It wasn’t too long ago that we published an article on the best Linux distros that looks like MacOS. Today, our focus is not necessarily on distributions that have a similar UI to that of Windows, but ones that are, firstly, convenient for Windows users to use due to familiarity, and secondly, without technical hurdles during installation or application set up.
1. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is my first recommendation because it is designed to replicate the look and feel of both Windows and macOS depending on the user’s preference.
With a GNOME 3 layout or a UI similar to that in Windows XP, you’re bound to feel at home due to the familiar user experience coupled with its ability to install Windows applications using pre-installed Wine.
2. Ubuntu Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie is an eye candy flavor of Ubuntu that goes the extra mile to make new Linux users from Windows conveniently style their desktop to their taste.
It is praised for its desktop management features which allow one to manipulate app windows easily as well as reorganize the arrangement of the dock and panel icons.
3. Xubuntu
Xubuntu is an Ubuntu flavor created with simplicity, adaptability, and familiarity especially for computer users migrating from Windows to Linux.
By default, it ships with the lightweight Xfce desktop environment which easy to customize and reorganize just like it is easy to personalize Windows.
4. Solus
Solus is built from scratch to be simple in operation, easy to install, configure, and work with. It features a beautiful custom-built desktop environment, Budgie, which has a sleek UI similar to that of the Windows operating system complete with the taskbar, menu section, and icons.
5. Deepin
Deepin is a Linux distro with the primary goal of making Linux available to computer users in an elegant system without compromising performance.
Its preinstalled applications are mostly home-grown and its settings options are always only a couple of clicks away from the current point. All in all, Deepin provides users with an eye-candy UI that is reminiscent of Windows or macOS shiny-ness.
6. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is arguably the most popular operating system among personal computer users after Ubuntu and it is praised for being a more reliable distro than its parent OS.
This is due to the fact that its focus is to provide a classic desktop that is convenient to use and filled with multimedia support and nifty tools straight out of the box.
Recommended Read: 10 Reasons to Use Linux Mint
7. Robolinux
Robolinux is a cool Linux project designed to be intuitive with the aim of being the perfect Linux alternative for Windows users.
It ships with a preconfigured VM with Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10 which enables users to install and run Windows applications alongside it without the need for dual booting.
8. Chalet OS
Chalet OS was created with the goal of using Linux on a wide range of hardware specifications in a style that is appealing to immigrants from the Windows platform.
It is based on Xubuntu but infused with a unique touch of style that makes it different from its parent OS and convenient for Windows users to use.
9. BackSlash
BackSlash is a Linux distribution with a custom-designed User Interface that mimics that of macOS.
It uses KDE as its default desktop environment and although it doesn’t look like Windows, you might realize that what you need is a look and feel that is unique but works in the same way your previous OS does nonetheless.
10. Pearl OS
Pearl OS was created to welcome Linux emigrants from Windows and macOS with a desktop environment that is familiar and just as customizable without too much hassle.
It ships with several desktop options including GNOME, MATE, LXDE, and promises to unveil its custom DE in the form of PearlDE.
Certain features common to the above-listed recommendations include customization options, a familiar User Interface, window animations, and a welcoming community, among others, so feel free to test them all out for yourself first.
Are there any recommendations you would like us to add to the list? Feel free to pen your thoughts in the comments section below.
I loved ChaletOS, but It’s dead. No updates since 2016 . At least revisit the distros when you changed the title!
Out of all the linux os linux mint was my choice.
It’s clean and I can set it up for my personal liking.
Zorin would have been my second choice except I couldn’t get any support for a few bugs I ran into.
Tried Zorin OS and two problems in general the screen resolution was too small compared to same resolution in Ubuntu. The second was a problem with mousepad and less but still problem with mouse functions in general. But the look and feel was nice for a fast change to linux.
Back then, Zorin OS had a lot of upgrading to do. They still do but they’re a lot better now
Okay thanks i am happy with Kubuntu now
Don’t even attempt to download Zorin OS. The company has no customer service, no telephone number, no email address.. If they are running there servers on Zorin OS, it is a bad example. They can’t even send an automated email to verity an account, even after 7 resend requests. The website has some strange user account text strings in cache. This is a company run in somebody”s garage as a sideline. It is not in the US so you will be ignored.
Have you tried Zorin recently? They’ve come a long way.
And don’t be too judgemental; a lot of good companies started in a garage.
I’m with you Ed.
My experience with zorin wasn’t good.
I couldn’t get support for a few bugs I ran into.
I went with linux mint.
Y U No #ElementaryOS ?