If you’re looking for a Linux distribution to replace Windows 11, the goal is to find one that is highly user-friendly and suitable for beginners. Here are ten excellent choices that can offer a smooth transition from Windows to Linux. These distros have been chosen for their ease of use, stability, and community support.
Switching from Windows 11? 10 Linux Distros to Consider
Make sure not to miss our bonus mention at the end!
1. Linux Mint
Linux Mint 21.1 Cinnamon Desktop
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and Debian and offers a choice of three desktop environments: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. The Cinnamon desktop, in particular, is designed to be familiar to Windows users, providing a comfortable and easy transition.
Pros
- Familiar interface: The Cinnamon desktop environment mimics the look and feel of Windows.
- User-friendly: Easy to use with a minimal learning curve.
- Pre-installed software: Comes with essential applications and multimedia codecs.
Cons
- Less customizable: While user-friendly, it doesn’t offer as much customization as some other distros.
- Slower updates: Follows Ubuntu’s update cycle, which may not always have the latest software.
Why it’s on the list
Linux Mint provides a seamless transition for Windows users with its familiar interface and user-friendly design.
2. Zorin OS
Zorin OS 16 Default Desktop
Zorin OS is designed to ease the transition from Windows to Linux. It offers a highly polished and visually appealing desktop environment that mimics the look and feel of Windows.
Pros
- Windows-like interface: Features a desktop environment that closely resembles Windows.
- Multiple editions: Available in Core, Lite, and Pro versions, catering to different hardware and user needs.
- Zorin Appearance: Allows users to customize the desktop to look like Windows or macOS.
Cons
- Pro version costs: The Pro version, which offers more features, is not free.
- Limited official support: Community support is available, but official support can be lacking.
Why it’s on the list
Zorin OS’s ease of use and familiar interface make it a top choice for beginners switching from Windows.
3. Ubuntu
Ubuntu Desktop
Ubuntu, developed by Canonical, is one of the most widely used Linux distributions. It’s known for its ease of use, extensive support, and regular updates. Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment, which provides a clean and modern user interface. The latest LTS (Long Term Support) versions ensure stability and extended support for five years.
Pros
- Strong community support: Extensive documentation and a large user community.
- Regular updates: Canonical releases new versions every six months.
- User-friendly: The GNOME desktop environment is clean and intuitive.
Cons
- Resource-heavy: Not ideal for older hardware.
- Less customizable: The GNOME environment can be limiting for users who like to tweak their system.
Why it’s on the list
Ubuntu’s popularity and support make it a reliable choice for users new to Linux.
4. Elementary OS
elementary OS 5.1.4 desktop
Elementary OS focuses on providing a beautiful, minimalist, and user-friendly experience. Inspired by macOS, it uses the Pantheon desktop environment, which is both elegant and intuitive.
Pros
- Aesthetic design: The Pantheon desktop environment is visually appealing.
- User-friendly: Designed to be intuitive and straightforward.
- Custom apps: Includes a set of custom-built apps that are easy to use.
Cons
- Limited customization: Prioritizes simplicity over customization options.
- Smaller software repository: Fewer pre-installed applications compared to other distros.
Why it’s on the list
Elementary OS offers a visually appealing and straightforward experience, perfect for users who value design and simplicity.
5. Kubuntu
Kubuntu 18.04 Plasma 5 Desktop
Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavor that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment, offering a more traditional desktop experience.
Pros
- Traditional desktop: KDE Plasma resembles the Windows interface with a taskbar and start menu.
- Highly customizable: KDE Plasma is one of the most customizable desktop environments.
- Regular updates: Benefits from Ubuntu’s regular update cycle.
Cons
- Resource-intensive: KDE Plasma can be demanding on older hardware.
- Learning curve: While user-friendly, the abundance of customization options can be overwhelming.
Why it’s on the list
Kubuntu’s traditional interface and customization options make it a solid choice for Windows users.
6. Linux Lite
Linux Lite Desktop
Linux Lite is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for older hardware and beginners.
Pros
- Lightweight: Runs well on older and low-spec hardware.
- User-friendly: Simple and intuitive interface.
- Pre-installed applications: Comes with a good selection of pre-installed software.
Cons
- Less polished: Not as visually appealing as some other distros.
- Smaller community: Smaller user base compared to Ubuntu or Fedora.
Why it’s on the list
Linux Lite’s lightweight nature and ease of use make it perfect for users with older hardware.
7. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS Desktop
Pop!_OS, developed by System76, is an Ubuntu-based distribution tailored for productivity and gaming. It uses a customized GNOME desktop environment with enhancements for a streamlined user experience.
Pros
- Performance-focused: Optimized for both general use and gaming.
- User-friendly: Clean and modern interface.
- Tiling window manager: Built-in support for tiling windows enhances productivity.
Cons
- System76 hardware focus: Some features are designed for System76 hardware.
- Learning curve: Tiling window manager can take some getting used to.
Why it’s on the list
Pop!_OS’s performance optimizations and productivity features make it an excellent choice for power users and gamers.
8. MX Linux
MX Linux Xfce Desktop
MX Linux is a midweight distribution based on Debian, combining stability and simplicity. It uses the Xfce desktop environment, which is lightweight and efficient.
Pros
- Stability: Based on the reliable Debian base.
- Performance: Lightweight and fast, suitable for older hardware.
- MX Tools: A suite of handy tools for easy system management.
Cons
- Aesthetics: The default Xfce desktop is functional but not as visually appealing.
- Smaller community: Less widespread compared to Ubuntu or Fedora.
Why it’s on the list
MX Linux’s stability and performance make it a great alternative for users seeking a reliable and lightweight distro.
9. Peppermint OS
Peppermint Desktop
Peppermint OS is a lightweight distribution that integrates cloud and local applications seamlessly. It uses the LXDE desktop environment, which is light on resources.
Pros
- Lightweight: Runs well on older hardware and low-spec machines.
- Cloud integration: Seamlessly integrates cloud applications, ideal for users who rely on web apps.
- Speed: Fast and responsive, with a minimalistic approach.
Cons
- Basic aesthetics: Not as visually appealing as some other distributions.
- Limited pre-installed software: Minimal out-of-the-box experience, requiring users to install additional software as needed.
Why it’s on the list
Peppermint OS’s lightweight nature and cloud integration make it a perfect choice for users with older hardware or those who prefer a minimalistic, fast operating system.
10. Solus
Solus-4.4 Desktops
Solus is an independent Linux distribution built from scratch, focusing on delivering a cohesive and user-friendly desktop experience. It uses the Budgie desktop environment, which is both modern and lightweight.
Pros
- Budgie desktop: Modern and user-friendly, with a unique look.
- Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency.
- Rolling release: Keeps the system up-to-date with the latest software.
Cons
- Smaller community: Less support and documentation compared to Ubuntu-based distros.
- Limited software: Smaller software repository due to being an independent distribution.
Why it’s on the list
Solus’s unique approach and emphasis on user experience make it an appealing choice for those looking for something different yet user-friendly.
Bonus: KDE Neon
KDE Neon Desktop
KDE Neon is a Linux distribution that showcases the latest KDE Plasma desktop environment. It’s based on Ubuntu LTS, ensuring stability and long-term support, while providing the most recent KDE applications and features.
Pros
- Cutting-edge KDE Plasma: Always features the latest KDE Plasma desktop environment, offering a modern and highly customizable interface.
- Stable base: Built on Ubuntu LTS, providing a stable and reliable foundation.
- User-friendly: The KDE Plasma desktop is intuitive and packed with features that enhance productivity.
Cons
- Resource usage: The KDE Plasma desktop can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting performance on older hardware.
- Less community focus: While it has a dedicated user base, it’s not as widely supported as some other Ubuntu derivatives.
Why it’s on the list
KDE Neon’s focus on providing the latest KDE Plasma experience on a stable Ubuntu LTS base makes it an excellent choice for users who want a cutting-edge, user-friendly desktop environment that can replace Windows 11.
Conclusion
These Linux distributions provide excellent alternatives to Windows 11, each with its own strengths. Whether you prioritize ease of use, aesthetics, performance, or customization, there’s a Linux distro on this list for you. My personal favorites are Linux Mint for its familiar interface and Elementary OS for its polished, user-friendly design. Try out a few to see which one fits your needs best.