The Best Windows 10 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 10

Windows 10 is described as 'A versatile OS with universal app architecture, free initial year offer, redesigned UI for mouse and touch, virtual desktop, and improved security' and is a very popular operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Windows 10 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows 10 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Windows 10 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and ReactOS.

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Windows 10 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Mobile OSs you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Windows, Linux, Open Source, EU, Windows + Free and Free. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Windows 10.

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Get a badge for your siteWindows 10 alternatives page was last updated Jun 23, 2026

Linux Mint
1223 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.
198 Linux Mint alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
Ireland
EU
+4
Good alternative?Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Windows 10?

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32comments
Linux Mint vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by Farook Al-Sammarraie · Dec 21, 2019
Windows like UI, easy to use, Free and open source
Positive comment by thebenmix11 · Jun 23, 2026
It's as easy to get used to as it gets
Positive comment by soul1472 · Mar 19, 2026
Mint is beginner-friendly + has a decent visual interface (and not just the command line). i'd say it's the easiest distro for ex-Windows users.
3 of 32 comments
Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Linux Mint is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Ubuntu
2407 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.
181 Ubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Ubuntu
United Kingdom
+1
Good alternative?Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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28comments
Ubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by Cora · Jan 30, 2019
Ubuntu is free of charge, more secure and comes with an office suite and user tools out of the box; something that Microsoft sells at a premium when it barely functions.
Top Negative Comment by Jack Vegas · Apr 28, 2021
Ubuntu is only a good alternative for Windows users open to a new OOTB experience and likely power users. For users who want something easy to use and familiar, Linux Mint, Pop_OS and Elementary are better alternatives by far.
Positive comment by Guest · Mar 20, 2025
Very easy to install and configure plus regular updatesand plenty of tools to use
3 of 28 comments
Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Ubuntu is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Debian
1199 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.
215 Debian alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
International
Platforms
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
Global
+2
Good alternative?Is Debian a good alternative to Windows 10?

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8comments
Debian vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by veddev · Oct 30, 2024
I love Debian cuz its rock-solid
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Sep 2, 2017
Debian is a not so good alternative for those who cares about updates. We know that to maintain the stability, the distribution (at least his stable branch) doesn't have the latest updates firstly. This way, some users won't feel truly fulfilled by the distribution.
Negative comment by Guest · Sep 9, 2020
it's not functional without user coding
3 of 8 comments
Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Debian is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
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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
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Fedora
638 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.
196 Fedora alternatives
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Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
United States
+9
Good alternative?Is Fedora a good alternative to Windows 10?

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3comments
Fedora vs Windows 10 Comments
Positive comment by cycroenerugi · Aug 20, 2017
Its easy to use and its much faster.
Positive comment by Guest · Jul 31, 2020
Great defaults, good security, and fast updates, thought it does need codecs from a third party to play some media. One of the best OSes for a software developer, sysadmin, or power user.
Positive comment by Guest · May 23, 2020
Easy to use and really good performance. In my I haven't experienced errors with it.
3 of 3 comments
Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Fedora is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
ReactOS
301 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).
207 ReactOS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-2.0)
Application type
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Windows
ReactOS
Germany
EU
+9
Good alternative?Is ReactOS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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6comments
ReactOS vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by lounes-tb · Sep 6, 2018
ReactOS is an opensource reimplementation of the NT api (ms windows) with a lot of inovative ideas like the package manager and the BTRFS support.
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Jul 31, 2020
This is effectively a clone of Windows XP, and while it runs some software, it can not run most programs. It runs poorly on real hardware.
Positive comment by Mano · Jan 15, 2020
This is meant to be an "open source windows". Despite being in alpha, it works and you can still use all your .exes and installers, so no need to worry about having to abandon all your "windows only" programs.
3 of 6 comments
ReactOS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
ReactOS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Arch Linux
812 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.
212 Arch Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Canada
Platforms
Linux
Canada
+1
Good alternative?Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Windows 10?

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9comments
Arch Linux vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by Oktay Mercan · Mar 8, 2019
if you are a geek, and you bored Windows and MacOS. if you say "want to more customizable and want more more thing". want to useing CLI like a hacker more control and more permission on OS and want open source OS then you should try ARCH linux. I'm warn you, too complicate use and install, not for end user.
Top Negative Comment by williamneis · Jun 8, 2017
This distributions isn't a good choice if you're used to MacOS or Windows. It's very difficult even to install it. Everything is around the terminal and commands. It isn't for newbies, especially these who are entering on Linux world.
Negative comment by soul1472 · Mar 19, 2026
too complex to switch comfortably.
3 of 9 comments
Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Arch Linux is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Kubuntu
298 likes
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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1comment
Kubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments
Positive comment by Guest · Jul 19, 2018
As it says, it's Ubuntu, but with the KDE environment.
1 of 1 comments
Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Kubuntu is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Kubuntu is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users
Zorin OS
163 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.
197 Zorin OS alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
Ireland
EU
+2
Good alternative?Is Zorin OS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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5comments
Zorin OS vs Windows 10 Comments
Top Positive Comment by Guest · Feb 14, 2019
Unless all other linux, his display are stable AND unserfriendly. It don't shit on your face when you try to install a non-free package, it don't care, it try to launch at anycost like a windows. It's easy to install windows software with a wine preconfig. Well, if you want to use the real power of Linux, go for it !
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Jan 8, 2021
I have switched from Windows 10 to Zorin OS (with xfce as a Desktop Enviroment) for almost one year. This operating system is very easy to use, and I recommend it for anyone who wants to try to use a distro based on the Linux Kernel without too much difference from a Windows interface.
Positive comment by Kepler · May 7, 2017
It is like windows 7 and is good for noobs who has just started using linux. Plus, you can run some Windows apps in this with an app called Wine.
3 of 5 comments
Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Zorin OS is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
openSUSE
352 likes
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
208 openSUSE alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Germany
EU
Good alternative?Is openSUSE a good alternative to Windows 10?

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2comments
openSUSE vs Windows 10 Comments
Positive comment by Maxi_Mega · Nov 24, 2017
Every Linux are better than Windows !
Positive comment by sambaker · Nov 12, 2017
It is very light weight, minimalistic and smooth. It has the perfect balance of simplicity and customization.
2 of 2 comments
openSUSE is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
openSUSE is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
openSUSE is Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
Xubuntu
295 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.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is Xubuntu a good alternative to Windows 10?

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3comments
Xubuntu vs Windows 10 Comments
Positive comment by altenativeto · Dec 10, 2018
Extremely fast, stable reliable and fully compatible to Ubuntu.
Positive comment by Guest · May 26, 2018
Stable, easy to use, lightweight on even lower spec/older computers.
Positive comment by Oktay Mercan · Mar 8, 2019
Good linux alternative for windows lightweight and ubuntu base.
3 of 3 comments
Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
Xubuntu is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 10 is not according to our users
CachyOS
78 likes
CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...
87 CachyOS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Germany
EU
Good alternative?Is CachyOS a good alternative to Windows 10?
elementary OS
357 likes
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
213 elementary OS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
United States
+9
Good alternative?Is elementary OS a good alternative to Windows 10?

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4comments
elementary OS vs Windows 10 Comments
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Jan 8, 2021
If you want to switch from Windows 10 to something more similar to macOS then this is the best alternative for both OS.
Positive comment by Guest · Jul 31, 2020
Similar UI to MacOS, but free and can run on any computer that runs windows.
Positive comment by Guest · May 23, 2020
Really easy to use and a very simple interface. And, obviously a nice look!
3 of 4 comments
elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 10 is Paid and Proprietary
elementary OS is a Linux Distro Windows 10 is an Operating System
elementary OS is LightweightWindows 10 is not according to our users

12 of 187 Windows 10 alternatives

The Best Windows 10 AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like Windows 10

Alternatives list

Linux Mint

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Linux Mint vs Windows 10 Comments

Ubuntu

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Debian

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Fedora

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ReactOS

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Arch Linux

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Kubuntu

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Zorin OS

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openSUSE

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openSUSE vs Windows 10 Comments

Xubuntu

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CachyOS

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elementary OS

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