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Top Alternatives to Windows 10

Looking for Windows 10 alternatives? We've curated 38 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

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Ubuntu

Ubuntu

Open Source

Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Debian. It is renowned for its user-friendly interface, extensive software repository, and strong focus on stability and security, making it a popular choice for desktops, servers, and cloud computing.

Key Features

  • User-friendly interface, making it accessible to new Linux users.
  • Large and diverse software repository through APT and Snap.
  • Stable and reliable, especially LTS versions.

vs Windows 10

User-friendly interface, making it accessible to new Linux users. compared to Windows 10
Windows 7

Windows 7

Commercial

Windows 7 is a widely adopted operating system from Microsoft, known for its refined user interface, stable performance, and enhanced security features compared to its predecessors. It aimed to provide a more intuitive and efficient computing experience for both everyday users and professionals.

Key Features

  • Stable and reliable performance
  • User-friendly and refined interface
  • Improved speed compared to Windows Vista

vs Windows 10

Stable and reliable performance compared to Windows 10
Debian

Debian

Open Source

Debian is a free and open-source operating system widely recognized for its stability and powerful package management system. It serves as the foundation for many other Linux distributions, making it a cornerstone of the open-source community. Its commitment to free software principles and extensive hardware support makes it a versatile choice for various computing needs.

Key Features

  • Extremely stable and reliable
  • Excellent package management (APT)
  • Large software repositories

vs Windows 10

Extremely stable and reliable compared to Windows 10
Linux Mint

Linux Mint

Open Source

Linux Mint is a free and open-source operating system based on Ubuntu and Debian. It is known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and comprehensive software library, making it a popular choice for both new and experienced Linux users seeking a reliable desktop environment.

Key Features

  • Excellent choice for Linux beginners due to its familiar interface and user-friendly design.
  • Comes with a wide range of pre-installed software, reducing the need for immediate downloads.
  • Highly stable and reliable, based on Long Term Support versions of Ubuntu/Debian.

vs Windows 10

Excellent choice for Linux beginners due to its familiar interface and user-friendly design. compared to Windows 10
Arch Linux

Arch Linux

Open Source

Arch Linux is a lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that follows a rolling-release model. It's designed for users who prefer a "do-it-yourself" approach and desire complete control over their system.

Key Features

  • Extremely customizable and lightweight.
  • Rolling release provides access to the latest software.
  • Excellent documentation through the Arch Wiki.

vs Windows 10

Extremely customizable and lightweight. compared to Windows 10
macOS

macOS

Commercial

macOS is Apple's powerful and intuitive desktop operating system, powering Mac computers. Known for its elegance, stability, and deep integration with other Apple devices and services, it provides a refined user experience for both casual users and creative professionals.

Key Features

  • Excellent stability and reliability.
  • Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface.

vs Windows 10

Excellent stability and reliability. compared to Windows 10
Fedora

Fedora

Open Source

Fedora is a leading-edge, free, and open-source operating system built on the Linux kernel. As the upstream source for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it provides a platform for technological innovation, offering the latest software packages and a strong focus on open-source principles. It's known for its rapid release cycle and dedication to incorporating new technologies early.

Key Features

  • Access to the latest open-source software and technologies.
  • Strong focus on free and open-source principles.
  • Excellent platform for software development.

vs Windows 10

Access to the latest open-source software and technologies. compared to Windows 10
openSUSE

openSUSE

Open Source

openSUSE is a community-developed, open-source Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE. Known for its powerful configuration tool, YaST, and commitment to usability, openSUSE offers both a stable release (Leap) and a rolling release (Tumbleweed) to cater to diverse user needs, from developers to desktop users.

Key Features

  • Powerful and comprehensive YaST configuration tool simplifies system management.
  • Offers both exceptionally stable (Leap) and cutting-edge rolling (Tumbleweed) releases.
  • Based on a codebase shared with enterprise-grade SUSE Linux Enterprise.

vs Windows 10

Powerful and comprehensive YaST configuration tool simplifies system management. compared to Windows 10
elementary OS

elementary OS

Open Source

elementary OS is a beautifully crafted and user-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, designed to provide a fast, open, and privacy-respecting alternative to traditional operating systems like Windows and macOS. It focuses on a clean and intuitive desktop environment.

Key Features

  • Beautiful and intuitive user interface (Pantheon)
  • Focus on privacy and security
  • Curated and well-integrated applications via App Center

vs Windows 10

Beautiful and intuitive user interface (Pantheon) compared to Windows 10
Xubuntu

Xubuntu

Open Source

Xubuntu is an official derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, utilizing the lightweight and user-friendly XFCE desktop environment. Focused on providing a stable and efficient computing experience, it's an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between modern features and low system resource usage, making it suitable for older hardware and everyday tasks.

Key Features

  • Excellent performance on older and less powerful hardware.
  • Lightweight and efficient use of system resources.
  • Intuitive and easy-to-navigate XFCE desktop environment.

vs Windows 10

Excellent performance on older and less powerful hardware. compared to Windows 10
ReactOS

ReactOS

Open Source

ReactOS is a free and open-source operating system aiming for binary compatibility with Windows. It's designed to run Windows applications and drivers, offering an alternative to Windows built from scratch based on reverse-engineering its architecture. It is lightweight and community-driven.

Key Features

  • Free and open-source Windows alternative.
  • Aims for binary compatibility with Windows software and drivers.
  • Lightweight and suitable for older hardware.

vs Windows 10

Free and open-source Windows alternative. compared to Windows 10
FreeBSD

FreeBSD

Open Source

FreeBSD is a powerful, stable, and feature-rich operating system rooted in the BSD tradition. It excels in server environments, embedded systems, and as a robust desktop platform, prioritizing performance, security, and network capabilities.

Key Features

  • Exceptional stability and reliability for mission-critical applications.
  • Highly optimized and performant networking stack.
  • Comprehensive and well-written documentation (The Handbook).

vs Windows 10

Exceptional stability and reliability for mission-critical applications. compared to Windows 10
Lubuntu

Lubuntu

Open Source

Lubuntu is an open-source operating system based on Ubuntu, designed for speed and energy efficiency. It utilizes the LXQt desktop environment to provide a simple and lightweight user experience, ideal for older hardware.

Key Features

  • Excellent performance on older hardware
  • Very low resource consumption
  • Familiar and intuitive desktop environment

vs Windows 10

Excellent performance on older hardware compared to Windows 10
Kubuntu

Kubuntu

Open Source

Kubuntu is an official variant of the Ubuntu operating system that replaces the GNOME desktop environment with the elegant and highly customizable KDE Plasma Desktop. It provides a familiar yet powerful computing experience, blending Ubuntu's stability with the visual appeal and extensive features of the KDE ecosystem.

Key Features

  • Highly customizable KDE Plasma desktop.
  • Based on the stable and well-supported Ubuntu OS.
  • Large software repository access.

vs Windows 10

Highly customizable KDE Plasma desktop. compared to Windows 10
Gentoo

Gentoo

Open Source

Gentoo Linux is a flexible and highly customizable Linux distribution known for its source-based package management system, Portage. Designed for experienced users who desire granular control over their software installations and system optimization, Gentoo offers unparalleled flexibility in configuring a system precisely to individual needs.

Key Features

  • Extreme customization through source-based package management.
  • Potential for highly optimized performance tailored to hardware.
  • Rolling release provides access to the latest software versions.

vs Windows 10

Extreme customization through source-based package management. compared to Windows 10
Chromium OS

Chromium OS

Open Source

Chromium OS is the open-source foundation powering Chrome OS. It's a Linux-based operating system centered around the Chromium browser, designed for speed, simplicity, and web-centric computing, relying heavily on web applications for functionality.

Key Features

  • Open-source and transparent
  • Fast boot times
  • Automatic updates enhance security

vs Windows 10

Open-source and transparent compared to Windows 10
CentOS

CentOS

Open Source

CentOS is an open-source operating system derived from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It provides a stable, enterprise-class platform for servers and workstations, supported by a vibrant community.

Key Features

  • High stability and reliability
  • Free and open-source
  • Strong security features

vs Windows 10

High stability and reliability compared to Windows 10
Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux

Open Source

Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly, Arch Linux-based distribution that offers the benefits of a rolling release model combined with ease of use. It provides a stable and customizable desktop experience suitable for both new and experienced Linux users.

Key Features

  • User-friendly installation compared to Arch.
  • Access to the latest software via rolling release.
  • Excellent hardware detection and driver support (including Nvidia).

vs Windows 10

User-friendly installation compared to Arch. compared to Windows 10
Red Hat

Red Hat

Commercial

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a powerful, stable, and secure open-source operating system platform designed for demanding enterprise environments. Known for its robust performance and extensive support, RHEL is a leading choice for critical workloads.

Key Features

  • Exceptional stability and reliability.
  • Strong security features and compliance support.
  • Extensive certified hardware and software compatibility.

vs Windows 10

Exceptional stability and reliability. compared to Windows 10
Haiku

Haiku

Open Source

Haiku is a free and open-source operating system inspired by the BeOS. It offers a lightweight, responsive, and stable environment for both developers and everyday users, focusing on consistency and simplicity.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast and responsive user interface.
  • Lightweight with low system requirements.
  • Stable with efficient multitasking.

vs Windows 10

Extremely fast and responsive user interface. compared to Windows 10
Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux

Open Source

Puppy Linux is a family of lightweight Linux distributions designed for speed, efficiency, and ease of use. It can boot from various media and run entirely in RAM, making it incredibly fast and suitable for older hardware or as a portable operating system.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast and responsive, especially when running from RAM.
  • Ideal for older computers or hardware with limited resources.
  • Highly portable, can run from USB drive or CD/DVD.

vs Windows 10

Extremely fast and responsive, especially when running from RAM. compared to Windows 10
Remix OS

Remix OS

Free

Remix OS is an Android-based operating system designed for personal computers, offering a familiar desktop experience with access to a vast library of Android applications. It aims to bridge the gap between mobile and PC by providing multi-window support, taskbar functionality, and keyboard/mouse optimization.

Key Features

  • Run Android apps on your PC with a desktop interface.
  • Good multi-window support for multitasking.
  • Familiar taskbar and keyboard/mouse optimization.

vs Windows 10

Run Android apps on your PC with a desktop interface. compared to Windows 10
TrueOS

TrueOS

Open Source

TrueOS, formerly PC-BSD, is a desktop-focused Unix-like operating system built on the FreeBSD-CURRENT branch, offering a rolling release model and a user-friendly interface. It aims to provide the stability of FreeBSD with out-of-the-box usability for everyday computing.

Key Features

  • Based on the stable FreeBSD operating system.
  • Provides a user-friendly graphical interface out-of-the-box.
  • Offers a rolling release model for continuous updates.

vs Windows 10

Based on the stable FreeBSD operating system. compared to Windows 10
Raspbian

Raspbian

Open Source

Raspbian, now officially Raspberry Pi OS, is a free operating system based on Debian, optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware. It provides a stable and user-friendly environment for a variety of tasks, from programming and education to media consumption and server hosting.

Key Features

  • Designed and optimized specifically for Raspberry Pi hardware.
  • User-friendly graphical interface suitable for beginners.
  • Extensive software availability through Debian repositories and Flatpak.

vs Windows 10

Designed and optimized specifically for Raspberry Pi hardware. compared to Windows 10
OpenBSD

OpenBSD

Open Source

OpenBSD is a security-focused, free and open-source Unix-like operating system derived from the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). It is renowned for its extensive code auditing and commitment to correctness and proactive security.

Key Features

  • Exceptional security due to extensive code auditing and proactive development.
  • Highly stable and reliable, suitable for critical infrastructure.
  • Secure by default configurations reduce the attack surface.

vs Windows 10

Exceptional security due to extensive code auditing and proactive development. compared to Windows 10
Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE

Open Source

Ubuntu MATE is a community-driven, official derivative of Ubuntu, providing a classic, intuitive desktop environment based on MATE. It offers stability, flexibility, and a familiar user interface, making it an excellent choice for users transitioning from other operating systems or seeking a traditional desktop experience.

Key Features

  • Offers a familiar and intuitive classic desktop experience.
  • Excellent performance on older and lower-spec hardware.
  • Highly stable and reliable due to its Ubuntu LTS base.

vs Windows 10

Offers a familiar and intuitive classic desktop experience. compared to Windows 10
Slackware

Slackware

Open Source

Slackware is a veteran Linux distribution renowned for its simplicity and stability, adhering closely to the Unix philosophy. It's designed for users who prefer a hands-on approach and deep understanding of their system.

Key Features

  • Extremely stable and reliable.
  • Provides a deep understanding of Linux internals.
  • Highly customizable and lightweight.

vs Windows 10

Extremely stable and reliable. compared to Windows 10
Bodhi Linux

Bodhi Linux

Open Source

Bodhi Linux is a feather-light Linux distribution built on Ubuntu, distinguished by its utilization of the unique Moksha Desktop Environment. It's specifically designed for users seeking high performance on older or resource-constrained hardware, offering a minimalist yet highly customizable experience.

Key Features

  • Excellent performance on older and low-end hardware
  • Highly customizable Moksha Desktop Environment
  • Stable base based on Ubuntu LTS

vs Windows 10

Excellent performance on older and low-end hardware compared to Windows 10
Zorin OS

Zorin OS

Free Personal

Zorin OS is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed to be accessible and user-friendly for newcomers and existing Linux users alike. It offers a familiar desktop layout similar to Windows and macOS, making the transition from proprietary operating systems smoother. With a focus on security, speed, and a vast software library, Zorin OS provides a robust and flexible alternative for personal computing.

Key Features

  • Extremely user-friendly, especially for Windows migrants due to familiar layouts.
  • Good performance, even on older hardware.
  • Access to a vast library of Free and Open Source Software.

vs Windows 10

Extremely user-friendly, especially for Windows migrants due to familiar layouts. compared to Windows 10
SliTaz

SliTaz

Open Source

SliTaz GNU/Linux is an extraordinarily compact and fast GNU/Linux distribution, ideal for low-resource machines, older computers, and embedded systems. It's known for its tiny footprint, rapid boot times, and ability to run entirely from RAM, making it a superb Live CD/USB option.

Key Features

  • Extremely fast booting and performance, even on older hardware.
  • Very small size, ideal for download and storage on limited devices.
  • Can run entirely from RAM for optimal speed.

vs Windows 10

Extremely fast booting and performance, even on older hardware. compared to Windows 10
Qubes OS

Qubes OS

Open Source

Qubes OS is a security-focused desktop operating system that utilizes isolation through Xen hypervisor virtualization. It partitions the system into isolated domains called 'qubes' to compartmentalize different activities, significantly reducing the impact of a security breach.

Key Features

  • Exceptional security through robust isolation
  • Strong protection against malware and targeted attacks
  • Compartmentalizes activities to limit impact of breaches

vs Windows 10

Exceptional security through robust isolation compared to Windows 10
Edubuntu

Edubuntu

Open Source

Edubuntu is a free and open-source operating system derivative of Ubuntu, specifically tailored for educational environments. It provides a robust and stable platform with a wide array of pre-installed educational software, making it an ideal solution for schools, classrooms, and homeschooling.

Key Features

  • Pre-loaded with extensive educational software.
  • Free and open-source, reducing costs.
  • Stable and reliable platform.

vs Windows 10

Pre-loaded with extensive educational software. compared to Windows 10
Antergos

Antergos

Open Source

Antergos was a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, designed to make the power and flexibility of Arch accessible to a broader audience. It offered a simple graphical installer and a choice of popular desktop environments, including GNOME, Cinnamon, MATE, KDE Plasma, and Xfce, aiming for a smooth out-of-the-box experience with the benefits of a rolling release model.

Key Features

  • Easier installation compared to vanilla Arch Linux.
  • Access to the latest software packages through the Arch repositories.
  • Benefits from the rolling release model.

vs Windows 10

Easier installation compared to vanilla Arch Linux. compared to Windows 10
Deepin

Deepin

Open Source

Deepin is an open-source operating system based on Debian, renowned for its elegant and user-friendly interface. It aims to provide a beautiful, intuitive, and reliable desktop experience for users of all skill levels.

Key Features

  • Elegant and modern user interface (DDE)
  • User-friendly and suitable for beginners
  • Integrated suite of applications

vs Windows 10

Elegant and modern user interface (DDE) compared to Windows 10
Solus

Solus

Open Source

Solus is an independently developed Linux operating system built from scratch, designed for modern home computing. It offers a curated desktop experience with a focus on usability, performance, and reliability. Solus aims to provide a seamless out-of-the-box experience for users of all skill levels.

Key Features

  • Modern and user-friendly Budgie desktop environment.
  • Fast and responsive performance.
  • Curated rolling release with a focus on stability.

vs Windows 10

Modern and user-friendly Budgie desktop environment. compared to Windows 10
ArchBang

ArchBang

Open Source

ArchBang is a lightweight, rolling-release Linux distribution built on Arch Linux, featuring the Openbox window manager. It's designed for users who appreciate speed, minimalism, and a high degree of customization right out of the box.

Key Features

  • Extremely lightweight and fast.
  • Based on Arch Linux, offering access to vast software repositories (Arch and AUR).
  • Rolling release provides always up-to-date software.

vs Windows 10

Extremely lightweight and fast. compared to Windows 10
KDE neon

KDE neon

Open Source

KDE neon is a cutting-edge software distribution that pairs the latest KDE Plasma desktop and applications with a stable Ubuntu Linux base. It provides users with a vibrant, modern, and highly customizable computing experience, focusing on bringing the newest contributions from the KDE community directly to the user.

Key Features

  • Provides the very latest KDE Plasma and applications.
  • Built on a stable Ubuntu LTS base.
  • Highly customizable desktop environment.

vs Windows 10

Provides the very latest KDE Plasma and applications. compared to Windows 10
NixOS

NixOS

Open Source

NixOS is a Linux distribution built around the powerful and declarative Nix package manager. It emphasizes reliability and reproducibility through a purely functional configuration model, ensuring consistent behavior across different systems.

Key Features

  • Exceptional system stability and reliability
  • Fully reproducible system configurations
  • Effortless atomic updates and rollbacks

vs Windows 10

Exceptional system stability and reliability compared to Windows 10

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