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.

Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Windows 7 alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Ubuntu icon
     2380 likes

    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.

    173 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
     
    |
    4
  2. Arch Linux icon
     792 likes

    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.

    205 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    2
  3. Manjaro Linux icon
     334 likes

    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...

    185 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
     
    |
    4
  4. elementary OS icon
     352 likes

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

    203 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    1
  5. ReactOS icon
     295 likes

    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).

    201 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
     
    |
    4
  6. Zorin OS icon
     148 likes

    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.

    191 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    3
  7. macOS icon
     567 likes

    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.

    181 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
    |
    2
  8. CachyOS icon
     48 likes

    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...

    78 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  9. Pop!_OS icon
     101 likes

    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.

    182 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  10. NixOS icon
     71 likes

    NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less...

    194 NixOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
     
  11. Xubuntu icon
     294 likes

    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.

    183 Xubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    1
12 of 134 Windows 7 alternatives