Windows 11 Alternatives

Windows 11 is described as 'The latest Windows update with a redesigned Start menu, Widgets integration, Xbox gaming features, and tighter security requirements, built with modern hardware in mind' and is a operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Windows 11 for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Windows 11 alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like 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. macOS icon

    macOS

     565 likes

    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.

    176 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Comments about macOS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    reliable and trustworthier than windows

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    PrinceSheep
    Positive
    -2

    Macos is the choice for creative workers. It is stable, has a nice UI, and is fast. It supports software such as Adobe CC and Microsoft Word.

    macOS icon
    macOS icon
    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
  2. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     96 likes

    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Pop!_OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Rasheed AZ
    Positive
    0

    Pop!_OS on System76 PCs and TuxedoOS on Tuxedo PCs are ideally the best alternatives for newcomers from Windows and Mac... because they are loving crafted with detail by the hardware vendors themselves. The attention to ever-improving UX and normal-user needs is obvious and they have a commercial interest in its success. These are no hobby projects - if the OS is good, the computers sell - otherwise the company goes bust!

    Pop!_OS icon
    Pop!_OS icon
    • Pop!_OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Pop!_OS is Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  4. 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
     
  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. 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...

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
     
  7. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes

    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...

    193 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
  8. NixOS icon

    NixOS

     65 likes

    NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less...

    188 NixOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    NixOS screenshot 1
     
  10. Qubes OS icon

    Qubes OS

     118 likes

    Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

    191 Qubes OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
    Qubes OS screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Comments about Qubes OS as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Rasheed AZ
    Negative
    0

    Not comfortable as daily driver unless you have 64 GB of memory at least.

    LR88
    Negative
    0

    Not designed to replace Windows 11 or be used as a daily driver. This is a specialty OS for security and privacy operations.

    maurosoft391
    Negative
    -1

    it's like a old OS and it's poorly designed

    Qubes OS icon
    Qubes OS icon
    • Qubes OS is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Qubes OS is Security-focused, Privacy focused, Lightweight and CustomizableWindows 11 is not according to our users
  11. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

     290 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
     
  12. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     292 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 type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
     
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    1
    Comments about Xubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Rasheed AZ
    0

    Good if you want to save 500 MB on memory but just too ugly to look at :( If you want lightweight, go with WattOS or Alpine Linux. If you want relatively lightweight but good Windows-like aesthetics, go with Kubuntu or Tuxedo OS.

    Xubuntu icon
    Xubuntu icon
    • Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Xubuntu is Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  13. Gentoo icon

    Gentoo

     163 likes

    Gentoo Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • FreeBSD
    Gentoo screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Comments about Gentoo as an Alternative to Windows 11
    Rasheed AZ
    Negative
    0

    This isn't even similar to Ubuntu - how could it be an alternative to Windows?!! People are just uselessly adding their favourite distros here without looking at the purpose and audience.

    sdcondon86
    Negative
    0

    There are so many differences between Gentoo and Windows - not just Windows 11, but Windows in general - that it may prove too difficult for a user moving directly from Windows. And this is coming from someone who daily-drives Gentoo.

    Gentoo icon
    Gentoo icon
    • Gentoo is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Gentoo is Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  14. Lubuntu icon

    Lubuntu

     244 likes

    Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight operating system with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. It is a Linux system, that uses the minimal desktop LXDE/LXQT.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    The new LXQt desktop.
     
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    2
    Comments about Lubuntu as an Alternative to Windows 11
    LR88
    Positive
    0

    Hands down best OS to install on an old Desktop or Laptop. Will make them run like new, and the user interface looks like an improved version of Windows XP.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    LXQT desktop is very similar to Windows 11’s user interface. This spin/variant of Ubuntu does not require an online account to initialize unlike Windows 11, so it is worth checking out if you like the Windows 11 interface but want to use a local account or you have problems with Microsoft accounts. This is my choice for desktop users.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Lubuntu icon
    Lubuntu icon
    • Lubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
    • Lubuntu is Lightweight, Customizable and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
  15. Aurora OS icon

    Aurora OS

     19 likes

    Aurora is a delightful KDE desktop experience for end-users that are looking for reliability and developers for the most-hassle free setup. Zero maintenance included.

    63 Aurora OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Fedora
    Aurora OS screenshot 1
     
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