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.
I moderate for ZorinOS so glad to see it present here – but don’t rule out FerenOS 2020.04 – it is very slick – not up to speed with ZorinOS on the Accessibility front in terms of the screen reader but very clean look and slick. Works really well on my home built updated rig with Ryzen 7 processor (16 core), 16 Gb RAM and 2 Gb Zotac nvidia 1030 graphics.
You had FORGOTTEN Chalet OS and Makalu Linux “Lindoz”, among others.
I also ‘discovered’ ChaletOS just a few weeks ago and would have thoroughly recommended it to someone new to Linux; however, the development is listed as Dormant and try as I may I have not been able to update it from it’s 2016 version.
Beautiful to look at and use and I hope the developer will find the time to continue maintain it. I have tried a hundred Linux/Unix distros over the years and whilst nothing matches Windows (7 Ultimate at present) ChaletOS and Zorin are the closest.
I will check out Lindoz; though I think I may have looked at it some time ago.
Hello all,
I know some new users expect Linux terminal commands
to be like Microsoft DOS, but they don’t want to take the time
to learn the new language syntax.
Just keep in mind that Linux it’s powering just about anything
we use today, From Aerospace to phones, Arcade Games and kitchen appliances.
The fact that some versions of Linux are windows lookalike
is to make it easier for new users and hopefully attractively easy
to transition from Windows or Mac’s.
Just go ahead and give it a try and explore the new world of Linux (in its different flavors) and if you don’t like it, no harm is done.
Just keep in mind the most of the Cloud Servers are running
in some form of Linux, Ubuntu, Red Hat, etc.
and they are no using a graphical interface, just good old
text-based interface terminal.
Cheers