Windows 11 Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to Windows 11 for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative is Debian, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Windows 11 and 14 are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Windows 11 are Windows 10, ReactOS, Revision (ReviOS) and AtlasOS.

filter to find the best alternatives

Windows 11 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros 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. 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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    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 Forum is OK, Bug tracker system outdated.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
  2. 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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    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
  4. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

     290 likes
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    ReactOS™ is a FOSS effort to develop a quality operating system based on the architecture of Microsoft® Windows™ NT family of operating systems, that is compatible with applications and drivers written for it (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7).

    197 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1
     
  6. AtlasOS icon

    AtlasOS

     19 likes
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    An open and transparent modification of the Windows operating system, designed to optimize performance and latency. AtlasOS is creating a "kinder" Windows experience. Reducing bloatware and optimizing performance for enthusiasts, gamers, and privacy-conscious individuals.

    16 AtlasOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    AtlasOS screenshot 1
     
  9. Windows X-Lite icon

    Windows X-Lite

     3 likes
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    Windows X-Lite's Optimized Windows Builds are designed to Enhance Performance, Privacy, Stability and Control, and work with all Apps and Games on all PCs. Old or New, Weak or Strong, Desktop or Laptop.

    9 Windows X-Lite alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows X-Lite screenshot 1
     
  10. Tiny11 icon

    Tiny11

     4 likes
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    Tiny11 is a custom, minimalistic version of Windows 11 created by NTDev. It aims to improve performance and compatibility while reducing resource usage.

    13 Tiny11 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Tiny11 screenshot 1
     
  11. MINIX 3 icon

    MINIX 3

     10 likes
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    MINIX is a POSIX-compliant Unix-like operating system based on a tiny microkernel running in kernel mode with the rest of the operating system running as a number of isolated, protected, processes in user mode.

    150 MINIX 3 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    MINIX 3 screenshot 1
     
  13. illumos icon

    illumos

     19 likes
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    illumos is a free and open-source Unix operating system. It derives from OpenSolaris, which in turn derives from SVR4 UNIX and Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). illumos comprises a kernel, device drivers, system libraries, and utility software for system administration.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  14. ZealOS icon

    ZealOS

     2 likes
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    The Zeal Operating System is a modernized, professional fork of the 64-bit Temple Operating System. Guiding principles of development include transparency, full user control, and adherence to public-domain/open-source implementations.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    ZealOS screenshot 1
     
12 of 14 Windows 11 alternatives