out of luck. But if you're sick of embedded advertisements, data collection, and strict hardware requirements, I don't blame you.

If you've ever considered making the jump to a different operating system, you could switch to macOS or Google's lightweight Chromebook platform. Still, you're likely to find many of the same issues here, so I'd like to turn your attention to Linux. Despite what you may think, it's easy to make the jump with just a little patience and some command-line acumen. Here's how to install a Linux distro and download apps to get you started. Unlike Windows and macOS, there isn't just one version of Linux. Instead, Linux is packaged into many different distributions, or "distros," each with their own interface and set of features.

One may use a Mac-like interface with a dock and "app store," while others may be more minimalistic and require installing apps from the command line. For your first installation, you'll likely want something popular and beginner-friendly, so it's easy to use but also has a large community from which you can get help when you need it. Zorin OS mimics Windows in layout and functionality, but it won't have as big a community. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is arguably the most popular distro, but it isn't very Windows-like these days. This is why I recommend starting with Linux Mint for the first installation, since it's a perfect in-between option: It's designed for beginners, offers a familiar environment, and is based on Ubuntu, so you... I'll be using Mint for the purpose of this guide.

It's not my personal distro of choice, but it's great for new Windows migrants. It's also easier to explore other distros once you've nailed down the basics. Head to Mint's download page and you'll see multiple editions of the same OS version. Cinnamon is sleek and modern, and the desktop environment I recommend for former Windows users. Xfce offers a lightweight experience for old or low-powered PCs, but it lacks some of the features that come with Cinnamon. MATE looks a bit less modern-looking as a continuation of an older version of the OS.

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When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by ad...

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Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. With the official support for Windows 10 now at ...

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For those accustomed to the familiarity of Windows, the prospect of transitioning to a new operating system can seem daunting. However, our extensive research and hands-on experience at Its Foss have revealed a selection of Linux distributions that are not only exceptionally fast and efficient but also remarkably similar in their user interface and... Crucially, these distributions are also comple...