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, Windows, BSD, Self-Hosted and Electrum apps. The best Windows 11 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 11 are Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Debian and Fedora.
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Windows 11 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros or Penetration Testing Tools. 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 11.- Operating System
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1099 likes185 Linux Mint alternativesLinux 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).
Linux Mint VS Windows 11
Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Windows 11?
2341 likes162 Ubuntu alternativesUbuntu 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.
Ubuntu VS Windows 11
Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
kaspianHas many spins, some similar to windows too (you'll probably like KDE). To the comment above, alternative doesn't mean "copy" :).
3LR88Clean. Respects users. Very easy to use. Newbie-friendly. Very well supported. Safe and secure.
1The 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.
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741 likes198 Arch Linux alternativesArch 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.
Arch Linux VS Windows 11
Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
kaspianIf you believe in your computer skills, a must-have.
4robotlandscapeI 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.
0GruakDoesn't spy on you. You own your computer.
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1113 likes198 Debian alternativesThe 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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
Debian VS Windows 11
Is Debian a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Windows 11
ZeroNet_ioit 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.
0
554 likes188 Fedora alternativesFedora 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.
Fedora VS Windows 11
Is Fedora a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Windows 11
Some Random GuyHonestly, from my experience, Fedora is pretty unstable.
-1PrinceSheepFedora 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
1mrfoxIt is a very good distro, I switched from Windows to it, but firstly I have been using Ubuntu, but I did not like it. I switched to fedora and it's been really great. However, KDE spin of fedora is better than the Workstation one if you want more customization. It's pretty stable even though it is cutting edge.
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324 likes185 Manjaro Linux alternativesManjaro 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...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Linux
- Arch Linux
Manjaro Linux VS Windows 11
Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
ZeroNet_ioManjaro 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.
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222 likes140 Tails alternativesThe 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...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Platforms
- Linux
- Electrum
- Tor Browser
- GNOME
- Tor
- VeraCrypt
- Thunderbird
Tails VS Windows 11
Is Tails a good alternative to Windows 11?
413 likes181 Windows 10 alternativesVersatile 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.
Windows 10 Features
Windows 10 VS Windows 11
Is Windows 10 a good alternative to Windows 11?Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Windows 11
PrinceSheepAlthough 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.
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Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Windows 11
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!
The graphical interface is like windows, its stable, and does not spy on you. Using the xfce or mate desktop, it becomes very lightweight and can run on very old machines.
Wasn't on the list of Windows 7 alternatives, despite being a great alternative for all windows versions. Best windows alternative, Windows 11 is awful, Mint reminds me of why i used to love windows.