Popular opinion: Mint is the closest Linux Distro to Windows 11

Users suggest Linux Mint as the best Windows 11 alternative

3 min. read

Updated onFebruary 7, 2024

updated onFebruary 7, 2024

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Many users want to try out Linux, but sometimes it’s hard to let go of the familiarity and comfort that Windows offers.

To make this process easier, users are wondering which is the most similar version of Linux to Windows 11. Today we’ll try to answer that question, so let’s get started!

What Linux distribution is closest to Windows 11? Here’s what Linux users had to say

AReddit user posted a threadasking about a Linux distribution that is the most similar to Windows 11, to make the transition from one OS to another as simple and painless as possible.

The community was quick to help with its suggestions, and many were eager to recommend distributions that use KDE due to its similarity with Windows.

IMHO, pretty much any distro using KDE is going to have the most Windows-like desktop experience.

Others chimed in on KDE distributions and recommended Linux Mint Cinnamon edition:

Cinnamon is great as well, that’s where i started 🙂

Others are praising KDE for its customization features, but if users want something more user-friendly, KDE Neon might be more suitable for them:

And be extremely customizable so you can make it look and behave as similarly as you want, even starting from some pretty good themes people have already made.

Neon gets my vote for non-technical users.

Many also praised Linux Mint due to its similarities with Windows:

Mint is always a good suggestion for people who want an experience similar to Windows. They even have an edge ISO now that will install the latest kernel, which will really help if you’re interested in gaming and using wine.

Lastly, pointed out the fundamental differences between the two systems, and while a system might look like Windows, it works rather differently than Windows:

Everyone else just picking distros/DEs thatlook likeWindows. That doesn’t mean anything, and is arguably counterproductive. So then the newbie goes and starts trying to install exe’s or downloading installers from websites and thinking they should do everything through WINE or whatever else.

While Linux Mint might be the best option for Windows users who want to make a switch, the two systems are quite different, so there will be an adjustment period.

Speaking of differences, we have a great guide ondifferences between Windows and Linux kernelsthat might help you.

Before making the switch, you can consider trying out Linux on a virtual machine. If you’re already a Linux user, you might be interested in the fact thatIntel will boost Windows 11 performance on VMsin the upcoming update.

If you’re still hesitant about the switch, ourLinux vs Windows 11 guidewill help you make the switch and choose the right operating system for yourself.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Popular opinion: Mint is the closest Linux Distro to Windows 11#

What Linux distribution is closest to Windows 11? Here’s what Linux users had to say#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Popular opinion: Mint is the closest Linux Distro to Windows 11

What Linux distribution is closest to Windows 11? Here’s what Linux users had to say