Best Linux Distributions Which Look Like Windows

Leo Migdal

-Dec 6, 2025, 4:32 AM

best linux distributions which look like windows

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. 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.

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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. Dibakar Ghosh is a tech journalist at How-To Geek, where he focuses on Linux, Windows, and productivity tools. His goal is simple—help readers at every skill level get more done with the tech they use every day. He began his writing career in 2016 with WordPress tutorials, later moving into digital marketing, where he spent years reviewing complex tools for marketers. His work has also appeared on Authority Hacker, where he’s shared in-depth guides on digital workflows and online productivity.

That experience now shapes his journalism, blending analytical depth with practical, real-world advice. When he’s not writing or testing software, Dibakar is usually watching movies or playing video games. He’s a huge Christopher Nolan fan and a strong proponent of the theater experience. In gaming, he has sunk hundreds of hours into Insomniac’s Spider-Man series, Returnal, Prototype, Darksiders, and Final Fantasy titles. Are you tired of Windows but scared of Linux? But what if Linux looked like Windows and offered a user-friendly terminal-free user experience?

Here are five Linux distributions offering a Windows-like experience so you can smoothly make the jump to Linux! Q4OS is a Debian-based Linux distro with a focus on stability, reliability, and delivering a Windows-like experience. It comes in two main versions—KDE Plasma and the lightweight Trinity Desktop environment. The distro supports a unique dual desktop option, allowing you to set up both Trinity and KDE Plasma—or any two desktop environments for that matter—and seamlessly switch between them. Trinity is optimized to run on just 350 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM, making it perfect for older and weaker hardware. It brings a more familiar Windows-style aesthetic reminiscent of Windows XP.

In contrast, Plasma is slightly more demanding, requiring a minimum of a 1 GHz CPU and 1 GB of RAM. It follows the intuitive Windows-style layout and offers extensive customization options, making it a robust alternative for more modern hardware. Linux is available in countless variations. Thanks to such diversity, there are even a few Linux variants that have similarities to Windows. For anyone curious about Linux, this familiarity with Windows could make adoption of the alternative OS less intimidating. Regardless, of your motivations, we present three Linux distros that feel like Windows:

Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. All three are available in a free version, although paid versions are also available for Wubuntu and Zorin-OS. Wubuntu’s start menu is very reminiscent of Windows 11, the menu in the notification area at the bottom right less so. Overall, however, no other Linux comes closer to the look of Windows 11. No other Linux system comes closer to the look of Windows 11. This is not necessarily due to matching icons, background images, or the mouse pointer.

The centerpiece of Wubuntu‘s masquerade is the “System settings” program, which is really very similar to the “Settings” in Windows 11. At first glance, it hardly differs from the Windows model. This makes it easy to find your way around the basic settings such as screen resolution or network configuration. Once you have understood the pros and cons of switching from Windows to Linux and decided to go with the latter, the tougher part is adjusting to the new environment. Thankfully, there are a few Linux distributions that have an interface similar to that of Windows. While no Linux distribution can be like Windows 11/10, many of them follow the Windows 7 model.

Here are some Windows look-alike Linux distributions which you may like: If you want to learn more about these operating systems, continue reading. This is perhaps one of the most Windows-like distribution of Linux. It is somewhat a replica of Windows 7, with the Start menu, Taskbar, etc. The speed of the OS distribution is appreciable. Zorin OS comes with a few pre-loaded utility apps that would make your job easier.

Zorin can be downloaded from its website here. Chalet OS is the nearest we have to Windows Vista. Complete with the widgets and menus, the distribution is simple to use, yet efficient. Chalet’s Start menu is similar to that of Windows XP. It is basic and easy to handle. You can find a similar File Explorer in this distribution, which looks like the one of Windows 11/10.

The latest version of the operating system is available here. 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. 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.

Best Linux Distributions Which Look Like Windows

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