Windows alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Windows: strict hardware requirements leave many older PCs out, and microsoft account and internet required during Home setup. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Windows, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. macOS currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 5 alternativesThe best Windows alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Windows alternative for most people
macOSPolished, low-maintenance desktop with tight iPhone integration, if you are happy buying a Mac.
Best Windows alternative for a free option
UbuntuFree Linux desktop with no account requirement that runs well on hardware Windows 11 rejects.
Best Windows alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Zorin OSA free Linux desktop designed to look like Windows, which can run many .exe installers and older PCs.
Best Windows alternative for open source
Linux MintFamiliar Windows-like layout and free, a common landing spot for people leaving Windows.
Best Windows alternative for Mac
macOSPolished, low-maintenance desktop with tight iPhone integration, if you are happy buying a Mac.
Best Windows alternative for Linux
Fedora LinuxFree, current Linux desktop with strong developer tooling and no built-in ads.
Windows alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Windows?
macOS ranks first right now. Polished, low-maintenance desktop with tight iPhone integration, if you are happy buying a Mac. Ubuntu and Linux Mint follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Windows?
Yes. macOS (free), Ubuntu (open source), Linux Mint (open source) and Fedora Linux (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Windows?
Yes: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Linux and Zorin OS.
Which Windows alternatives work on Linux?
Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Linux and Zorin OS run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Windows?
The complaints we hear most: strict hardware requirements leave many older PCs out; microsoft account and internet required during Home setup; built-in ads and upsells in the interface.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Windows, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.