Windows 98 AlternativesOperating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 98

Windows 98 is described as 'The best MS-DOS Windows Operating System released by Microsoft. Nowadays many players of abandonware still miss this rather stable and innovative OS' and is a operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 25 alternatives to Windows 98 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, BSD, Windows, Self-Hosted and Mac apps. The best Windows 98 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 98 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

Windows 98 iconWindows 98
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The best MS-DOS Windows Operating System released by Microsoft. Nowadays many players of abandonware still miss this rather...

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Windows 98 alternatives page was last updated May 17, 2017
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  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1121 likes
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    Elegant Linux desktop OS based on Ubuntu and Debian, featuring unique menus, web-based package installation, full multimedia codecs, browser plugins, custom configuration tools, community feedback, robust updates, and approximately 30,000 available packages.

    176 Linux Mint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    Properties

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

    Features

    1.  Windows-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    4.  Cinnamon Desktop
    5.  Debian package compatible
    6.  Linux-based
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Out Of The Box
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Community-based
    12.  Built-in File Manager

    Linux Mint VS Windows 98

     

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Windows 98.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Windows 98.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 98 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 98 is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46

    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.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Support for .deb files
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  OTA Updates
    11.  Kde support
    12.  Dark Mode

    Ubuntu VS Windows 98

     
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1127 likes
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    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.

    190 Debian alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Low memory usage
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Package Control
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Command line interface
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Multiple desktops
    11.  Debian package compatible
    12.  Portable

    Debian VS Windows 98

     

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Windows 98.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 98 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 98 is not according to our users
  5. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     570 likes
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    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.

    180 Fedora alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Out Of The Box
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Wayland Support
    4.  Desktop Environment
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Support for BTRFS
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Unix-like
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Separated workspaces
    12.  Rolling Release

    Fedora VS Windows 98

     
  6. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop

    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 98

     
  7. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

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

    185 openSUSE alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Kde support
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Rolling Release
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Community-based

    openSUSE VS Windows 98

     
  9. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     411 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.

    177 Windows 10 alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to Windows 11 icon Windows 11 : https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/

    Windows 10 Features

    1.  Auto Update
    2.  Usability
    3.  PowerShell Scripting
    4. Microsoft OneDrive icon  Onedrive integration
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Tablet support
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Xbox Streaming
    10.  Binary packages

    Windows 10 VS Windows 98

     

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to Windows 98.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryWindows 98 is also Paid and Proprietary
  10. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"

    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 98

     
  11. macOS icon

    macOS

     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

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1

    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 98

     

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Windows 98.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryWindows 98 is Paid and Proprietary
  12. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     290 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.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  XFCE support
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No Tracking

    Xubuntu VS Windows 98

     
  13. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     259 likes
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    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    187 FreeBSD alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Unix-like
    2.  Geeky
    3.  ARM support
    4.  Package Control
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Ad-free

    FreeBSD VS Windows 98

     
  14. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

     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

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1

    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 98

     
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Windows 98
    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive May 15, 2017
    0

    As ReactOS is still in alpha stage and not suitable for everyday use, it is not very good alternative. But if you have some legacy (maybe customized or abandoned) software / game that require Windows 98, you should try React OS - it may work well and you will run your software in modern, supported OS.

    Windows 98 Icon
    ReactOS icon
    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 98 is Paid and Proprietary
    • ReactOS is LightweightWindows 98 is not according to our users
12 of 29 Windows 98 alternatives