The Best 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, Manjaro Linux and Fedora.

Windows 10 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros or Penetration Testing Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Windows 10.

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Linux Mint
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
224 Linux Mint alternatives
Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people. The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use. Latest: Vera (21.1).
- - Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 10.
- - Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 10.
Suggest and vote on features
Linux Mint Features
1. Ad-freeLinux Mint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. No TrackingLinux Mint will not track you or use your personal data.
3. LightweightLinux Mint consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Dark ModeLinux Mint supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedLinux Mint is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Works OfflineLinux Mint can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Customizable
Windows-like
Based on Ubuntu
Support for Nvidia drivers
Cinnamon Desktop
Debian package compatible
User friendly
Linux-based
Out Of The Box
Based on Debian
Comments about Linux Mint as a Alternative to Windows 10
Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Windows 10 alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Farook Al-Sammarraie
Windows like UI, easy to use, Free and open source
Top positive comment •
15

kylepiira
Similar user interface to Windows 10.
Top positive comment •
3

Sebastian
One of the best Linux Distros you can get :)
Positive comment •
0

Viktor31
Friendly, stable and windows like UI operating system, one of the best for begginers on Linux.
Positive comment •
0

Projjal Moitra
Linux Mint is far ahead of Windows 10 in terms of customizability, performance, privacy, stability. This OS is lovely, therefore give it a try, you'll not be too far from home with it's Windows-like Interface (Cinnamon DE).
Positive comment •
1

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5 of 29 comments
Ubuntu
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Ubuntu
206 Ubuntu alternatives
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.
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Ubuntu Features
1. Support for scriptingUbuntu supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. PortableUbuntu can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. LightweightUbuntu consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsUbuntu can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Linux-based
Customizable
Based on Debian
User friendly
APT package manager
Support for Unicode
OTA Updates
Kde support
KDE
X server
Comments about Ubuntu as a Alternative to Windows 10
Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great Windows 10 alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Cora
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 positive comment •
11

rasser01
Extremely user friendly. A very good Windows alternative for non-tech savvy people.
Top positive comment •
1

Jack Vegas
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.
Top negative comment •
2

Guest
Because while Win10 is buggy shit with a lot of bloatware and spyware in it with horrible UI/UX... Ubuntu is FOSS, privacy focused, without bugs and anoying things, without bloatware and spyware, and with much better UI/UX. Still it has some shortcomings but it's one of the best systems and Linux distros at all.
Positive comment •
0

OgMaster
Is from the family of GNU/Linux with everything is opensource
Positive comment •
0

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5 of 27 comments
Debian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
234 Debian alternatives
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.
- - Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Windows 10.
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Debian Features
1. Rolling ReleaseDebian supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. No TrackingDebian will not track you or use your personal data.
3. LightweightDebian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Privacy focusedDebian is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeDebian doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Command line interfaceDebian either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
7. Dark ModeDebian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Debian without registration.
9. PortableDebian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Low memory usage
Package Control
Based on Debian
Comments about Debian as a Alternative to Windows 10
Most users think Debian is a great Windows 10 alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Oktay Mercan
Like a vanilla linux os and most large packe library. also you can run windows games and other programs on linux.
Top positive comment •
5

Guest
Debian is one of the most stable operating systems ever built, and it supports alot of software
Top positive comment •
12

Guest
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.
Top negative comment •
13

Guest
it's not functional without user coding
Negative comment •
-7

Guest
i have linux mint 19.2 cinnamon and i find it very easy to operate windows always change desktop also my wife woke up to use her computer with windows 10 when she turned on it was completely wiped out her browser was not there all icons etc.
Positive comment •
-1

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5 of 7 comments
Manjaro Linux
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Arch Linux
247 Manjaro Linux alternatives
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...
Suggest and vote on features
Manjaro Linux Features
1. Rolling ReleaseManjaro Linux supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. LightweightManjaro Linux consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. No TrackingManjaro Linux will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Ad-freeManjaro Linux doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Manjaro Linux without registration.
Based on Arch Linux
Customizable
Arch User Repository
User friendly
Linux-based
Community-based
Simple installation
Out Of The Box
Clean design
Support for Nvidia drivers
Comments about Manjaro Linux as a Alternative to Windows 10
Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Windows 10 alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Arch Linux but friendly both for experienced Linux and normal Windows users.
Top positive comment •
4

Guest
It's the easiest Linux distribution for newbies: install with a few clicks and ready to go. Plus a rolling release OS with guarantees all the latest updates in time and no complex major upgrades.
Top positive comment •
4

TheTrader
There are many reasons why I prefer Manjaro to Windows, e.g. the package management and the performance. If you want a similar interface to windows, you can install the community cinnamon build.
Positive comment •
0

burkerude
easy to use, never had it break on me once.
Positive comment •
0

Guest
User friendly. Great entry to the Linux and Free Software world. Best hardware support out of all Linux. Rolling release. Fast updates.
Positive comment •
2

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5 of 6 comments
Fedora
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
225 Fedora alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Fedora Features
1. No TrackingFedora will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedFedora is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeFedora doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeFedora supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Fedora without registration.
6. Rolling ReleaseFedora supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
7. LightweightFedora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Out Of The Box
Linux-based
Customizable
Wayland Support
Support for BTRFS
FOSS
Unix-like
Separated workspaces
Multiple languages
Key rebinding
Comments about Fedora as a Alternative to Windows 10
Most users think Fedora is a great Windows 10 alternative.
Guest
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.
Positive comment •
4

Guest
Easy to use and really good performance. In my I haven't experienced errors with it.
Positive comment •
3

cycroenerugi
Its easy to use and its much faster.
Positive comment •
5
elementary OS
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
234 elementary OS alternatives
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
Suggest and vote on features
elementary OS Features
1. Lightweightelementary OS consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Distraction-freeelementary OS has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
3. Ad-freeelementary OS doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. No Trackingelementary OS will not track you or use your personal data.
macOS-like
Based on Ubuntu
Debian package compatible
Configurable
Flatpak
App center
Consistent UI
Out Of The Box
Unix kernel
Comments about elementary OS as a Alternative to Windows 10
Most users think elementary OS is a great Windows 10 alternative.
RemovedUser
If you want to switch from Windows 10 to something more similar to macOS then this is the best alternative for both OS.
Positive comment •
3

Guest
Really easy to use and a very simple interface. And, obviously a nice look!
Positive comment •
1

Guest
Similar UI to MacOS, but free and can run on any computer that runs windows.
Positive comment •
1

Jack Vegas
Has an incredibly easy-to-use interface that makes it so simple to grasp for any new Linux user. Easily one of the top options for a beginner-friendly Linux distro.
Positive comment •
0
Xubuntu
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
187 Xubuntu alternatives
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.
Suggest and vote on features
Xubuntu Features
1. LightweightXubuntu consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
XFCE support
Based on Ubuntu
Based on Debian
Comments about Xubuntu as a Alternative to Windows 10
Almost everyone thinks Xubuntu is a great Windows 10 alternative.
Oktay Mercan
Good linux alternative for windows lightweight and ubuntu base.
Positive comment •
2

altenativeto
Extremely fast, stable reliable and fully compatible to Ubuntu.
Positive comment •
0

Guest
Stable, easy to use, lightweight on even lower spec/older computers.
Positive comment •
4