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

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

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Windows 10 alternatives are mainly Linux Distros but may also be Operating Systems or Penetration Testing Tools.  Other popular filters includes Windows + Free. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Windows 10.
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Windows 10 alternatives page was last updated Jan 21, 2025
  1. Linux Mint icon
     1099 likes

    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: Wilma (22).

    176 Linux Mint alternatives
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Windows-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    4.  Cinnamon Desktop
    5.  Debian package compatible
    6.  Linux-based
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Out Of The Box
    9.  Application Launchers
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Community-based
    Linux Mint iconWindows 10 Icon

    Linux Mint VS Windows 10

    Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    Comment summary: Linux Mint is praised for its ease of use, stability, and customization options, making it a suitable alternative to Windows 10. Users appreciate its Windows-like interface, especially the Cinnamon desktop environment, which feels familiar to Windows users. Features highlighted include no spyware, user-friendliness, lightweight requirements, and strong open-source values. It's considered beginner-friendly and respects privacy, offering a robust experience without the bloatware often associated with Windows.
    Farook Al-Sammarraie

    Windows like UI, easy to use, Free and open source

    Top positive commentDec 21, 2019
    15
    Sebastian

    One of the best Linux Distros you can get :)

    Positive commentNov 9, 2023
    0
    Viktor31

    Friendly, stable and windows like UI operating system, one of the best for begginers on Linux.

    Positive commentNov 30, 2021
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 29 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    Linux Mint icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 10.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 10.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon
     2342 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.

    154 Ubuntu alternatives
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Linux-based
    2.  Based on Debian
    3.  APT package manager
    4.  Support for Unicode
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Kde support
    8.  Support for .deb files
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  OTA Updates
    12.  Support for scripting
    Ubuntu iconWindows 10 Icon

    Ubuntu VS Windows 10

    Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    Comment summary: Ubuntu is praised for being a free, open-source, and secure alternative to Windows 10, offering easy installation and a user-friendly interface. Its strengths include customizable options, fast performance, and a supportive community. However, some users find Ubuntu challenging due to its different UI and potential driver issues. While it's highlighted as a great option for tech-savvy users, others suggest that distributions like Linux Mint might be more accessible for those seeking an easy transition from Windows.
    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 commentJan 30, 2019
    12
    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 commentApr 28, 2021
    1
    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 commentJun 17, 2021
    2
    Show more comments
    3 of 27 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    Ubuntu icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is CustomizableWindows 10 is not according to our users
  3. Debian icon
     1113 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.

    186 Debian alternatives
    Debian 9 gnome.

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Low memory usage
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Package Control
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Command line interface
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable
    Debian iconWindows 10 Icon

    Debian VS Windows 10

    Is Debian a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    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 commentMar 8, 2019
    5
    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 commentSep 2, 2017
    13
    veddev

    I love Debian cuz its rock-solid

    Positive commentOct 30, 2024
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 8 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    Debian icon
    • Most users think Debian is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Windows 10.

    • 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
  4. Fedora icon
     557 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.

    177 Fedora alternatives
    Fedora 38

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Out Of The Box
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Wayland Support
    4.  Desktop Environment
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Support for BTRFS
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Unix-like
    9.  Multiple languages
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Separated workspaces
    12.  No registration required
    Fedora iconWindows 10 Icon

    Fedora VS Windows 10

    Is Fedora a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
    cycroenerugi

    Its easy to use and its much faster.

    Positive commentAug 20, 2017
    5
    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 commentJul 31, 2020
    4
    Guest

    Easy to use and really good performance. In my I haven't experienced errors with it.

    Positive commentMay 23, 2020
    3
    Windows 10 Icon
    Fedora icon
    • Most users think Fedora is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Fedora is Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
  5. Arch Linux icon
     742 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.

    189 Arch Linux alternatives
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Arch User Repository
    3.  Wiki documentation
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Bleeding edge
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Package Control
    12.  Works Offline
    Arch Linux iconWindows 10 Icon

    Arch Linux VS Windows 10

    Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    Oktay Mercan

    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 positive commentMar 8, 2019
    3
    williamneis

    This distributions isn't a good choice if you're used to MacOS or Windows. It's very difficult even to install it. Everything is around the terminal and commands. It isn't for newbies, especially these who are entering on Linux world.

    Top negative commentJun 8, 2017
    59
    Jack Vegas

    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.

    Positive commentApr 28, 2021
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 8 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    Arch Linux icon
    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • 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
  6. elementary OS icon
     341 likes

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

    190 elementary OS alternatives
    Boot Screen

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  macOS-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Debian package compatible
    4.  Flatpak
    5.  App center
    6.  Out Of The Box
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Consistent UI
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Dark Mode
    elementary OS iconWindows 10 Icon

    elementary OS VS Windows 10

    Is elementary OS a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    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 commentJan 8, 2021
    3
    Guest

    Similar UI to MacOS, but free and can run on any computer that runs windows.

    Positive commentJul 31, 2020
    1
    Guest

    Really easy to use and a very simple interface. And, obviously a nice look!

    Positive commentMay 23, 2020
    1
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    elementary OS icon
    • Most users think elementary OS is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
  7. ReactOS icon
     284 likes

    ReactOS™ is an Open Source effort to develop a quality operating system that is compatible with applications and drivers written for the Microsoft® Windows™ NT family of operating systems (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Seven).

    191 ReactOS alternatives
    ReactOS screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • FreeDOS

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Windows XP Compatibility
    2.  Run Windows software
    3.  Nt kernel
    4.  Windows-like
    5.  Support for BTRFS
    6.  Community-based
    ReactOS iconWindows 10 Icon

    ReactOS VS Windows 10

    Is ReactOS a good alternative to Windows 10?
     
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Windows 10
     
       
    lounes-tb

    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 positive commentSep 6, 2018
    7
    Guest

    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.

    Top negative commentJul 31, 2020
    0
    Mano

    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.

    Positive commentJan 15, 2020
    1
    Show more comments
    3 of 6 comments
    Windows 10 Icon
    ReactOS icon
    • Most users think ReactOS is a great Windows 10 alternative.

    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
    • ReactOS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
7 of 151 Windows 10 alternatives