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Windows 7 Alternatives

Windows 7 is described as 'is 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 is a 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, BSD, Windows, Self-Hosted solutions and VMware Workstation. The best alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 7 are Linux Mint, Arch Linux, Debian and Windows 10.

Windows 7 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Windows 7.
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Windows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista . The new OS introduces a compelling combination of...

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  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

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    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    177 alternatives to Ubuntu 

    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.

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    Features
    1.  Support for scriptingUbuntu supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsUbuntu can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    3.  LightweightUbuntu consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    4.  PortableUbuntu can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    5.  Privacy focusedUbuntu is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    6.  Ad-freeUbuntu doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
     Add a screenshot
    Ubuntu vs Windows 7 opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

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

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    20
    Jonathan_Mckanna

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

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    dharaandharia

    It is very great and nice

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    0
    Guest

    Because of it's ease of use :)

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    Guest

    Ubuntu is unix based system not similar to windows at all...

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    -31
  2. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

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    • Linux
    203 alternatives to Linux Mint 

    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: Uma (20.2).

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    Features
    1.  Ad-freeLinux Mint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    2.  No TrackingLinux Mint will not track you or use your personal data.
    3.  Dark ModeLinux Mint supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    4.  Privacy focusedLinux Mint is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Linux Mint vs Windows 7 opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

    Very good alternative to Windows. Very easy to learn and very stable

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    13
    Guest

    User-friendly windows-like operating system.

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    9
    Guest

    it easy to learn. safe. no update he#$.

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    4
    Guest

    Mint might be more suitable for the type of person who stuck with Win7 even after Windows 10 came along.

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    10
    Guest

    Very friendly, easy and light.

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    0
    Guest

    Fast, fluid, low need for ram and free

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    3
    Guest

    Easy to install and set up

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  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

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    • Linux
    194 alternatives to Arch Linux 

    Arch Linux is an independently developed, i686- and x86_64-optimised 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.

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    1.  Rolling ReleaseArch Linux supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
    2.  LightweightArch Linux consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
    another arch with KDE 4.3 desktop
    arch for console addict
    Arch Linux vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think Arch Linux is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    vivekvaishya

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

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    5
    karaboungalos

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

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    6
  5. Debian icon

    Debian

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    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Windows S
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    212 alternatives to Debian 

    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.

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    Features
    1.  Rolling ReleaseDebian supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
    2.  No TrackingDebian will not track you or use your personal data.
    Debian 9 gnome.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Debian vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think Debian is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

    Debian respects their users' privacy and right to control the software that they use.

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    7
    Guest

    Unlike ubuntu and windows 7 you can completely customize your os by changing various different desktop enviroments, icons, cursors and more.

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    5
    Guest

    it's free software, and contains a gazillion of packages with usable software, ready to install.

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    0
  6. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

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    154 alternatives to Windows 10 

    Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems

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    Features
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Windows 10 vs Windows 7 opinions
    This alternative is disputed. Windows 10 is still a legitimate alternative to Windows 7, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
    AnthonyMoose

    i upgrade from windows 7 to 10

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    Guest

    Windows 7 is an NT based operating system, Windoge 10 is NT base spyware

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    37
    Guest

    Windows 10 is full of bloatware

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    4
    Guest

    Full of bloatware, advertisement, spies on the user and can be easily obtained by Windows 7 users, who wouldn't be searching an alternative for their current operating system if they wanted to use Windows 10.

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    17
    Guest

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

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    19
    Guest

    More secure, faster, and newer.

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    -17
  8. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

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    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    223 alternatives to Manjaro Linux 

    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...

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    Features
    1.  Rolling ReleaseManjaro Linux supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
    2.  LightweightManjaro Linux consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    3.  No TrackingManjaro Linux will not track you or use your personal data.
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (KDE)
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (I3)
    Manjaro Linux vs Windows 7 opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

    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

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    1
    AlbertWang

    User friendly, private, secure, and open source.

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    1
    Gruak

    Has a linux kernel which is superior to windows NT kernel

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    1
    NickFreeman

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

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    5
  9. Fedora icon

    Fedora

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    • Linux
    204 alternatives to Fedora 

    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.

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    Features
    1.  Privacy focusedFedora is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    2.  No TrackingFedora will not track you or use your personal data.
    Fedora 23 (GNOME)
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Fedora vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think Fedora is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

    Combines ease of use with solid software backed up by Red Hat Corporation. You don't have to hack around the system, but when you want to – obscure solutions (i.e. Mir and Unity in Ubuntu) don't stand in your way

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    1
    AlbertWang

    User friendly, private, secure, and open source.

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    1
    karaboungalos

    It is user-friendly, but not enough for people who don't know how to use PCs properly.

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    0
    Guest

    Great distro for beginners

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    0
  10. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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    • Linux
    212 alternatives to elementary OS 

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

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    Features
    1.  Lightweightelementary OS consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    2.  Distraction-freeelementary OS has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
    The boot screen
    The logon screen
    The desktop and the menu
    elementary OS vs Windows 7 opinions
    Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    AlbertWang

    User friendly, private, secure, and open source.

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  11. macOS icon

    macOS

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    177 alternatives to macOS 

    macOS is a Unix-based operating system, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to run on Macintosh computers, having been pre-installed on all Macs since 2002. Within the market of home computers, and by web usage, macOS is the second most widely used desktop OS...

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    Features
    1.  Privacy focusedmacOS is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    2.  Chromecast SupportCast your content to a Chromecast connected device with macOS.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    macOS vs Windows 7 opinions
    Some users think macOS is a great alternative to Windows 7, some don't.
    Guest

    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).

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    Guest

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

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    -2
  12. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

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    • Windows
    • FreeDOS
    172 alternatives to ReactOS 

    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).

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    Features
    1.  LightweightReactOS consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    ReactOS vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think ReactOS is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    liljjh

    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.

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    7
    KuboFHromoslav

    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.

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    5
    Guest

    Despite it being 100% compatible with windows xp, not many apps run on it and has a lot of bugs.

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Showing 10 of 137 alternatives
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