Windows 10 Alternatives
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems
To encourage its adoption, Microsoft announced that during its first year of availability, Windows 10 would be made available free of charge to users of genuine copies of eligible editions of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
Windows 10 introduces what Microsoft described as a "universal" application architecture; expanding on Metro-style apps, these apps can be designed to run across multiple Microsoft product families with nearly identical code—including PCs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub and HoloLens.
Windows 10's user interface was revised to handle transitions between a mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface based on available input devices—particularly on laplets; both interfaces include an updated Start menu that comprises a design similar to Windows 7 with 8's tiles.
Windows 10 also introduces Task View, a virtual desktop system, the Microsoft Edge web browser and other new or updated applications.
Integrated support for fingerprint and face recognition login, new security features for enterprise environments, DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 to improve the operating system's graphics capabilities for games.
Best Windows 10 Alternatives
Looking for other Windows 10-like programs? We've rounded up our favorites Windows 10 alternatives. Try any one of these fan favorites to see if they'll support your system and meet your specific needs.
Ubuntu
FreeOpen SourceWindowsLinuxWindows SUbuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.
Features:
- Customizable
- Based on Debian
- OTA Updates
- Package Manager
- Support for Unicode
- APT package manager
- Based on Debian
- Linux-based
- Operating system
- Security & Privacy
- Support for .deb files
Windows 7
CommercialWindowsWindows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista . The new OS introduces a compelling combination of welcome innovations and much-needed...
Features:
- Package Installing
- Snap windows
- Windows XP Compatibility
- Operating system
Debian
FreeOpen SourceWindowsLinuxWindows SBSDSelf-HostedWHAT is Debian? The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have...
Features:
- Rolling release
- Stability
- Customizable
- Based on Debian
- Package Manager
- Flexible and powerful
- Low memory usage
- Operating system
- Package Control
- Scientific Calculator
- Security & Privacy
- Transmission bitTorrent client
- UI customization
Linux Mint
FreeOpen SourceLinuxLinux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people. The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and...
Features:
- Customizable
- Windows-like
- Ad-free
- Out Of The Box
- Based on Ubuntu
- Built-in File Manager
- Community based
- Based on Debian
- Night mode/Dark Theme
- Support for Nvidia drivers
- Operating system
- Unix-like
- Program Launchers
- Cinnamon Desktop
- Based on Debian
- Extensible window manager
- FOSS
- Multiple languages
- No Tracking
- Privacy focused
- Security & Privacy
- XFCE support
Arch Linux
FreeOpen SourceLinuxArch Linux is an independently developed, i686- and x86_64-optimised GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package...
Features:
- Customizable
- Rolling release
- Arch User Repository
- Lightweight
- Community based
- Minimalistic
- Package Manager
- Wiki documentation
- ARM support
- Bleeding edge
- For geek
- Linux-based
- Operating system
- Package Control
- UI customization
macOS
FreeMacmacOS is a Unix-based operating system, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to run on Macintosh computers, having been pre-installed on all Macs since...
Features:
- Unix-like
- Apps with Chromecast Support
- Linux-based
- Operating system
- Privacy focused
- QuickLook File Preview
- Spotlight
- Voice Commands
Fedora
FreeOpen SourceLinuxThe Fedora Project is an openly-developed project designed by Red Hat Enterprise Linux , open for general participation, led by a meritocracy, following a set of project objectives.
Features:
- An in-built GUI
- Key rebinding
- Linux-based
- Multiple languages
- Operating system
- Out Of The Box
- Separated workspaces
elementary OS
FreeOpen SourceLinuxelementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
Features:
- macOS-like
- Flatpak
- Out Of The Box
- Configurable
- Debian package compatible
- FOSS
- Distraction-free UI
- Operating system
- Based on Ubuntu
Xubuntu
FreeOpen SourceLinuxXubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment.
Features:
- Lightweight
- Based on Debian
- Operating system
- Based on Ubuntu
- XFCE support
Manjaro Linux
FreeOpen SourceLinuxArch LinuxManjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system.
Features:
- Rolling release
- Based on Arch Linux
- ARM support
- Community based
- Customizable
- Lightweight
- Stability
- Arch User Repository
- Configurable
- Linux-based
- Support for Nvidia drivers
- Operating system
- Out Of The Box
- Plasma based
- Rolling release
- Security focused
- X86/x64 Compatibility
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