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Top 10 Best Linux Distros Similar To Windows For Windows User In 2025

Leo Migdal
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top 10 best linux distros similar to windows for windows user in 2025

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.

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) '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. 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. Welcome to ItsFoss, your dedicated portal for all things Linux. As the digital landscape continuously evolves, so too does the vibrant ecosystem of Linux distributions.

With over a thousand variants available, navigating the choices to find the perfect Linux distro for your needs can feel like an overwhelming expedition. Whether you are a seasoned Linux aficionado seeking a new challenge or a curious newcomer eager to explore the power and flexibility of open-source operating systems, this comprehensive guide is meticulously crafted to illuminate... We’ve scoured the Linux universe to present you with the top 10 best Linux distributions that are not only highly regarded in 2025 but also offer distinct advantages for various user profiles. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the intricate details of each distribution, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your technical aspirations and daily computing... At ItsFoss, our mission is to demystify the world of Linux for every user. We understand that the term “best” is subjective and hinges entirely on individual requirements, skill levels, and intended use cases.

Therefore, this article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of each distribution’s strengths, weaknesses, target audience, and unique selling propositions. We will explore their suitability for everything from casual desktop use and creative endeavors to robust server administration and cutting-edge development. By the time you reach the end of this artic_le, you will possess a clear understanding of which Linux distro is poised to become your indispensable digital companion in 2025 and beyond. The Linux kernel, the heart of the operating system, continues its relentless march of progress, with new versions and features being released at an astonishing pace. This kernel’s robustness, security, and adaptability are the foundational pillars upon which the vast diversity of Linux distributions is built. In 2025, we’re witnessing a mature yet dynamic Linux ecosystem, characterized by increased user-friendliness, enhanced hardware support, and a proliferation of specialized distributions catering to niche markets.

The democratization of technology has never been more evident, and Linux stands at the forefront, offering powerful, free, and open-source alternatives to proprietary operating systems. The criteria for what constitutes a “best” Linux distribution are multifaceted. We consider factors such as ease of installation, user interface (UI) intuitiveness, software availability and package management, community support and documentation, system stability and performance, security features, and hardware compatibility. Furthermore, we acknowledge the growing importance of desktop environments (DEs), which significantly shape the user experience. From the sleek and modern GNOME to the lightweight Xfce and the highly customizable KDE Plasma, each DE offers a distinct visual and functional paradigm. To compile this definitive list of the 10 best Linux distributions for 2025, we employed a rigorous selection methodology.

Our team at ItsFoss evaluated numerous distributions based on their current relevance, user feedback from the wider Linux community, recent development activity, and their ability to consistently deliver a superior computing experience. We prioritized distributions that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, maintain active development cycles, and offer comprehensive support channels. The selection process involved: Many Windows users are often curious about exploring Linux due to its open-source nature, enhanced security, and a wide range of customization options. However, transitioning from Windows to Linux can be intimidating. Choosing the right Linux distribution (distro) is crucial for a smooth transition.

In this blog, we will explore some of the best Linux distros for Windows users, their fundamental concepts, usage methods, common practices, and best practices. A Linux distribution is an operating system built on top of the Linux kernel. It includes the Linux kernel, system utilities, software packages, and a graphical user interface (GUI) in most cases. Different distros are tailored for various user needs, whether it's for beginners, developers, or server administrators. Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be a rewarding experience. By choosing the right Linux distro, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS, Windows users can enjoy the benefits of Linux, including open-source software, enhanced security, and customization.

By following the usage methods, common practices, and best practices outlined in this blog, users can make the most of their Linux experience. Linux distributions, or distros, are operating systems built on the Linux kernel. While they all share the same core, each distro includes different environments, package managers, and tools to serve specific user needs – such as ease of use, security, or software development. There are different types of distros for various user levels and purposes: Best Linux distros for intermediate users These are just a few examples of the hundreds of Linux distributions available today, each designed for different needs and preferences.

That’s why in this article we highlight the top 10 Linux distros you should know – for each one, we’ll explain what it specializes in, why you might want to use it, and how...

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When You Purchase Through Links On Our Site, We May

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, whi...

To Evaluate Or Select A Linux Distro Similar To Windows,

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 me...

File Explorer Experience An Intuitive File Manager Similar To Windows

File Explorer Experience An intuitive file manager similar to Windows Explorer (sidebar, breadcrumbs, right-click actions). ✅ Nemo (Mint), Dolphin (KDE), Thunar (XFCE) '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 ...

When You Click Through From Our Site To A Retailer

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...

Our Editors Thoroughly Review And Fact-check Every Article To Ensure

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. There are plenty of reasons to quit using Window...