7 Linux Distributions To Replace Windows 11 Thelinuxcode

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.

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If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. 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. Switching from Windows to Linux can feel daunting, though it's less so when you pick the right distribution. And while tons of distros might make you feel at home on Linux right from the get-go, Linux Mint is the best one.

The first difference you'll notice when switching to Linux Mint is far better performance, at least when navigating the OS. Linux Mint runs faster than Windows in almost every scenario; the significantly less overhead on your system hardware means you've got more room to run resource-heavy programs, leading to an overall boost in performance. Since Mint isn't eating up power in the background all the time, you also get better battery life. However, based on your laptop battery's capacity and age, the increased battery life might not be as significant as the performance difference. In some cases, Windows can even give better battery life than Mint—though those cases usually occur with a damaged or worn battery where Windows is better at detecting battery states and adjusting its power... The problem with the Windows approach is that it can slow performance down to a crawl.

You can easily experiment with this if you have a Windows 11 laptop. Disconnect it from power, set it to battery-saving mode, and you'll notice the interface becomes significantly more choppy and slow to use. Linux Mint, on the other hand, does a better job of managing battery life without making your PC unusable on battery power. The resulting battery life might not be as good as Windows, but I'll take the stable performance improvement any day. One of the biggest problems I've seen when long-time Windows users try to switch to Linux is that they're not familiar with the interface. Even though a lot of Linux distros have great user interfaces, it'll still take you a while of playing around before you get comfortable with the UI.

Windows 11 just demanded another update while you were mid-headshot. Sound familiar?Fear not, fellow pixel warrior—Linux isn’t the beard-and-sandals OS your uncle warned you about. In 2025, it’s a neon-lit arcade that boots faster, spies less, and turns your rig into a fortress. Here are the best Linux distros for home lounging and high-score hunting, served with zero jargon and maximum memes. Windows 11 wants your telemetry. Linux wants your high score.Pick your fighter, flash the USB, and tag your squad—#LinuxW11Refugee is about to trend.

Now go forth and frag. Your GPU deserves freedom. 🚀 In 2025, a new silent revolution is happening in SEO and website visibility – the widespread adoption of the llms.txt file.While most webmasters are familiar As of late 2025, ConfigServer has fully open-sourced CSF (ConfigServer Firewall) and moved the official repository to GitHub: https://github.com/ConfigServer/csf This means you no longer have With Windows 10 support at an end, and Window 11 still a bit of an AI-riddle mess, there has never been so much interest in trying out Linux as there is today.

If you're looking for a Linux distro that will be easy to adjust to when coming from Windows, look no further than Kubuntu. One of the biggest stumbling blocks when you switch between operating systems is the user interace. How do you open and close apps? Where do you find apps? What is navigating the settings menu like? The taskbar and "Start menu" very closely resemble the sort of thing you would find in Windows.

I think Kubuntu's Start menu is particularly reminiscent of Windows 10's Start Menu, which featured a number of pinned programs on the right side and a list of your applications on the left. You can pin new apps to it by right-clicking them and selecting "Add to favorites." The Settings app is also extremely intuitive, and I'd compare favorably it to the Settings menu you'd find on macOS. Unlike Windows, you have only one place you need to go to find things. You don't need to remember which setting is buried in the Control Panel and which setting has been halfheartedly ported into the newer Settings app. As one final bonus, finding and installing apps on Kubuntu (like most Linux distros) is easier than on Windows.

You just use the Discover app to handle adding, updating, and removing applications, and system updates. I'd recommend starting with the KDE apps if you need an app for something—they're usually excellent. 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. If you have an older PC that just doesn't meet the hardware demands of Windows 11, you're not out of options.

Several Linux distributions are designed specifically for lightweight performance, user-friendly interfaces, and compatibility with aging hardware. These distros can breathe new life into machines that would otherwise be collecting dust. Best of all, they’re free, secure, and surprisingly capable for daily use. Don't know much about Linux? Get ready to blow your mind! Linux Mint has long been a favorite among users transitioning from Windows.

The XFCE edition is its lightest version, and it runs well on older PCs with limited RAM or slower processors. It keeps things simple with a traditional desktop layout that makes it easy for former Windows users to feel right at home. Out of the box, it includes all the essentials, such as a web browser, media player, and office suite. One of the strongest points of Mint XFCE is its minimal hardware requirements. You can expect solid performance on systems with as little as 1GB of RAM, although 2GB is a more comfortable starting point. Updates are easy to manage, and the Software Manager makes it painless to install new applications.

It’s also built on Ubuntu LTS, so it benefits from long-term stability and support. The XFCE desktop might not win design awards, but it’s incredibly efficient. Everything feels snappy, even on decade-old laptops or desktops. If you're looking for a system that just works without requiring constant tinkering, Linux Mint XFCE is a great place to start. For years, Windows users frustrated with constant changes, aggressive updates, and growing system bloat have flirted with switching to Linux. But 2025 marks a noticeable shift: a new generation of Linux distributions built specifically for ex-Windows users is gaining real traction.

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