The Best Windows 7 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 7

Windows 7 is described as 'The successor to Windows Vista . The new OS introduces a compelling combination of welcome innovations and much-needed polish. Windows 7 is built with the codebase from Vista and minor upgrade (6' and is a leading operating system in the network & admin category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Windows 7 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows 7 alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 7 are Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux, elementary OS and ReactOS.

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Alternatives list

  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 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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    4
    115
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Positive
    20

    Ubuntu has everything and more then a user needs. Plus.

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

    Because of it's ease of use :)

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

    Windows 7 is slow now but it was fast then and Ubuntu is nothing like Windows 7!

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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 7.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 7.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  2. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     780 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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    2
    40
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    karaboungalos
    Positive
    6

    It is the best for those who know what they're doing.

    Vivek Vaishya
    Positive
    5

    Its a rolling release distro, so you get to see stuffs ahead of other distros.

    Windows 7 Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  4. 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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    4
    25
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    NickFreeman
    Positive
    5

    Software always up to date and easy to install latest kernel/drivers

    Gruak
    Positive
    1

    Has a linux kernel which is superior to windows NT kernel

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Very easy to use for new Linux users and (because it's based off Arch) has pacman which is the best package manager in my opinion

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  5. Ad
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    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
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  6. 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
    22
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Albert Wang
    Positive
    0

    User friendly, private, secure, and open source.

    Windows 7 Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  7. 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).

    195 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1
     
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    4
    29
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive
    5

    As ReactOS is still in alpha stage and not suitable for everyday use, it is not very good alternative yet. Also, now (2017) React OS makes effort to be compatible up to Windows Server 2003, while Windows Vista is in higher class. But as soon as React OS became more stable (supposedly in version 0.5) it will became more serious alternative for everyday use for usual users.

    liljjh
    Positive
    7

    Although it's in alpha, ReactOS is being built from the ground up to work like Windows. It being FOSS is also a nice touch.

    webzooks
    Negative
    0

    React OS is more like Open Source Windows XP.

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    3 of 4 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    ReactOS icon

    • Most users think ReactOS is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • ReactOS is the most popular Windows alternative to Windows 7.

    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • ReactOS is LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  8. macOS icon

    macOS

     565 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
    26
    Comments about macOS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    In my opinion if you're to this day using Windows 7 (or even older) you have no business with macOS. Trying out Linux (like Mint, Manjaro, MX or Fedora) is a much better idea and investment (for your knowledge and skills, money and privacy).

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -2

    The apps used on macOS are not compatible with Windows 7, and vice versa

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Windows 7 Icon
    macOS icon

    • Some users think macOS is a great Windows 7 alternative, some don't.

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Windows 7.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
  10. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 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.

    184 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    3
    14
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Can be set up to look almost like Win 7 or XP

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

    It's a Linux distro made to be as comfortable and familiar to Windows users as possible. That makes it a good alternative in my book.

    Albert Wang
    Positive
    0

    Not private, insecure, and closed source.

    Windows 7 Icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zorin OS is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  11. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     280 likes
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    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    14
  12. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     33 likes
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    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    70 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  13. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     292 likes
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    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.

    181 Xubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
     
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    1
    17
    Comments about Xubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 7
    marcostux
    Positive
    0

    No viruses, fast and security.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Windows 7 Icon
    Xubuntu icon

    • Most users think Xubuntu is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 7 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 7 is not according to our users
  14. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     413 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.

    178 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
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    6
    66
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Top Positive Comment
    Anthony Moose
    -2

    i upgrade from windows 7 to 10

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    21

    The interface is terrible, you have less control over it and it spies you even more than the previous Windows.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    6

    Windows 10 is full of bloatware

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    Windows 7 Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • Most users think Windows 10 is a great Windows 7 alternative.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to Windows 7.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryWindows 7 is also Paid and Proprietary
  15. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     94 likes
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    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
12 of 134 Windows 7 alternatives