Windows 7 is long gone but even in 2021, 100 million PCs were actively using it. You can either upgrade to Windows 10 or switch to Linux. Considering that you do not like Windows 10 or just cannot have your old system run Windows 10, you might want to consider using Linux instead.
If you want to have a similar user interface to Windows 10 / Windows 7 or better, you should try the Linux distributions that look like Windows.
Here, I have picked some of the best Linux distributions for Windows users that you’d find comfortable using.
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.
Of course, 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.
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 many similar resources available in our portal.
1. Linux Lite
Windows 7 users may not have the latest and greatest hardware — so it is essential to suggest a Linux distribution that is lightweight and easy-to-use.
Linux Lite targets Windows 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 just because Windows 10 is resource hungry. Linux Lite should work perfectly fine with an old configuration as well.
If you are curious to try other distros, you can check out our list of lightweight Linux distributions. But the user interface in most of the options may not be like Windows 10 or 7.
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. In fact, I find it a great modern alternative to Windows 10 as well.
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 our impressions on Zorin OS lite to know more about it.
It looks and feels incredibly 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 buy 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 can try any 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. Many users also use it as a replacement to Windows 10 because of its familiar user interface and useful features.
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 Mint 20.
5. Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is yet another Windows alternative 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. It is also interesting to note that Ubuntu MATE works well with NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano as well, which happens to be one of the raspberry pi alternatives.
If you want a slightly unique experience with a similar layout, you can try this!
6. Solus
Solus is one of the most beautiful Windows replacements. You may like it more than Windows 10. It is not based on Ubuntu, so unless you are not comfortable taking up a slight learning curve, you should stick to the options mentioned above.
This is an independently developed Linux distribution aimed at making home computing experience elegant and easier. You will get several essential tools pre-installed to get started quickly.
It offers its own “Budgie” desktop and provides other desktop editions if you want.
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.
Q4os must be include in this article. Most of the distros listed here, don’t look like windows at all.
What’s the point of an article about Linux distros to replace Windows if you mostly discuss distros that don’t look at all like Windows? You just wasted my time.