The Best Windows 11 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 11

Windows 11 is described as 'The latest Windows update with a redesigned Start menu, Widgets integration, Xbox gaming features, and tighter security requirements, built with modern hardware in mind' and is a operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Windows 11 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows 11 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 11 are Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux and Fedora.

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Windows 11 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Desktop Environments you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Operating System, EU, Lightweight, Linux and Windows. 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 11.
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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1157 likes
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    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.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    7
    34
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    robotlandscape
    6

    Mint is the best linux alternative to Windows. User interface wise it's an easy switch, privacy-wise it's miles more user-centric, resource-wise it's far lighter. Lots of people knock it for being "the easy one", but honestly? That's a good thing!

    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive
    0

    Linux Mint looks much like Windows 11 but does not spy, is lightweight and fast, free as in freedom, free of charge. It is great for general users. Unless you really need some very specific software, things just work.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    I don't like being forced to purchase a new computer and having my existing being outdated!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 7 comments
    Windows 11 Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 11.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 11.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2362 likes
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    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.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    6
    18
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    LR88
    2

    Clean. Respects users. Very easy to use. Newbie-friendly. Very well supported. Safe and secure.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    0

    The Gnome desktop isn’t similar enough to Windows 11’s desktop. Try Lubuntu with LXQT desktop or Pop! OS for a more familiar desktop for Windows 11 users.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    KeenFlosser
    Positive
    0

    Pretty much plug-and-play these days with great improvements nowadays.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    Windows 11 Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1155 likes
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    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.

    199 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Windows 11
    ZeroNet_io
    Positive
    0

    it is pretty stable, has enough software packages, many online tutorials works on its .deb/apt. Forum is OK, Bug tracker system outdated. I am considering no longer using KDE desktop on it, due to a longer term issues with it, even its UI is really good.

    Windows 11 Icon
    Debian icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Debian is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Windows 11.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    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
    Learn More
  6. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     777 likes
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    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.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    5
    9
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    kaspian
    4

    If you believe in your computer skills, a must-have.

    Top Negative Comment
    robotlandscape
    2

    I love arch linux, but don't believe it can serve as a replacement to Windows 11 for many people. It's very slim & barebones, requiring users to go through many hoops just to get their machine up & running. If someone asked me what they could use if they were fed up with Windows, I would not direct them to arch, I would direct them to Mint first.

    Gruak
    Positive
    2

    Doesn't spy on you. You own your computer.

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    3 of 5 comments
    Windows 11 Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  7. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     589 likes
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    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.

    184 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    4
    14
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    So easy to use, with GNOME-Desktop and DNF package manager. Installation is easy, and just about any Software I think of is available in the repo.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Some Random Guy
    Positive
    -1

    Honestly, from my experience, Fedora is pretty unstable.

    PrinceSheep
    1

    Fedora is a Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat, it offers the Gnome desktop by default, GNOME offers a diffrent yet simple desktop experience to Windows.

    Fedora does have some issues with app compatibility, but most major applications support it

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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 11 Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Fedora is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  8. Tails icon

    Tails

     247 likes
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    The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is a Debian 9 based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user. The product ships with several Internet applications, including web browser, IRC client, mail client...

    130 Tails alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Tor Browser
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • Thunderbird
    Tails screenshot 1
     
  10. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     131 likes
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    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.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    5
    10
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    3

    Zorin 16 os os perfect linux distro, qnd it is very easy to use ui

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Lucas Dondo
    Positive
    0

    The transition is seamless and the experience once in Zorin feels pretty much like Windows, but without the nasty Windows-stuff.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    i like zorin a little bit all i can say is better then windows

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 5 comments
    Windows 11 Icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zorin OS is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  11. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
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    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...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    1
    8
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
    ZeroNet_io
    Positive
    -1

    Manjaro is OK after switching from a Windows. Especially good is their helpful forum/community. Later I have not been satisfied with its frequent and big rolling release updates so I have switched to a Debian which is better in this and more stable (at the cost of older app versions). But I can still use AppImages and portable versions of apps if latest version is necessary.

    Windows 11 Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Most users think Manjaro Linux is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  13. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    1
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    maurosoft391
    Negative
    -4

    it's like macOS and have a bad UI

    Windows 11 Icon
    elementary OS icon
    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  14. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     412 likes
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    Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.

    179 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
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    2
    8
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    less flaws and crashes, and easier to use. It also has less backdoors and more avenues to protect form the users privacy being invaded.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    PrinceSheep
    Positive
    0

    Although Linux is a great alternative to windows, people still use software that isn't compatible and aren't comfortable installing another OS. Windows 10 support ends in 2025, so you still have lots of time to comfortably use it.

    Windows 11 Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • Most users think Windows 10 is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to Windows 11.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryWindows 11 is also Paid and Proprietary
  15. macOS icon

    macOS

     564 likes
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    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.

    175 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Comments about macOS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    reliable and trustworthier than windows

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    PrinceSheep
    Positive
    -2

    Macos is the choice for creative workers. It is stable, has a nice UI, and is fast. It supports software such as Adobe CC and Microsoft Word.

    Windows 11 Icon
    macOS icon

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Windows 11.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
12 of 168 Windows 11 alternatives