The Best Windows 10 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 10

Windows 10 is described as 'A versatile OS with universal app architecture, free initial year offer, redesigned UI for mouse and touch, virtual desktop, and improved security' and is a very popular operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Windows 10 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows 10 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 10 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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Windows 10 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Mobile OSs you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Windows, Linux, Open Source, Windows + Free, EU and Free. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Windows 10.

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Windows 10 alternatives page was last updated Mar 19, 2026

Linux Mint
1198 likes
Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.
188 Linux Mint alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
+4
Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Windows 10?

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31comments
Linux Mint vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
Farook Al-Sammarraie
Dec 21, 2019
18
Windows like UI, easy to use, Free and open source
soul1472
Positive commentMar 19, 2026
0
Mint is beginner-friendly + has a decent visual interface (and not just the command line). i'd say it's the easiest distro for ex-Windows users.
I_d0nt_need_name
Positive commentSep 12, 2025
1
It's the best Windows 10 alternative for users want Windows 10 like UI
3 of 31 comments
Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Ubuntu
2385 likes
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.
174 Ubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Ubuntu
+1
Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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28comments
Ubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
Cora
Jan 30, 2019
12
Ubuntu is free of charge, more secure and comes with an office suite and user tools out of the box; something that Microsoft sells at a premium when it barely functions.
Top Negative Comment
Jack Vegas
Apr 28, 2021
1
Ubuntu is only a good alternative for Windows users open to a new OOTB experience and likely power users. For users who want something easy to use and familiar, Linux Mint, Pop_OS and Elementary are better alternatives by far.
Guest
Positive commentMar 20, 2025
0
Very easy to install and configure plus regular updatesand plenty of tools to use
Review by a new / low-activity user.
3 of 28 comments
Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Debian
1184 likes
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.
207 Debian alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
International
Platforms
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
+2
Is Debian a good alternative to Windows 10?

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8comments
Debian vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
veddev
Oct 30, 2024
1
I love Debian cuz its rock-solid
Top Negative Comment
Guest
Sep 2, 2017
13
Debian is a not so good alternative for those who cares about updates. We know that to maintain the stability, the distribution (at least his stable branch) doesn't have the latest updates firstly. This way, some users won't feel truly fulfilled by the distribution.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Negative commentSep 9, 2020
-7
it's not functional without user coding
Review by a new / low-activity user.
3 of 8 comments
Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
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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
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Fedora
619 likes
Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.
190 Fedora alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
+9
Is Fedora a good alternative to Windows 10?

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3comments
Fedora vs Windows 10 Comments

cycroenerugi
Positive commentAug 20, 2017
5
Its easy to use and its much faster.
Guest
Positive commentJul 31, 2020
4
Great defaults, good security, and fast updates, thought it does need codecs from a third party to play some media. One of the best OSes for a software developer, sysadmin, or power user.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentMay 23, 2020
3
Easy to use and really good performance. In my I haven't experienced errors with it.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Arch Linux
798 likes
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.
205 Arch Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Canada
Platforms
Linux
+1
Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Windows 10?

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9comments
Arch Linux vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
Oktay Mercan
Mar 8, 2019
3
if you are a geek, and you bored Windows and MacOS. if you say "want to more customizable and want more more thing". want to useing CLI like a hacker more control and more permission on OS and want open source OS then you should try ARCH linux. I'm warn you, too complicate use and install, not for end user.
Top Negative Comment
soul1472
Mar 19, 2026
0
too complex to switch comfortably.
Jack Vegas
Positive commentApr 28, 2021
0
I would recommend this for any Windows power user who is sick and tired of how slow and bloated Windows 10 has become. It feels like the polar opposite of what Microsoft has turned Windows 10 into since it first launched.
3 of 9 comments
Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
elementary OS
354 likes
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
203 elementary OS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
+9
Is elementary OS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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4comments
elementary OS vs Windows 10 Comments

RemovedUser
Positive commentJan 8, 2021
3
If you want to switch from Windows 10 to something more similar to macOS then this is the best alternative for both OS.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentJul 31, 2020
2
Similar UI to MacOS, but free and can run on any computer that runs windows.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Positive commentMay 23, 2020
1
Really easy to use and a very simple interface. And, obviously a nice look!
Review by a new / low-activity user.
3 of 4 comments
elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
elementary OS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
ReactOS
296 likes
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).
201 ReactOS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-2.0)
Application type
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Windows
ReactOS
+9
Is ReactOS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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6comments
ReactOS vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
lounes-tb
Sep 6, 2018
7
ReactOS is an opensource reimplementation of the NT api (ms windows) with a lot of inovative ideas like the package manager and the BTRFS support.
Top Negative Comment
Guest
Jul 31, 2020
2
This is effectively a clone of Windows XP, and while it runs some software, it can not run most programs. It runs poorly on real hardware.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Mano
Positive commentJan 15, 2020
2
This is meant to be an "open source windows". Despite being in alpha, it works and you can still use all your .exes and installers, so no need to worry about having to abandon all your "windows only" programs.
3 of 6 comments
ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
ReactOS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Kubuntu
293 likes
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
210 Kubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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1comment
Kubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

Guest
Positive commentJul 19, 2018
10
As it says, it's Ubuntu, but with the KDE environment.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Kubuntu is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Zorin OS
153 likes
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.
191 Zorin OS alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
+2
Is Zorin OS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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5comments
Zorin OS vs Windows 10 Comments

Top Positive Comment
Guest
Feb 14, 2019
2
Unless all other linux, his display are stable AND unserfriendly. It don't shit on your face when you try to install a non-free package, it don't care, it try to launch at anycost like a windows. It's easy to install windows software with a wine preconfig. Well, if you want to use the real power of Linux, go for it !
Review by a new / low-activity user.
RemovedUser
Positive commentJan 8, 2021
0
I have switched from Windows 10 to Zorin OS (with xfce as a Desktop Enviroment) for almost one year. This operating system is very easy to use, and I recommend it for anyone who wants to try to use a distro based on the Linux Kernel without too much difference from a Windows interface.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Kepler
Positive commentMay 7, 2017
3
It is like windows 7 and is good for noobs who has just started using linux. Plus, you can run some Windows apps in this with an app called Wine.
3 of 5 comments
Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Xubuntu
295 likes
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.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Is Xubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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3comments
Xubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

Oktay Mercan
Positive commentMar 8, 2019
2
Good linux alternative for windows lightweight and ubuntu base.
Guest
Positive commentMay 26, 2018
5
Stable, easy to use, lightweight on even lower spec/older computers.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
altenativeto
Positive commentDec 10, 2018
0
Extremely fast, stable reliable and fully compatible to Ubuntu.
Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
openSUSE
347 likes
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
199 openSUSE alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Is openSUSE a good alternative to Windows 10?

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2comments
openSUSE vs Windows 10 Comments

Maxi_Mega
Positive commentNov 24, 2017
8
Every Linux are better than Windows !
sambaker
Positive commentNov 12, 2017
2
It is very light weight, minimalistic and smooth. It has the perfect balance of simplicity and customization.
openSUSE is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
openSUSE is Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Kali Linux
294 likes
Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing, originally forked from Backtrack Linux by the Offensive Security team.
23 Kali Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Penetration Testing
Origin
United States
Platforms
Windows
Linux
+8
Is Kali Linux a good alternative to Windows 10?

12 of 181 Windows 10 alternatives

The Best Windows 10 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 10

Alternatives list

Linux Mint

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Linux Mint vs Windows 10 Comments

Ubuntu

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Ubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

Debian

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Debian vs Windows 10 Comments

Fedora

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Fedora vs Windows 10 Comments

Arch Linux

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Arch Linux vs Windows 10 Comments

elementary OS

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elementary OS vs Windows 10 Comments

ReactOS

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ReactOS vs Windows 10 Comments

Kubuntu

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Kubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

Zorin OS

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Zorin OS vs Windows 10 Comments

Xubuntu

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Xubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments

openSUSE

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openSUSE vs Windows 10 Comments

Kali Linux

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