Windows 11 AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Operating Systems

The best Operating System 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 Operating Systems so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Operating System alternatives to Windows 11 are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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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 Windows, Linux, Lightweight, EU and Operating System. 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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Get a badge for your siteWindows 11 alternatives page was last updated Aug 25, 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 11?

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8comments
Linux Mint vs Windows 11 Comments
Top Positive Comment by robotlandscape · May 25, 2023
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!
Positive comment by infomanraf · Jan 25, 2026
Looks like Windows 10, light, huge amount of apps, stable, just works, free... it is simply perfect.
Positive comment by KuboFHromoslav · Oct 17, 2025
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 is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Linux Mint is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 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 11?

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6comments
Ubuntu vs Windows 11 Comments
Top Positive Comment by LR88 · Dec 10, 2023
Clean. Respects users. Very easy to use. Newbie-friendly. Very well supported. Safe and secure.
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Jul 1, 2022
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.
Positive comment by KeenFlosser · Dec 2, 2025
Pretty much plug-and-play these days with great improvements nowadays.
3 of 6 comments
Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Ubuntu is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightWindows 11 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 11?

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1comment
Debian vs Windows 11 Comments
Positive comment by ZeroNet_io · Oct 8, 2024
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.
1 of 1 comments
Debian is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Debian is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 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
Cost / License
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 11?

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5comments
Fedora vs Windows 11 Comments
Top Positive Comment by aronkvh · Jan 31, 2026
Smoothest OS experience I used, both on Linux and compared to Windows.
Positive comment by Guest · Jun 18, 2025
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.
Positive comment by mrfox · Oct 21, 2024
It is a very good distro, I switched from Windows to it, but firstly I have been using Ubuntu, but I did not like it. I switched to fedora and it's been really great. However, KDE spin of fedora is better than the Workstation one if you want more customization. It's pretty stable even though it is cutting edge.
3 of 5 comments
Fedora is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Fedora is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 11 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 11?

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7comments
Arch Linux vs Windows 11 Comments
Top Positive Comment by kaspian · Jan 27, 2023
If you believe in your computer skills, a must-have.
Top Negative Comment by robotlandscape · Jan 2, 2025
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.
Positive comment by venture2935 · Aug 25, 2026
If you're not afraid of technical stuff, want a challenge and bleeding edge go for arch.
3 of 7 comments
Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Arch Linux is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
Tails
279 likes
Tails is a Debian based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user.
134 Tails alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
Tor Browser
GNOME
Tor
Thunderbird
United States
Good alternative?Is Tails a good alternative to Windows 11?
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 11?
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 11?

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7comments
Zorin OS vs Windows 11 Comments
Top Positive Comment by Guest · Oct 25, 2022
Zorin 16 os os perfect linux distro, qnd it is very easy to use ui
Positive comment by Occytan · Mar 4, 2026
Stable, simple, familiar user experience, mimicking Windows
Positive comment by infomanraf · Jan 25, 2026
Very similar, lots of apps.
3 of 7 comments
Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Zorin OS is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Zorin OS is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
Manjaro Linux
339 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...
191 Manjaro Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Arch Linux
Germany
EU
+5
Good alternative?Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Windows 11?

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1comment
Manjaro Linux vs Windows 11 Comments
Positive comment by ZeroNet_io · Oct 8, 2024
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.
1 of 1 comments
Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Manjaro Linux is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedWindows 11 is not according to our users
Windows 10
418 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.
187 Windows 10 alternatives
Cost / License
Paid
Proprietary
Application type
Operating System
Origin
United States
Alerts
Discontinued
Platforms
Windows
United States
+1
Good alternative?Is Windows 10 a good alternative to Windows 11?

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2comments
Discontinued
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to Windows 11 : https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 Comments
Positive comment by Guest · Mar 6, 2025
less flaws and crashes, and easier to use. It also has less backdoors and more avenues to protect form the users privacy being invaded.
Positive comment by PrinceSheep · Jul 1, 2021
Although Linux is a great alternative to windows, people still use software that isn't compatible and aren't comfortable installing another OS. Windows 10 support ends in 2025, so you still have lots of time to comfortably use it.
2 of 2 comments
Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryWindows 11 is also Paid and Proprietary
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 11?

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2comments
Kubuntu vs Windows 11 Comments
Positive comment by Rasheed AZ · Jun 2, 2024
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.
Positive comment by PrinceSheep · Jul 2, 2021
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.
2 of 2 comments
Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceWindows 11 is Paid and Proprietary
Kubuntu is a Linux Distro Windows 11 is an Operating System
Kubuntu is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightWindows 11 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 11?

12 of 153 Windows 11 alternatives

Windows 11 AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Operating Systems

Alternatives list

Linux Mint

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Ubuntu

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Debian

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Fedora

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Arch Linux

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Tails

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CachyOS

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Zorin OS

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Manjaro Linux

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Windows 10

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Kubuntu

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openSUSE

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