Desktop/PC OS

List of privacy friendly operating systems for personal computers (PCs), laptops, ...

Excluding services under the control of regimes/governments promoting authoritarianism, frequently or continuously violating international law and basic human rights, i.e. services which are enabling the rollback of liberal democracies.*

*2026: Russia, China, USA under the administration of Donald J. Trump, ... (to be continued)

EW
Erik WList by Erik W, last updated 
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
  1. Desktop-focused Linux system offering custom menus, multimedia codecs, browser plugins, native DVD playback, and integrated software manager with user-friendly tools.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
    Linux Mint screenshot 1
    Linux Mint screenshot 2
    +4
    Linux Mint screenshot 3
  2. Debian icon
     Like

    The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
    Debian screenshot 1
    Debian screenshot 2
    +2
    Debian screenshot 3
  3. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
    another arch with KDE 4.3 desktop
    arch for console addict
    +1
    arch with openbox window manager
  4. 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...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (KDE)
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (I3)
    +5
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (I3)
  5. Zorin OS icon
     Like

    Linux-based operating system with a customizable interface for Windows users, dual-boot support, WINE compatibility, pre-installed software, and easy setup.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
    Windows 11 layout
    MacOS layout
    +7
    Deepin layout
  6. openSUSE icon
     Like

    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    KDE Plasma desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    XFCE desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
  7. Ubuntu icon
     Like

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
    Ubuntu screenshot 1
    Ubuntu screenshot 2
    +1
    Ubuntu screenshot 3
  8. CachyOS icon
     Like

    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...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
  9. EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
    Application menu
    KDE System Settings panel
  10. NixOS icon
     Like

    NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    NixOS screenshot 1
    NixOS screenshot 1
  11. ReactOS icon
     Like

    ReactOS™ is a FOSS effort to develop a quality operating system based on the architecture of Microsoft® Windows™ NT family of operating systems, that is compatible with applications and drivers written for it (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7).

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1
    ReactOS screenshot 1
    ReactOS screenshot 2
    +23
    ReactOS screenshot 3
  12. Xubuntu icon
     Like

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
    Xubuntu Desktop
  13. Lubuntu icon
     Like

    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    The new LXQt desktop.
    Lubuntu screenshot 1
    Lubuntu screenshot 2
    +5
    Lubuntu screenshot 3
  14. Aurora OS icon
     Like

    Aurora is a delightful KDE desktop experience for end-users that are looking for reliability and developers for the most-hassle free setup. Zero maintenance included.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Fedora
    Aurora OS screenshot 1
  15. FreeBSD icon
     Like

    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
  16. Haiku icon
     Like

    Haiku is an open-source operating system that specifically targets personal computing. Inspired by the BeOS, Haiku is fast, simple to use, easy to learn and yet very powerful.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Haiku
    • Self-Hosted
    Haiku screenshot 1
    Haiku screenshot 1
    Haiku screenshot 2
    +7
    Haiku screenshot 3
  17. Ubuntu Mate is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Ubuntu MATE screenshot 1
No comments so far, maybe you want to be first?
Gu