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, Windows, Self-Hosted, Mac and Chrome OS 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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Windows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista . The new OS introduces a compelling combination of...

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Windows 7 alternatives page was last updated Jun 2, 2024
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  1. Ubuntu icon
     2347 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.

    160 Ubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Linux-based
    2.  Based on Debian
    3.  APT package manager
    4.  Support for Unicode
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Support for .deb files
    7.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    8.  Kde support
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  OTA Updates
    12.  Debian package compatible

    Ubuntu VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Apr 5, 2016
    20

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

    Jonathan Mckanna
    Positive Oct 10, 2021
    0

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

    Guest
    Positive Jul 8, 2020
    0

    Because of it's ease of use :)

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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
     764 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.

    191 Arch Linux alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Arch User Repository
    3.  Wiki documentation
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Bleeding edge
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Package Control
    12.  Works Offline

    Arch Linux VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    karaboungalos
    Positive May 4, 2017
    6

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

    Vivek Vaishya
    Positive Feb 22, 2018
    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
  3. Manjaro Linux icon
     325 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...

    173 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Clean design
    5.  Configurable

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Based on Arch Linux
    3.  Arch User Repository
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Simple installation
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    10.  Live booting from usb
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Wiki documentation

    Manjaro Linux VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Most Recent Comment
    NickFreeman
    Positive Apr 10, 2019
    5

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

    Gruak
    Positive Oct 31, 2020
    1

    Has a linux kernel which is superior to windows NT kernel

    Guest
    Positive Sep 9, 2020
    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

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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 and LightweightWindows 7 is not according to our users
  4. elementary OS icon
     347 likes
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    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    193 elementary OS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  macOS-like
    3.  Debian package compatible
    4.  Flatpak
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Consistent UI
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  App center
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Works Offline

    elementary OS VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Albert Wang
    Positive Dec 6, 2020
    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
  5. ReactOS icon
     286 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).

    193 ReactOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Windows XP Compatibility
    2.  Run Windows software
    3.  Nt kernel
    4.  Windows-like
    5.  Support for BTRFS
    6.  Community-based
    7.  Windows Compatible

    ReactOS VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Most Recent Comment
    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive May 15, 2017
    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.

    webzooks
    Negative Feb 8, 2024
    0

    React OS is more like Open Source Windows XP.

    liljjh
    Positive Jul 21, 2016
    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.

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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
  6. Kubuntu icon
     276 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.

    195 Kubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  KDE
    3.  Based on Debian
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Rolling Release
    7.  Desktop Application

    Kubuntu VS Windows 7

     
  7. Zorin OS icon
     124 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.

    179 Zorin OS alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux

    Properties

    1.  User friendly
    2.  Intuitive Interface
    3.  Customizable
    4.  Lightweight
    5.  Gaming-focused
    6.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Windows like desktop
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Windows-like
    4.  Out Of The Box
    5.  Run Windows software
    6.  Printer compatibility
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Based on Ubuntu
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Debian package compatible
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Works Offline

    Zorin OS VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive Jul 16, 2016
    0

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

    Albert Wang
    Positive Dec 6, 2020
    0

    Not private, insecure, and closed source.

    liljjh
    Positive Jul 21, 2016
    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.

    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 CustomizableWindows 7 is not according to our users
  8. macOS icon
     560 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.

    172 macOS alternatives

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac

    Top macOS Features

    1.  Consistent UI
    2.  Unix-like
    3.  Usability
    4.  Spotlight
    5. Microsoft 365 Copilot icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    6.  Unlock with fingerprint
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Chromecast Support
    10.  Voice Commands
    11.  QuickLook File Preview

    macOS VS Windows 7

     
    Comments about macOS as an Alternative to Windows 7
    Guest
    Negative Oct 5, 2020
    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).

    Guest
    Negative Jun 22, 2018
    -2

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

    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
8 of 136 Windows 7 alternatives