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7 Most Windows Like Linux Distros Zdnet

Leo Migdal
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7 most windows like linux distros zdnet

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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. For many users, the transition to Linux can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. While the power, flexibility, and security of Linux are undeniable, the sheer variety of desktop environments and user interfaces can be daunting for those accustomed to the familiar layout and workflows of Windows. The good news is that the Linux ecosystem has matured significantly, and a growing number of distributions are meticulously designed to offer a Windows-like desktop experience. This isn’t about creating mere superficial replicas; it’s about bridging the gap, providing a comfortable on-ramp for users who want to explore the benefits of Linux without the steep learning curve often associated with...

At Its Foss, we understand this desire for familiarity. We’ve extensively explored and tested numerous Linux distributions to identify those that truly excel at providing a seamless Windows transition. Our goal is to help you discover a Linux environment that feels intuitive, productive, and, most importantly, like home. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the best Linux distributions for Windows users. We’ll go beyond superficial similarities to examine distributions that offer excellent Windows-like usability, familiar desktop layouts, and out-of-the-box application compatibility. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed choice, ensuring your journey into the Linux world is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

The desire for a Windows-like Linux experience stems from several key factors that resonate with a broad spectrum of users: Familiarity and Reduced Learning Curve: The most significant driver is the comfort of the known. Users have spent years, often decades, interacting with the Windows interface. Every icon, every menu, every workflow has a learned association. Switching to an entirely alien interface can lead to frustration and a perception of complexity, even if the underlying system is powerful. Linux distributions that mirror Windows layouts significantly reduce the cognitive load, allowing users to focus on tasks rather than learning a new way to perform them.

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. To evaluate or select a Linux distro similar to Windows, certain key parameters define how closely it mimics the Windows experience in usability, design, and compatibility. Here are the essential parameters to consider: The UI should resemble Windows—taskbar, start menu, and window behavior.

✅ Ideal DEs: KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, XFCE, LXDE, Budgie Start Menu Layout A traditional Windows-like start menu with search functionality and app categorization. ✅ Example: Zorin OS, Linux Mint Cinnamon, Linuxfx File Explorer Experience An intuitive file manager similar to Windows Explorer (sidebar, breadcrumbs, right-click actions). ✅ Nemo (Mint), Dolphin (KDE), Thunar (XFCE) Linux can’t replace Windows, but it can have the look and feel of Windows.

The familiarity can help ease your transition from Windows. In no particular order, here is a selection of distros that replicate that familiar experience. Linux is driven by a fundamentally different philosophy than Windows. So while you can pick from dozens of user-friendly distros that simplify the Linux experience, it remains entirely separate from Windows. That’s why Linux will never be a Windows clone. Now, be aware that there are developers out there who have tried to create Linux distros that copy the Windows user interface pixel-for-pixel (including visual assets like icons and animations).

Both projects have a shady history, including selling license keys for free software, so we won't name them here. If you see someone out there making exact replications of Windows, you're safest staying away. First up is Zorin OS. Designed from the ground up as a Windows and macOS alternative, Zorin is an excellent beginner-friendly distro. It comes with a Windows-like layout, complete with an almost identical start menu, a taskbar, and notification center. You can switch between half a dozen layouts with just one click.

It’s beautiful and stable. Even if you’ve never worked with Linux before, Zorin OS should provide a comfortable experience. It can even run Windows packages (EXE and MSI files) out of the box using the WINE compatibility layer built right into the OS. You get a whole suite of graphics, productivity, and office apps out of the box too. It has a neat tool for connecting with your phone to sync files and notifications. It’s just a fast, polished, and well-supported OS.

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. Making the switch from Windows to Linux can seem daunting, but the right distribution can make the transition easy and familiar. There are many user-friendly Linux distros designed specifically to provide a Windows-like experience to help ease new users into the open source world. From layouts mimicking Windows 7 to pre-installed software you already know, the options covered below take the guesswork out of finding a Linux OS that works like what you‘re used to. Before jumping into the distributions, let‘s look at some of the advantages of making the switch:

The distributions below make it easy to gain all these advantages by providing familiar interfaces, software, and features Windows users already enjoy. Linux Mint is arguably the best Linux distribution for easing the transition for Windows users. The Cinnamon desktop environment provides a layout closely resembling Windows 7. The taskbar, system tray, start menu, and window controls are all located where Windows users expect. Mint also supports keyboard shortcuts like using Tab + Alt to switch between open windows. The interface feels immediately familiar.

If Windows 10’s retirement has you considering your next move, Linux can be a decent desktop distribution once you add a few updates. Today’s distributions are quick, safe and, best of all, free — and many are so close to the Windows layout that the learning curve is not just manageable, but surprisingly slight. As Lansweeper’s earlier research indicated, many PCs don’t meet the TPM 2.0 and CPU requirements found in Windows 11, StatCounter has noticed consistent desktop Linux growth, indicating real-world momentum for alternatives. Here are seven such linux distributions that will fit your Windows-loving needs, each with their own practical insights and overviews to help you make an informed choice on what you would like to install... Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop follows the Windows formula: a bottom panel, a launcher that works like the Start menu, a system tray and right-click desktop shortcuts. It’s built upon Ubuntu LTS, making drivers and updates a simple procedure.

Tools such as Driver Manager, but also Timeshift snapshots and a straightforward Update Manager, make maintenance almost painless “for the rest of us”. Mint strikes a balance between familiarity and restraint: there are no flashy gimmicks, just a stable, predictable desktop that can be set up on older laptops and newer hardware with the same tools. Zorin OS features a “Zorin Appearance” switcher for switching between desktop layouts … including ones that make it look like classic Windows and Windows 11. The Core version is clean and free; the Pro version, for a fee, adds more layouts and preinstalled apps that are good for creative and office tasks. It’s a Ubutnu-based distro, so you have excellent software availability under the hood here.

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'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...

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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 gea...

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