Windows like linux distros

Best Windows-like Linux Distributions

One of the problems that we can find when changing the operating system is that we feel uncomfortable when starting to use the new operating system. Most users, especially those without much computer knowledge, know how to defend themselves by the options and menus in Windows. So when trying a Linux distro , and encountering such a drastic change, many feel overwhelmed and do not know how to continue using the new operating system.

One of the best qualities of Linux operating systems is customization. Thanks to the nature of this operating system, users or developers can completely customize and adapt its appearance. This allows some developers to bet on focusing the nature of their distros in favor of usability, imitating the appearance of Windows, as well as its programs and the rest of the elements of the Microsoft operating system that most users are used to.

Below we are going to see some of the best Linux distros designed to imitate the appearance of Windows .

Best Linux distros similar to Windows

Zorin OS

Zorin is one of the most popular distros when it comes to replacing Windows with a system similar to this one. This distribution is designed to bring users the best of Linux (security, stability, privacy and performance) as well as a very intuitive and easy to use desktop, mixing aspects of both Windows and macOS.

Any user who has ever used Windows will have absolutely no problem using Zorin OS and will feel comfortable from the first moment. Also, it comes with a series of programs installed by default to

We can download Zorin OS from its website .

Kubuntu (KDE Plasma)

Kubuntu is one of the official Ubuntu-based Canonical distributions. This distro, broadly speaking, may have nothing to do with Windows. However, KDE Plasma, your default desktop (hence the name’s K) is one of the desktops that can best mimic the look of Windows, especially Windows 7.

This desktop mimics wallpaper and effects, such as transparencies, to give the distro a personalized touch. Thanks to these effects, together with its launcher (the equivalent of the start menu), the file explorer and the default KDE Plasma applications (LibreOffice, Krita and Firefox to replace Office, Photoshop and Chrome) it is able to look a lot like Windows .

We can download Kubuntu from the following link . We could also replace Kubuntu with any other KDE Plasma based distro.

Chalet OS

Chalet OS is a distro based on Xubuntu (with XFCE desktop) which has modifications to adapt its appearance as much as possible to that of Windows Vista and Windows 7. The start menu, the taskbar, the explorer and many other elements are very similar to those of the Microsoft operating system, being a great alternative for those looking for a light, efficient and very simple to use distro.

We can download Chalet OS from its main website . The problem with this distro is that it has been updated since 2016, although being LTS it still receives security patches.

Freespire

Freespire was born as a community-maintained free distro based on the Linspire project. However, this distro has been missing for 10 years, until last 2018, when the community decided to retake the project to offer users a 100% free alternative to Windows.

Thanks to its KDE Plasma desktop we can find a distro very similar to Windows, both in the start menu and in the taskbar as well as in the file explorer and the other elements that make up the distro. It also has a series of totally free programs to replace those that are often used in Windows.

We can download Linspire for free from this link .

Linuxfx

Linuxfx is probably one of the Linux distros that most blatantly mimics the look of Windows 10. This distro uses a lightweight Cinnamon desktop, which has been designed to look like Windows. From the background to the appearance of the taskbar, the browser and even the applications installed by default (LibreOffice uses the icons and the general appearance of Office) will make many users think that it is an original version of Windows, but with all the advantages that a Linux system brings us.

We can download this Linux distro, also known as Windowsfx, from its repository .

Linux Mint

Mint is not focused on imitating the appearance of Windows, since its objective is a different one. However, it does have a very important role in facilitating its use for all types of users. It has a taskbar similar to that of Windows, a start menu and a desktop very similar in many aspects to which we will surely be familiar.

We can download Linux Mint from its main website .

Robolinux

Robolinux, although it is not as aesthetically equal to Windows, wants to become one of the easiest to use. For this, in addition to imitating many aspects of Windows (although adapted in their own way), its developers have included within this distro everything necessary to install and use Windows programs as if they were used in the Microsoft operating system. It even allows us to copy the entire C drive from Windows to Linux, so that the directory tree looks as familiar as possible.

We can download Robolinux from the following link .

Kali Linux

Finally we could not close without talking about Kali Linux. This is not exactly a focused distro for the average user, as its target audience is hackers and security researchers. However, since 2019 this distro has a “Windows mode” called Undercover. This function allows us to convert in a second the appearance of Kali Linux into the classic appearance of Windows 10.

Very useful especially not to attract attention if we are going to use the distro in public spaces. We can download Kali Linux from the website of your project .

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7 Linux Distributions to Replace Windows 11 & 10

Windows experience is changing. 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. Suggested Read 📖

Best Linux Distributions To Replace Windows

Windows 10 users may not have the latest and greatest hardware to upgrade to 11 — so it is essential to suggest a Linux distribution that is lightweight and easy to use. Linux Lite targets Windows users with a similar UI offering a taskbar, Windows-inspired wallpaper, and a lot more to go on with that, including the Libre Office suite. You do not need to upgrade your system to run this distribution. Linux Lite should work perfectly fine with an old configuration as well.

Suggested Read 📖

2. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a beautiful Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. The user interface should make Windows and macOS users feel at home after installing it. I also find it an excellent modern alternative to Windows 10 or 11. They also offer a lite edition if you have a slightly underpowered hardware configuration. You can also take a quick look at our impressions on one of Zorin’s recent releases to get an idea. If you’re new to Linux — it is worth noting that there are different desktop environments. If you want to try something that resembles the look and feel of Windows, you can try any distro with KDE’s Plasma on board. And Kubuntu is an official KDE flavor of Ubuntu. You may not find this to be the prettiest Windows-like distro – however, if you want something that does the work reliably, Kubuntu should do the trick.

4. Linux Mint

Linux Mint targets Windows 7/10/11 users trying to make the switch to Linux. Many users also use it as a replacement for Windows because of its familiar user interface and useful features. Among all the others mentioned in this list, Linux Mint would be my personal recommendation. Linux Mint is reliable, performs great, and offers several desktop environment editions (including the MATE desktop). If you’re curious, you can also take a detailed look at how it looks and works for one of its recent releases Linux Mint 21.

5. Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE is another Windows alternative Linux distribution that provides a snappy experience across various hardware configurations. This may not directly resemble the UI of Windows in general – however, you will find it quite easy to get comfortable with. It is also interesting to note that Ubuntu MATE works well with NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano, which is one of the Raspberry Pi alternatives. You can try this if you want a unique experience with a similar layout!

6. Solus

Solus is one of the most beautiful Windows replacements. You may like it more than Windows 11. It is not based on Ubuntu, so unless you are not comfortable taking up a slight learning curve, you should stick to the options mentioned above. This is an independently developed Linux distribution aimed at making the home computing experience elegant and easier. You will get several essential tools pre-installed to get started quickly. It offers a “Budgie” desktop and other desktop editions if you want.

Suggested Read 📖

7. MX Linux (KDE)

MX Linux is one of the popular distributions based on the Debian stable branch. MX Linux offers many built-in GUI utilities to manage your computer out-of-the-box, which will be very helpful for starters. Its flagship edition offers an XFCE desktop, and KDE Plasma and Fluxbox options are also available.

Wrapping Up

Potentially, you can install any beginner-friendly Linux distribution. Unless you want to try multiple options before deciding, you may want to stick to some of the recommendations above. 💬 I recommend trying the distributions mentioned in this article if switching from Windows to Linux. If you’ve tried something else and like it a lot – feel free to let me know in the comments below.

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