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Windows 7 Alternatives for Linux

Windows 7 is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Windows 7 and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Windows 7 are Linux Mint, Arch Linux, Debian and Manjaro Linux.

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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  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

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    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    186 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.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    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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    0
    dharaandharia

    It is very great and nice

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    0
    Guest

    Because of it's ease of use :)

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    0
    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
    205 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: Vera (21.1).

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    Features
    1.  Ad-freeLinux Mint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    2.  Privacy focusedLinux Mint is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    3.  No TrackingLinux Mint will not track you or use your personal data.
    4.  LightweightLinux Mint consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    5.  Dark ModeLinux Mint supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    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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    0
  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

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    • Linux
    202 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
    215 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. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

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    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    225 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
  8. Fedora icon

    Fedora

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    • Linux
    207 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.  No TrackingFedora will not track you or use your personal data.
    2.  Privacy focusedFedora is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    3.  Ad-freeFedora doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    4.  LightweightFedora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    5.  Rolling ReleaseFedora supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
    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
  9. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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    • Linux
    214 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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    0
  10. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

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    • Linux
    214 alternatives to Kubuntu 

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

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    Features
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
    Kubuntu vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think Kubuntu is a great alternative to Windows 7.
  11. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

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    • Linux
    204 alternatives to openSUSE 

    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

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    Features
    1.  Rolling ReleaseopenSUSE supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    KDE Plasma desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    XFCE desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    openSUSE vs Windows 7 opinions
    Most users think openSUSE is a great alternative to Windows 7.
    Guest

    it's a classic Linux platform that has been around for a long time and proven its stability.

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    0
  12. Tails icon

    Tails

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    • Linux
    • Electrum
    • Tor Browser Bundle
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • VeraCrypt
    • Thunderbird
    102 alternatives to Tails 

    The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is a Debian 9 based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user. The product ships with several Internet applications, including web browser, IRC client, mail client...

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    Features
    1.  Privacy focusedTails is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    2.  PGP EncryptionTails supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
    3.  No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tails without registration.
    4.  No TrackingTails will not track you or use your personal data.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
Showing 10 of 112 alternatives
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