These Linux Distributions Are The Most Similar To Windows 10

Leo Migdal

-Dec 6, 2025, 3:39 AM

these linux distributions are the most similar to windows 10

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.

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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. 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. 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) Windows has long been the dominant operating system in the desktop computing world, known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of software support. However, Linux offers a free, open-source alternative with high customizability and security.

Some Linux distributions are designed to closely mimic the Windows experience, making the transition from Windows to Linux smoother for users. This blog post will cover the fundamental concepts, usage methods, common practices, and best practices of Linux operating systems that most closely resemble Windows. A desktop environment in Linux is a collection of software that provides a graphical user interface (GUI). For Linux distributions similar to Windows, the following desktop environments are commonly used: In Windows, software is usually installed through.exe installers. In Linux, package managers are used to install, update, and remove software.

For example, in Debian-based distributions (including Linux Mint and Zorin OS), apt is a commonly used package manager. When installing a Linux distribution similar to Windows, it is a good practice to create separate partitions for the root (/), home (/home), and swap space. This makes it easier to manage the system and recover data in case of issues. If you are new to Linux, it is recommended to use a virtual machine like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation to test the Linux distribution. This way, you can try out the Linux environment without affecting your Windows installation. 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. One of the standout examples is Bazzite, a gaming-optimized Fedora-based distro that has quickly become a go-to choice for people abandoning Windows in favor of a cleaner, more customizable experience. Microsoft’s ecosystem has been slowly pushing some users toward the exit. Hardware requirements for Windows 11 left millions of perfectly functional PCs behind. Ads on the Start menu and in system notifications have frustrated many. And for gamers, launcher problems, forced reboots and background processes that siphon resources have driven a search for alternatives.

Linux distributions have benefited from that frustration, especially those that focus on simplicity, performance and gaming readiness. Historically, switching to Linux meant sacrificing game compatibility. But with Valve’s Proton layer and Vulkan-based translation technologies, thousands of Windows games now run flawlessly, sometimes better than on Windows. Distros targeting former Windows users are leaning into this new reality: 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. 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.

These Linux Distributions Are The Most Similar To Windows 10

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