待翻譯：The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren't Mint)

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Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on GoogleZDNET key takeawaysNew Linux users have lots of distros to choose from.This list mostly consists of lesser-known systems.Each makes it easy to migrate from Windows to Linux.The open-source operating system Linux has been on a slow and steady climb, but the effort is starting to pay off. As more people want less AI, more privacy, and a better overall experience, Linux is becoming more popular.However, as most users don't like change, finding an operating system that isn't Windows but is just as easy to use can be daunting.Also: 'Just a hobby, won't be big': Linus Torvalds introduced Linux 35 years ago - and almost called it FreaxThat's why I'm here. I've created my latest list of Linux distributions that could be your best bet when migrating from Windows. You might be surprised to discover that the list includes distributions you may never have heard of. Even with their lack of attention and mainstream coverage, these Linux distros offer everything a user needs, and then some.Let's get on with the list.1. Zorin OS I figured I'd start with the only distribution on this list that is well known and often considered one of the best distros for new users. Zorin OS is a Linux distro that takes the idea of users migrating from Windows seriously. It even has a subsystem that watches when users attempt to install a Windows app from a downloaded file. Double-click an .exe or .msi file, and Zorin OS suggests an open-source equivalent from the GUI app store.Zorin OS also understands that people don't much care for change, so it offers you four different layouts to choose from, one of which looks very much like Windows. I've even gone so far as to say that Zorin OS is exactly what a desktop operating system should be. I meant it then, and I mean it now.Also: How to make Zorin OS look like Windows 11 - for freeIf anyone asked me to suggest only one Linux distribution that is best suited for those migrating from Windows, the answer would be, unequivocally, Zorin OS.2. MainstreamOS I recently reviewed MainstreamOS and found it the single best onboarding experience I've ever seen. Windows doesn't even come close to how well MainstreamOS helps users take their first steps with the OS. In fact, no OS comes close.If one Linux distro could most easily make Linux (on the desktop) a household name, it might well be MainstreamOS. I haven't been this impressed with an onboarding process since… ever. That's how good this OS is.Even after you've finished the initial setup, MainstreamOS is as easy to use as any OS. The default desktop is laid out very much like MacOS and includes everything you need to get going. A powerful GUI allows users to customize the layout and look of their desktop.The crazy thing about MainstreamOS is that it's based on Arch Linux and uses the Hyprland window manager. Normally, I would say those options aren't good for new users, but somehow, MainstreamOS makes its approach work. In fact, MainstreamOS could be a real boon for Hyprland and Arch Linux.3. stillOS This OS is relatively new, but you'd never think that, given how polished it already is. Beyond the layout, stillOS does a few things that make it a great option for Windows users. For example, stillOS includes an Electron-based web app runtime called SWAI. SWAI integrates web apps into the operating system, so they look and behave like native apps. This capability means you could run web applications like Google Docs, Microsoft Office Online, Photoshop Web, and Apple Music as if they were installed locally.Also: My 5 favorite open source operating systems that aren't LinuxThe OS also includes an app called stillControl, which allows users to switch between layouts. You get several options, including layouts that look and feel like Windows, MacOS, elementaryOS, GNOME, and more. The default layout is Windows-like, meaning you can feel comfortable from the start.The other good news is stillOS also offers atomic updates, which means you never have to worry about an update going wrong and breaking your OS. Updates happen in the background and aren't applied until you reboot. More importantly, the updates are tested before the reboot, and if they don't work, they aren't applied.4. Kubuntu Kubuntu is the other distribution on the list that you've most likely heard of. I added Kubuntu for several reasons, one of which is the combination of Ubuntu and KDE Plasma. This combination is beautiful, simple, fast, and reliable. Those coming from Windows will have no problem with this distro, thanks to the default KDE Plasma layout, which has all the usual elements: a start menu, panel, system tray, and clickable icons.Of course, this is KDE Plasma, which means you can customize the desktop however you want it.Also: This distro makes it easy to switch from Windows to Linux - here's howIf you like desktop widgets, KDE Plasma's got them. You can add all the widgets you want to bring your desktop to life with interactive elements, data, or whatever you need.5. VanillaOS I became a fan of VanillaOS during a review. The big selling point is the focus on security. First, VanillaOS uses atomic updates but opts for ABRoot. Also: Linux Mint vs. RefreshOS: I compared the two best distros for new users - this one's betterHere's how ABRoot works. You want to install a new app. When you do, ABRoot checks which partition is the current root partition. After that check, it mounts an overlay on top and performs the installation. If the installation succeeds, the overlay merges with the future root partition, and on your next boot, the system automatically switches to the new root partition.In other words, the app is installed only if the installation succeeds.Along those same lines, VanillaOS also offers Smart Updates, which means the system will not update if it's under a heavy load or if the battery is low. That approach means updates never go awry and you don't lose data because you forgot to plug your laptop in during an update.The one caveat to using VanillaOS is that it defaults to a stock GNOME desktop. Because of that approach, I recommend new users at least install the Dash to Dock GNOME extension to create a desktop more in line with what they're accustomed to.