WE COMPARE TONS OF STUFF SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
Windows user distros
Elementary OS Ubuntu Deepin Linux Linux Mint Zorin OS Lubuntu Pop!_OS MX Linux
If you’re trying to get grandma off her old Windows laptop, Mayank Sharma might not be as old but he’s certainly as cranky.
Roundup Mayank
Sharma has taken a well-deserved final rest from HotPicks but is now stuck here!
CREDIT: Magictorch
As a fond farewell, we’re having a look at the best distros you can annoy your Window-using friends with. These include some of the best distributions out there. We’re specifically looking at distros that make it simple and easy for Windows users to take the leap and try Linux without feeling overwhelmed.
It can be an intimidating experience, especially for people coming from proprietary operating systems like Windows. Thanks to their open source nature, Linux distros offer a lot more access than their closed source cousins, which makes the transition particularly difficult for many. This is where these specialised distros, designed for Windows users, come in. Their objective is to allow users to experience the goodness of Linux while minimising the learning curve that’s associated with switching to a new OS. They all take steps to ensure the transition is as effortless as possible.
We’ve tested numerous Linux distros to find the best ones for Windows users. We looked at how user-friendly they are, the hardware requirements, the ease of installation, and the overall out-of-box experience. We also considered the distro’s learning curve and the desktop environment, among other aspects.
HOW WE TESTED…
We analysed various aspects of different Linux distros to find the best for Windows users. We looked at how resource-intensive the distros were, what kind of hardware they’d run on smoothly, the documentation and out-of-box experience. We considered installation time and the apps that came with the distro.
We evaluated the desktop environment based on the functionality, customisability and visuals. We also checked out the forums to see if there was an active community that could help with doubts.
With the best distro for Windows users, you’ll enjoy a smooth transition to Linux. But you’ll have to look at many factors before selecting the right distro for yourself.
Check whether your hardware can run the distro – not all distros run on 32-bit architecture. You’ll want a lightweight distro if you have older hardware. It helps if there’s lots of documentation and an active forum where you can seek help. Also, check out the desktop environment to see if it’s to your liking.
Elementary OS
Best Ubuntu distro for Windows or Mac users.
With a solid dose of Mac OS inspiration, the desktop is easy on the eye.