Lightweight Windows 11 Alternatives

The best alternative to Windows 11 is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Windows 11 and loads of them are so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting alternatives to Windows 11 are Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux and Fedora.

filter to find the best alternatives

Windows 11 alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Desktop Environments you can filter on that. Other popular filters include EU, Windows, Operating System, Lightweight and Linux. 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 11.
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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1165 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.

    183 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    8
    38
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    robotlandscape
    7

    Mint is the best linux alternative to Windows. User interface wise it's an easy switch, privacy-wise it's miles more user-centric, resource-wise it's far lighter. Lots of people knock it for being "the easy one", but honestly? That's a good thing!

    infomanraf
    Positive
    0

    Looks like Windows 10, light, huge amount of apps, stable, just works, free... it is simply perfect.

    KuboFHromoslav
    Positive
    0

    Linux Mint looks much like Windows 11 but does not spy, is lightweight and fast, free as in freedom, free of charge. It is great for general users. Unless you really need some very specific software, things just work.

    3 of 8 comments
    Linux Mint icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 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.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    6
    18
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    LR88
    2

    Clean. Respects users. Very easy to use. Newbie-friendly. Very well supported. Safe and secure.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    0

    The Gnome desktop isn’t similar enough to Windows 11’s desktop. Try Lubuntu with LXQT desktop or Pop! OS for a more familiar desktop for Windows 11 users.

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

    Pretty much plug-and-play these days with great improvements nowadays.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 6 comments
    Ubuntu icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1156 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.

    198 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    1
    13
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Windows 11
    ZeroNet_io
    Positive
    0

    it is pretty stable, has enough software packages, many online tutorials works on its .deb/apt. Forum is OK, Bug tracker system outdated. I am considering no longer using KDE desktop on it, due to a longer term issues with it, even its UI is really good.

    Debian icon
    Debian icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Debian is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  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. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     782 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.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    6
    11
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    kaspian
    4

    If you believe in your computer skills, a must-have.

    Top Negative Comment
    robotlandscape
    3

    I love arch linux, but don't believe it can serve as a replacement to Windows 11 for many people. It's very slim & barebones, requiring users to go through many hoops just to get their machine up & running. If someone asked me what they could use if they were fed up with Windows, I would not direct them to arch, I would direct them to Mint first.

    infomanraf
    Negative
    0

    Very unstable, doesn't "just work", hard to use...

    3 of 6 comments
    Arch Linux icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  7. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     594 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.

    182 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    4
    14
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    So easy to use, with GNOME-Desktop and DNF package manager. Installation is easy, and just about any Software I think of is available in the repo.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Some Random Guy
    Positive
    -1

    Honestly, from my experience, Fedora is pretty unstable.

    PrinceSheep
    1

    Fedora is a Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat, it offers the Gnome desktop by default, GNOME offers a diffrent yet simple desktop experience to Windows.

    Fedora does have some issues with app compatibility, but most major applications support it

    3 of 4 comments
    Fedora icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  8. Tails icon

    Tails

     249 likes

    The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is a Debian 9 based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user. The product ships with several Internet applications, including web browser, IRC client, mail client...

    130 Tails alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Tor Browser
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • Thunderbird
    Tails screenshot 1
     
  10. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     136 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.

    184 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    6
    13
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    3

    Zorin 16 os os perfect linux distro, qnd it is very easy to use ui

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

    Very similar, lots of apps.

    Lucas Dondo
    Positive
    0

    The transition is seamless and the experience once in Zorin feels pretty much like Windows, but without the nasty Windows-stuff.

    3 of 6 comments
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zorin OS is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  11. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 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...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    1
    10
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Windows 11
    ZeroNet_io
    Positive
    -1

    Manjaro is OK after switching from a Windows. Especially good is their helpful forum/community. Later I have not been satisfied with its frequent and big rolling release updates so I have switched to a Debian which is better in this and more stable (at the cost of older app versions). But I can still use AppImages and portable versions of apps if latest version is necessary.

    Manjaro Linux icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  12. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     351 likes

    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    1
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    maurosoft391
    Negative
    -4

    it's like macOS and have a bad UI

    elementary OS icon
    elementary OS icon
    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  13. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     281 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 type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    2
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Rasheed AZ
    Positive
    0

    KDE Plasma distros like Kubuntu and Tuxedo OS are the best well-supported and stable alternatives that have a Windows-like look and file where Windows users will be comfortable.

    PrinceSheep
    Positive
    0

    The KDE desktop is similar to Windows 11 in many ways, and it is the most customizable desktop environment, like ubuntu, it has a large userbase and mainstream user experience. It is lighter than stock ubuntu and Windows 11.

    Kubuntu icon
    Kubuntu icon

    • Most users think Kubuntu is a great Windows 11 alternative.

    • Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Kubuntu is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 11 is not according to our users
  14. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     35 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...

    71 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  15. EndeavourOS icon

    EndeavourOS

     59 likes

    EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    163 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
     
12 of 71 Windows 11 alternatives