Windows
Microsoft's desktop operating system, preinstalled on most PCs and laptops.
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About Windows
Windows is the operating system on most desktop and laptop PCs. The current version, Windows 11, runs on a wide range of hardware from many manufacturers and supports the largest library of desktop software and PC games, along with Microsoft apps such as Edge, Copilot, OneDrive and the Microsoft Store. It comes in Home and Pro editions; Pro adds BitLocker drive encryption, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop hosting and business management features. Copilot+ PCs with dedicated AI chips get extra on-device AI features. Most people get a licence bundled with a new PC; standalone licences are paid. Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and TPM 2.0, which rules out many older machines, and Home and Pro for personal use require a Microsoft account and internet connection during setup. Critics also point to ads and suggestions built into the interface.
Best for: PC gamers and anyone needing the widest choice of hardware and desktop software.
Pros and cons
What works
- Largest library of desktop apps and PC games
- Runs on hardware from many manufacturers at every price
- Pro edition adds BitLocker, Hyper-V and business management
Why people leave
- Strict hardware requirements leave many older PCs out
- Microsoft account and internet required during Home setup
- Built-in ads and upsells in the interface
Top Windows alternatives
See all 5- 1
macOS66.5Polished, low-maintenance desktop with tight iPhone integration, if you are happy buying a Mac.
- 2
Ubuntu62.6Free Linux desktop with no account requirement that runs well on hardware Windows 11 rejects.
- 3
Linux Mint59.6Familiar Windows-like layout and free, a common landing spot for people leaving Windows.
- 4
Fedora Linux57.2Free, current Linux desktop with strong developer tooling and no built-in ads.
- 5
Zorin OS40.0A free Linux desktop designed to look like Windows, which can run many .exe installers and older PCs.
Why people left Windows
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Windows, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Windows: common questions
Is Windows free?
No, Windows is a paid product.
Is Windows open source?
No, Windows is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora Linux.
What platforms does Windows run on?
Windows is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to Windows?
The highest-ranked Windows alternatives right now are macOS, Ubuntu and Linux Mint. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.