The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren't Mint)
Looking to leave Windows? I've used Linux for years and there's never better a better time to make the leap.
For Windows users considering a switch to Linux, several alternative operating systems offer intuitive onboarding experiences and a user-friendly environment. Zorin OS, while well-known, stands out for its resemblance to Windows, even including a subsystem that suggests open-source alternatives to Windows applications. MainstreamOS truly excels in simplifying the transition, with an onboarding process that rivals Windows itself, and a desktop layout reminiscent of MacOS.
StillOS, a newer option, impresses with its polished design and unique features such as Electron-based web app runtime SWAI, allowing web applications to function as native apps. Kubuntu, a familiar choice, combines Ubuntu's stability with KDE Plasma's flexibility, providing a comfortable and customizable desktop experience. Lastly, VanillaOS emphasizes security with its use of ABRoot for app installations and Smart Updates, ensuring a safe and reliable update process.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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