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.
- Operating System
- Paid • Proprietary
- 176 Linux Mint alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
- Linux
- 160 Ubuntu alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Linux
- Ubuntu
- 190 Debian alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
- International
Platforms
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- 180 Fedora alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Linux
- 191 Arch Linux alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Canada
Platforms
- Linux
- 185 openSUSE alternatives
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Linux
- 177 Windows 10 alternatives
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.
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Windows
DiscontinuedAfter October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to
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
- 195 Kubuntu alternatives
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Linux
- 172 macOS alternatives
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.
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Application type
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- Mac
Top macOS Features
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
- Linux
- 187 FreeBSD alternatives
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...
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
United States
Platforms
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
- 193 ReactOS alternatives
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).
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
Country of Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
- Windows
- ReactOS
Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Windows 98
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.