Windows XP AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows XP

Windows XP is described as 'Line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and media centers. The name "XP" is short for "experience"' and is a very popular operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Windows XP for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Windows, Self-Hosted, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows XP alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows XP are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1171 likes

    Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    Linux Mint vs Windows XP Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Wasn't on the list of alternatives for windows 7, despite it being the best windows alternative for all versions, and couldn't suggest it as a guest, so found it here in XP. Best Windows alternative, 95 to 11.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    it s all in + User frendly (you dont need to know what an Admin is,if U r root = it s 4 Relatives = They need no (less) support = YOUR Live become easy ;-)))

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows XP is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows XP is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2369 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.

    167 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    Ubuntu vs Windows XP Comments
    gdmanjaro0
    Negative
    1

    Doesn't have a 32-bits CPU support. Requires more RAM, than windows xp.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Stable, familiar user interface, safer than Windows from malware, lots of software available. And especially the Lubuntu version, runs VERY well on older computers with less power and memory.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows XP is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows XP is not according to our users
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1161 likes

    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.

    200 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     600 likes

    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.

    183 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
  7. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     784 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.

    200 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
  8. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     143 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.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    Zorin OS vs Windows XP Comments
    ThomasStevenson
    Positive
    0

    Really fast and responsive system. After moving to Zorin OS, my computer ran faster than it ever did with Windows XP, and it doesn't get viruses as it's based on Linux. I could even edit my MS Office documents with Zorin OS out of the box without paying for MS Office.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Due to the UI customisability of Zorin OS, I have completely switched to exclusively Linux (Zorin & Lubuntu) on my daily driver and so far there haven't been any adverse effects for me personally. Eventually I will have my main and secondary home system running Zorin also!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows XP is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows XP is not according to our users
  10. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     329 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...

    180 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
  14. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

     291 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).

    195 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1
     
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    2
    ReactOS vs Windows XP Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    9

    It runs Windows software on a free OS, but it's not finished.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    6

    Its a great looking operating system for Windows users but its still in alpha and not finished i love the look and feel of react os but its too unstable

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows XP is Paid and Proprietary
    • ReactOS is LightweightWindows XP is not according to our users
  15. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     413 likes

    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

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
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    Windows 10 vs Windows XP Comments
    John Fastman
    Positive
    -6

    If you must use Windows then Windows 10 is the best Windows XP alternative, primarily because XP is no longer supported, no longer receives security updates and should be considered a security liability.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryWindows XP is also Paid and Proprietary
12 of 59 Windows XP alternatives