Free Windows 10 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 10

The best free alternative to Windows 10 is Linux Mint, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Windows 10 and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Windows 10 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most Windows 10 alternatives are Operating Systems, but you can also narrow the list to Linux Distros or Mobile OSes. Other popular filters are Windows, Open Source, Linux, EU and Free. You can also filter for EU-based alternatives if you prefer software from the European Union.
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Alternatives
Windows 10 alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon
     1245 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.

    205 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    32
  2. Ubuntu icon
     2423 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.

    186 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    • GB flagUnited Kingdom
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    28
  3. Debian icon
     1210 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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    8
  4. Fedora icon
     644 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.

    200 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • US flagUnited States
    Fedora 38
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    3
  5. Arch Linux icon
     816 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.

    215 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    9
  6. CachyOS icon
     90 likes

    CachyOS is a performance-centric Arch Linux distribution designed to deliver a stable, efficient, and user-friendly computing environment. It offers the full power and flexibility of a rolling-release system, enhanced by advanced...

    92 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2021

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Zorin OS icon
     167 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.

    202 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    5
  8. openSUSE icon
     357 likes

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

    211 openSUSE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    2
  9. elementary OS icon
     360 likes

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

    217 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2011

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    4
  10. Kali Linux icon
     298 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.

    27 Kali Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2013

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  11. Kubuntu icon
     298 likes

    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2010

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    1
  12. macOS icon
     574 likes

    A Unix-based OS for Mac with seamlessly integration with Apple’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive UI, productivity tools like Finder, Spotlight, and Automator, built-in apps like Safari and Photos, Continuity for cross-device functionality, and security features including FileVault and Gatekeeper.

    190 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Since

    • Since 2009

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • US flagUnited States
    macOS screenshot 1
    Good alternative?
     
    |
    9
12 of 184 Windows 10 alternatives