Windows XP Alternatives for Linux

Windows XP is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Windows XP and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Windows XP are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

More about Windows XP
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Windows XP alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1187 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.

    188 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
    |
    2
    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

     2379 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.

    173 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
    |
    2
    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

     1173 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.

    205 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    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 p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     611 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.

    189 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
  7. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     791 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.

    205 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Zorin OS

     147 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.

    191 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
    |
    2
    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

     333 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...

    185 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
  15. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     294 likes

    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.

    183 Xubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
     
    |
    1
    Xubuntu vs Windows XP Comments
    Buster_Blue
    Positive
    0

    The low resource use of XFCE would be useful for running on the older computers that had Windows XP installed.

    • Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows XP is Paid and Proprietary
    • Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows XP is not according to our users
12 of 50 Windows XP alternatives