Which Linux distribution is the best drop-in replacement for Windows?

Guest · June 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM

Due to Microsoft's policies regarding user data collection and the blocking of Windows installations on old hardware, I have decided to switch to Linux from Windows. I would like a drop-in replacement for Windows without compromising too much.

I would appreciate your opinions!

P.S.

Based on my research, Apple's macOS also has a poor reputation for collecting user data, and I feel like I don't own my device when I work with an Apple device, so please don't recommend Apple instead of Linux!

Security_OPA · July 9, 2025 at 11:42 AM

Hello, and welcome to our forum!
Please note that no Linux desktop can be a 100% drop-in replacement for Windows or macOS.

This is mainly because Linux is a completely different operating system to Windows and MacOS, which are also different from each other.

However, the good news is that Linux is extremely flexible, and thanks to the hard work of Linux desktop developers in recent years, it has become a superior, user-friendly operating system — depending on the desktop you choose.

I personally recommend Zorin OS.

Why? mainly because:

It is based on Ubuntu, which has great hardware support.
It includes all possible desktop versions, including Windows-like, macOS-like and Chromium OS-like.
It is based on GNOME, the most polished Linux desktop.
All possible application sources are available by default (Flatpak, Snap, etc.).
Considering its features, it is much lighter than Windows and macOS; therefore, it will extend the lifespan of your hardware (this means that you will be able to use your hardware for longer with minimal performance compromise.).

Finally, Zorin OS makes it really easy for a Linux beginner to use and get used to this operating system.

There is also a Pro version of Zorin OS, which allows you to support the project while getting access to more desktop variants.

Participate now!