Switching from Windows to Linux does not mean relearning how to use a computer. Several Linux distributions replicate the layout of the Windows desktop, with a taskbar at the bottom, a start menu, and a familiar file explorer. The choice of the right distribution depends less on appearance than on software compatibility and hardware support.
AnduinOS, the distribution modeled after Windows 11
Migration guides to Linux often mention Zorin OS or Linux Mint. Few still talk about AnduinOS, a recent distribution designed to replicate the Windows 11 interface. The desktop features a centered taskbar, rounded window corners, and a quick settings panel.
AnduinOS targets a specific audience: users who have just left Windows 11 and want to regain their visual landmarks from the first boot. The desktop environment is preconfigured, which saves time customizing each element manually.
The main limitation concerns the youth of the project. The community remains small compared to that of Ubuntu or Mint. In case of hardware issues (Wi-Fi driver, graphics card), finding a documented solution takes more time. For those who want to delve deeper into the subject, a detailed comparison covers Linux distributions similar to Windows from several technical angles.
Zorin OS or Linux Mint: which desktop to choose based on your habits
Zorin OS and Linux Mint are the two names that come up most often when looking for a visual replacement for Windows. Their approach differs on one fundamental point.
Zorin OS focuses on a turnkey appearance
Zorin OS offers predefined desktop layouts, including one that mimics Windows 7 and another that mimics Windows 11. The user chooses their layout during installation. No need to dig into the settings to achieve a convincing visual result.
Zorin also includes a tool called Zorin Connect, which links the phone to the Linux desktop (notifications, file transfer). For a former Windows user accustomed to Microsoft’s “Your Phone” app, the transition is natural.
Linux Mint prioritizes stability and simplicity
Linux Mint with the Cinnamon environment resembles Windows 7 or 10 without any configuration effort. The start menu, taskbar, and Nemo file manager: everything is in its usual place.
Mint is based on an Ubuntu LTS foundation, which guarantees security updates for several years. Its software manager is straightforward: you search for an application, click “Install.” No command line required for regular office use.
Do you mainly use your PC for web browsing, document management, and video watching? Linux Mint covers these uses without any special configuration. If appearance and connected features matter more, Zorin OS takes the lead.
Kubuntu and KDE Plasma: the most customizable option
Kubuntu is an official variant of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Why consider it when Zorin and Mint already exist?
KDE Plasma allows you to modify every element of the desktop: taskbar position, window style, animations, keyboard shortcuts. You can replicate the appearance of Windows 10, Windows 11, or create a mix of both. This flexibility has a downside: you need to invest time in the settings.
Kubuntu benefits from Ubuntu’s documentation, one of the most comprehensive in the Linux ecosystem. A driver issue, a question about installing software? The answer often already exists on French-speaking Ubuntu forums. This documentary foundation makes a difference for a beginner migrating alone.
Software compatibility: the real criterion for choosing a Linux distribution
The appearance of the desktop matters, but it is not enough. The main hurdle when migrating concerns software. Some Windows applications do not have a direct equivalent on Linux.
- Microsoft Office does not exist natively on Linux. LibreOffice replaces it for most uses, but complex Excel macros and certain PowerPoint formatting are not always compatible.
- Adobe Photoshop and the Creative Cloud suite do not work on Linux. GIMP and Inkscape cover some needs, but do not achieve functional parity.
- Video games are progressing thanks to Steam and its Proton compatibility layer, but some titles with kernel anti-cheat (like Valorant) remain blocked.
Before choosing a distribution, list the software you use every week. Check if they exist on Linux or if an alternative meets your actual needs. This verification, more than the choice of desktop, determines the success of a migration.
End of support for Windows 10: a timeline to know before migrating
The end of support for Windows 10 has been extended for free in Europe until October 13, 2026. After this date, no security patches will be released by Microsoft for this system.
For PCs incompatible with Windows 11, installing a Linux distribution allows you to continue using the machine safely, without having to buy new hardware. Zorin OS, Linux Mint, and Kubuntu work on modest configurations.
- Zorin OS Lite and Linux Mint XFCE run on machines with little RAM, extending the lifespan of an older PC.
- The installation is done from a bootable USB stick, without touching the hard drive initially (live mode to test).
- Dual boot allows you to keep Windows on one partition and Linux on another, while validating the transition.
Testing Linux in live mode before any installation remains the safest method to assess hardware and software compatibility without risk. If Wi-Fi works, if the screen displays correctly, and if your files are accessible, the migration is likely to succeed.