Now that the support for Windows 7 has come to an end . You can either upgrade to Windows 10 or switch to Linux. You already know why you should use Linux so I am not going to explain it here.
If you don’t have a specific requirement but just want to have a Linux distro, you can take a look at the best Linux distributions out there.
However, if you want to have a similar user interface to Windows 7 but better, you should try the Linux distibutions that look like Windows. So, you should be comfortable using them after installation in a heartbeat.
Best Linux distributions that look like Windows
While you may not find the same applications or tools on Linux – the user interface is what will make you feel comfortable using the OS.
So, in this article, I shall mention only the distributions that resemble the look and feel of Windows (to some extent, at least).
Once, you’re done choosing what you want – you can simply take a look around for the essential applications available on Linux, installing themes, and a lot of similar resources available in our portal.
1. Linux Lite
Windows 7 users may not have the latest and greatest hardware – so it is quite important to suggest a Linux distribution that is lightweight and easy-to-use.
Linux Lite targets Windows 7 users with a similar UI offering a taskbar, Windows-inspired wallpaper, and a lot more to go on with that includes the Libre Office suite as well.
You do not need to upgrade your system because it should work perfectly fine with low-end hardware as well.
2. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a beautiful Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. The user interface should make both Windows and macOS users feel right at home after installing it.
They also offer a lite edition to their OS if you have a slightly underpowered hardware configuration on your system. You can also take a quick look at my impressions on Zorin OS lite to know more about it.
It looks and feels very good with a quick learning curve. For starters, if you want to make the most out of Zorin OS while having all the essential software tools bundled, you can opt to purchase the Zorin OS ultimate edition.
3. Kubuntu
If you’re new to Linux – it is worth noting that there are different desktop environments.
If you want to try something that resembles the look and feel of Windows, you might want to try a distro with KDE’s Plasma on board. And, Kubuntu is an official KDE flavor of Ubuntu.
You may not find this to be the prettiest windows-like distro – however, if you want something that does the work reliably, Kubuntu should do the trick.
4. Linux Mint
Linux Mint also targets the Windows 7 users trying to make the switch to Linux.
Among all the others mentioned in this list, Linux Mint would be my personal recommendation. Linux Mint is reliable, performs great, and offers several desktop environment editions as well (including the MATE desktop).
If you’re curious, you can also take a detailed look at how it looks and works for one of its recent releases Linux 19.3 ‘Tricia’.
5. Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is yet another easy-to-use Linux distribution that provides a snappy experience across a range of hardware configuration.
This may not directly resemble the UI of Windows in general – however, you will find it quite easy to get comfortable with. Interesting, Ubuntu MATE works well with NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano as well, which happens to be one of the raspberry pi alternatives.
If you want something unique (not exactly the same UI as Windows), you can give this a try!
Wrapping Up
Potentially, you can install any beginner-friendly Linux distribution, however, I do not want you to confuse yourself with a whole lot of choices available.
So, I recommend trying the distributions mentioned in this article if you’re switching from Windows to Linux in general. Also, if you’ve tried something else and you like it a lot – feel free to let me know about it in the comments below.
My window 7 professional has expired what should I do now please guide
Congratulations, a concise and confident review: that partially addresses the issues facing an awful lot of Win 7 users: users who can’t, or don’t want to upgrade to the awful version that Micysoft is ramming down our necks.
Question one:-
OK, – I get it, – Linux is the way to go, but the update side of these distros seems to be very confusing.
For example, moving from version number 16 to 17 of Linux distro anything; then my first question is this:- does it require a completely new install? – Do you have to backup all of your work prior to the update? – Does an update wipe your disk? – Disk mounting that leaves me dazed and confused.
** I haven’t found an answer to this simple query, mainly because every reviewer just pushes the latest and greatest windows managers over practicalities of long term use.
Linux distros move on at an incredible rate, – so, what do you suggest as a reliable distribution, that will literally be a stable release for years and years to come.
Question number two:-
A computer voice is essential to me, as I use them to proofread my written work.
On the windows and Mac platforms there are voices that are very acceptable indeed, as well as editor programs that performs Text to Speech on the written word.
** The voices from Ivona / Amazon are so realistic, but combined with Microsoft Word, actually makes the entire writing process an exceptionally pleasurable experience.
** BTW using a Mac for me is a no go; been there, obnoxious CMD key issues aside, this writer then found myself locked into a system that holds you hostage: so I simply moved back to my old windows house, but now this home-owner is being evicted through no fault of my own.
So far in my extensive research, I have *not* found any voices that are even partially acceptable. Calling them [Robotic voices] would be an insult to all robots, they really are *that* bad.
Does anyone know of a Linux distro (free or otherwise), that takes the term ‘Text to Speech’ seriously, .. because thus far I’ve found nothing at all.
Hope you can help, ..
Regards – Terry.
MX Linux is a good choice for new comers also.
When switching to linux, one of the things that i found is a lack of really good in the file system integrated clients for cloud storage (onedrive, google drive). I have tried most of the existing, but found most lack one or more things like icons in the task bar showing sync status, icons in the file system, not introducing more problems for instance by duplicating files like rabbits which i have to delete manually etc).
Dropbox does all of it.
Woww!!!
Abhishek, on your pictures Kubuntu is in hungarian. :D
I know, this is an international forum, but I’m still surprised :)
I did my switch over to Linux gradually, first changing my Windows-only apps to crossplatform solutions. Used Xubuntu for a while, then Mint with Cinnamon. In an everyday use Cinnamon comes very close to Windows regarding comfort.
Then I found out that MATE is the perfect for me regarding comfort level, customizability, and resource requirements.
So I ended up with Linux Mint MATE for a long time :)
(now on Debian MATE)
It was last year march, when the time has come for me to ditch Windows.
I show Linux Mint for my friends and relatives, and take all opportunities to talk them about Windows vs. Linux, upsides and maybe downsides (yes, there are some in some cases) of moving to Linux. I always asked about usage of the computer and surrounding hardware, before giving advice to move to Linux. So did I try to convert a bunch of people, but with limited success. To be honest, most of them clearly refused it, but few are now extremely happy with Linux.
80% of my family was converted during last year as well, I feel that a pretty good ratio. :)
So that Windows 7 end of life is not something we have to be afraid of :))