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6 Best Linux Distros for Beginners who to migrate from Windows

·1375 words·7 mins·
Technology OS Tutorial Migrations Linux Linux Mint Ubuntu Mx Linux Zorin Os Pop!_OS Manjaro
Adilhyz
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Adilhyz
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For Windows users who want to try migrating to Linux, if you are still hesitant to choose an operating system foundation you are not alone.

Choosing the right distro is the most important step. Some Linux distros have a Windows-like UI and UX, making it easier to use.

On this article, Here are the 6 best Linux distro recommendations up to the time of , for newbie user looking to make the switch from Windows.

1. Linux Mint
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- Best Choice for Windows Users

Linux Mint. a distro suitable for migrating with a familiar look and interface similar to Windows, presents an easy-to-use experience because it is based on Ubuntu, suitable for beginners and minimalists.

Linux mint has several iso editions, including:

Cinnamon Edition

Sleek, modern, innovative

Linux Mint

Cinnamon Suitable for: Windows users who want to transition to Linux with long-term use.

Xfce Edition

Light, simple, efficient

Xfce is suitable for: Windows users who want minimal applications and a lightweight system.

MATE Edition

Classic, traditional

MATE Suitable for: Windows users who want a classic and traditional system.

2. Ubuntu
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– Populer, Stabil, dan Kompatibel

Ubuntu. the most popular Linux distro with extensive community support. It’s stable, has more compatible software, making it a top choice for beginners and developers alike. However, the GNOME interface can feel heavy on low-spec devices.

Here are the advantages of ubuntu in several ways:

  • Most popular distro with a large community

  • Updates and long-term support (LTS)

  • Suitable for general use and development

Ubuntu has several iso variants, including the following:

Gnome

gnome
Gnome Rilis terbaru Ubuntu Desktop menghadirkan alat bantu dan peningkatan terbaru.

Gnome is suitable for: Users who want to try Linux with lots of tutorials and documentation.

Flavours

Ubuntu Flavours
Flavours variants serve to enjoy Ubuntu developed by members of the global Ubuntu community.

Flavors is suitable for: Users who want to experience Ubuntu with a more flexible feel.

3. MX Linux
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- Lightweight, Debian-based, Stable

MX Linux is a Debian-based distro that is known for being very lightweight and stable. Equipped with a variety of useful system tools, MX Linux is suitable for users who want a fast and efficient system. However, its interface may feel less modern compared to Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

Xfce

xfce mx linux
Xfce is the flagship of mx linux that aims to be fast and resource-minimal, yet still attractive and user-friendly. It augments the original Xfce configuration with unique features.

Xfce Suitable for: Users who need a lightweight & stable system.

Fluxbox

Fluxbox unites the speed, low resource use

Fluxbox is ideal for users who want a minimalist look and lightweight performance, especially on older devices.

KDE

KDE is well known for its advanced desktop Plasma

KDE is suitable for: users who want more optimized hardware support with a modern look and animation effects.

4. Zorin OS
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- Most similar to Windows, Easy to Use

Zorin OS, a Linux distro designed to feel like Windows, making it suitable for beginners. The free version is quite comprehensive, although some additional features are only available on the paid version. The community is also smaller than Ubuntu or Linux Mint, but it’s still an interesting option for Windows users who want to try Linux.

Here are some of the advantages that Zorin Os has:

  • The interface can be customized to look like Windows

  • Comes with familiar built-in applications

  • Light and fast performance

But Zorin Os has the following disadvantages including:

  • The free version has limited compared to the paid version (Zorin OS Pro)

  • Unpopular than Ubuntu or Linux Mint, hence a smaller community

  • It’s based on Ubuntu LTS, so software updates are not always up to date.

Zorin Os has several editions including::

Core

Zorin
Core is the standard edition of Zorin OS that offers the most Windows-like Linux experience, but with more limited features than the Pro edition.

Core Suitable For: Users who want a Windows-like Linux experience with essential features, but without the premium features of the Pro edition.

Edu

With educational software for schools and students.

Edu Suitable For: Students, teachers, and educational institutions who want to use Linux as a learning platform, especially those who are switching from Windows.

Pro

premium experience with additional features.

Pro Suitable For: Users who want exclusive features and a more professional experience.

5. Pop!_OS
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- Optimal for Productivity and Gaming

Pop!_OS, an Ubuntu-based distro developed by System76. This distro is designed for high productivity with features such as auto-tiling window manager and built-in NVIDIA driver support. Pop!_OS is perfect for users who need a fast system for multitasking and gaming. However, since it is based on Ubuntu, some applications may still rely on Snap, which could be less efficient for some users.

Here are the advantages of Pop!_OS for performance:

  • High performance with custom optimizations

  • Built-in NVIDIA drivers for gaming

  • Modern and minimalist look

Here are some isos that Pop!_OS has including:

LTS

Pop!_OS
LTS Pop!_OS is a solid choice for users looking for long-term stability with full support from System76.

LTS is suitable for: Users who want a stable operating system, long-term updates, and the best optimization for gaming and productivity.

LTS (NVIDIA)

nvidia

With nvidia gpu for performance.

LTS (NVIDIA) Suitable For: Users who want a Linux experience without the hassle of driver configuration, with maximum performance for gaming, rendering, and GPU computing.

6. Manjaro
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- Ease of Arch Linux for Beginners

Manjaro offers a more user-friendly Arch Linux experience. With its rolling release model, users always get the latest software, as well as access to the vast Arch User Repository (AUR). However, due to the constant updates, there is a possibility of bugs after updates, making it more suitable for mid-level users and above.

Here are Manjaro’s advantages in several conditions:

  • Rolling release with high stability

  • Access to the latest software packages with AUR

  • Easier installation compared to Arch Linux installation

KDE

kde manjaro
KDE supports the flexibility of manjaro being based on Arch Linux making it more accessible to more people.

KDE is suitable for: users who need the flexibility of Arch Linux with ease of use. and A modern look with many features.

GNOME

modern desktop, easy and intuitive to learn.

GNOME is suitable for users who like a minimalist look and efficient workflow.

XFCE

lightweight desktop. fast and low on system resources, while being rock solid.

XFCE is suitable for users of older devices, the lightest and fastest option.

Cinnamon

traditional desktop conventions. recommended for beginners.

Cinnamon is suitable for users migrating from Windows.

Conclusion
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Here’s a comparison of each distro

DistroMajor AdvantagesDisadvantagesSuitable for
Linux MintWindows-like appearance, stable, lightweightNot always updated to the latest softwareWindows users who want an easy transition
UbuntuMost popular, many tutorialsGNOME heavy, Snap controversialBeginners who want broad support
MX Linux Lightweight, Debian-based, stableNot as modern as Ubuntu, smaller communityUsers who need a lightweight & stable system
ManjaroRolling release, AUR access, more user-friendly than ArchUpdates can cause bugsIntermediate users who want the flexibility of Arch
Pop!_OS Optimal for gaming and productivitySmall community, frequent updatesGamers and high productivity users
Zorin OSWindows-like interface, lightweightLimited free version, small communityUsers who want the Windows look

Which Distro to Choose?
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As I’ve explained before, it all depends on the needs of each user. But I recommend one of the 6 above

FAQ
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Which Linux distro looks the most like Windows?

Linux Mint and Zorin OS are the two best choices as they have a familiar look for Windows users.

What is the best distro for older laptops?

MX Linux is a very lightweight and stable option for laptops with low specifications. Other alternatives are Linux Mint XFCE or Lubuntu.

Can Linux be used for gaming?

Yes, especially with Steam Proton and Lutris. Pop!_OS, Manjaro, and Ubuntu are some distros that strongly support gaming.

Can I run Microsoft Office on Linux?

Not directly, but you can use alternatives like LibreOffice or run Microsoft Office via Wine or PlayOnLinux.

What is the best distro for beginners?

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are the two best choices as they are easy to use and have many tutorials and active communities.