Windows 7 Alternatives for Linux

Windows 7 is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Windows 7 and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Windows 7 are Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux, elementary OS and Zorin OS.

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Windows 7 alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 likes
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    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    4
    115
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Positive
    20

    Ubuntu has everything and more then a user needs. Plus.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Because of it's ease of use :)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Jonathan Mckanna
    Positive
    0

    Windows 7 is slow now but it was fast then and Ubuntu is nothing like Windows 7!

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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 7.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 7.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  2. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     779 likes
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    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    2
    40
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    karaboungalos
    Positive
    6

    It is the best for those who know what they're doing.

    Vivek Vaishya
    Positive
    5

    Its a rolling release distro, so you get to see stuffs ahead of other distros.

    Windows 7 Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  4. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
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    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    4
    25
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    NickFreeman
    Positive
    5

    Software always up to date and easy to install latest kernel/drivers

    Gruak
    Positive
    1

    Has a linux kernel which is superior to windows NT kernel

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Very easy to use for new Linux users and (because it's based off Arch) has pacman which is the best package manager in my opinion

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     351 likes
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    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    1
    22
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Albert Wang
    Positive
    0

    User friendly, private, secure, and open source.

    Windows 7 Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  7. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 likes
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    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.

    184 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    3
    14
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Can be set up to look almost like Win 7 or XP

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    liljjh
    Positive
    0

    It's a Linux distro made to be as comfortable and familiar to Windows users as possible. That makes it a good alternative in my book.

    Albert Wang
    Positive
    0

    Not private, insecure, and closed source.

    Windows 7 Icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zorin OS is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  10. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     33 likes
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    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    70 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  11. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     292 likes
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    Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment. It is based on Ubuntu Debian Linux.

    181 Xubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
     
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    1
    17
    Comments about Xubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 7
    marcostux
    Positive
    0

    No viruses, fast and security.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Windows 7 Icon
    Xubuntu icon

    • Most users think Xubuntu is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  12. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     94 likes
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    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
  14. Lubuntu icon

    Lubuntu

     244 likes
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    Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight operating system with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. It is a Linux system, that uses the minimal desktop LXDE/LXQT.

    183 Lubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    The new LXQt desktop.
     
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    12
  15. Whonix icon

    Whonix

     58 likes
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    Whonix is a desktop operating system designed for advanced security and privacy. Whonix mitigates the threat of common attack vectors while maintaining usability. Online anonymity is realized via fail-safe, automatic, and desktop-wide use of the Tor network.

    43 Whonix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Whonix Desktop Environment
     
12 of 112 Windows 7 alternatives