The best Linux distros for beginners in 2025 make switching from MacOS or Windows so easy

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Linux presents extra safety, privateness, and freedom from distributors.
• Fashionable Linux distros are user-friendly — even for non-techies.
• Linux Mint, Zorin OS, MX Linux high newbie distro record.

Why would you wish to change to the Linux desktop? There are a lot of causes, however the quick model is that the working system is safer, supplies way more privateness, and frees you from vendor lock-in. For present Home windows customers, it additionally supplies a method to proceed utilizing your Home windows 10 PC even when your machine cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

Apart from, opposite to common opinion, anybody can use and luxuriate in Linux as a desktop working system. I taught my then-mother-in-law, who was 79 years old, how to use Ubuntu Linux, and we did not even converse the identical language! If she may do it, you are able to do it.

Additionally: 8 ways I quickly leveled up my Linux skills – and you can too

Sure, Linux was as soon as tough to be taught, but those days are long gone. Do not consider me? Ever use an Android phone? A Chromebook? Congratulations, you are already a Linux consumer, however possibly you did not comprehend it.

If you wish to, you may dive deep into Linux shell scripts and do all of your work from the Bash shell, however no person should do this anymore. There are old-school desktop distributions, similar to Gentoo and Linux From Scratch, the place you should be a Linux maven to take advantage of them. However these distros aren’t for you.

Additionally: The best Linux laptops you can buy: Expert tested for students, hobbyists, and pros

You want a Linux distribution that appears like Home windows with a delicate studying curve. I get that. Whereas I’ve used Linux for over three many years and Unix desktops earlier than that, I do know what it is prefer to be a brand new consumer. It additionally does not assist your state of affairs that there are a whole bunch of desktop Linux distributions to select from. Some are onerous, however most are easy.

I am right here that will help you choose the model of Linux that may get you began on the fitting foot. I’ve examined all these myself.

1. Linux Mint

Greatest Linux distribution for inexperienced persons general

Worth: Free | Core code: Ubuntu 24.04 | Open supply: Sure

Sick and uninterested in Home windows? Hate the thought of shifting to Home windows 11? Then take into account turning to Linux Mint, particularly the model utilizing the Cinnamon interface. I am a Linux energy consumer, and my present favourite desktop working system is Linux Mint 22.1, and I extremely advocate it to inexperienced persons.

Mint, with a number of desktop environments similar to Cinnamon 6.4, seems to be quite a bit like XP or Home windows 7. It makes use of a Home windows icon, menu, and pointer (WIMP) interface, very like the one you in all probability already know and love. It is not a one-to-one match with XP or Home windows 7, however most Home windows customers will discover Cinnamon a snug match. Linux customers who grew up with the GNOME 2.x fashion interface may even love Cinnamon because it’s based mostly on that basic Linux desktop interface.

Additionally: The 6 best Linux distros for students – from elementary to college

Like all Linux desktop distros, Mint is extra than simply an working system — it additionally comes with all of the software program you want. LibreOffice 24.2.7 for workplace work and homework, Firefox 141 for internet shopping, Thunderbird 128.5.2 for e-mail and calendaring, and GIMP 2.10.36 for graphics modifying. Should you’re a gamer, Linux Mint helps Steam, which works the identical manner it does on Windows.

All of that is free.

Professionals:

• Linux Mint is totally free to obtain and use.
• Its Cinnamon interface carefully resembles Home windows, making it acquainted for brand spanking new customers.
• The built-in software program installer program is straightforward to navigate and set up purposes.

Cons:

• Proprietary graphics drivers (eg Nvidia or AMD/ATI) usually are not included out of the field, although you may add them.
• Snap bundle help is not enabled by default, however you may set up and allow it should you want it.

2. Zorin OS

Greatest Linux distribution for many who like Home windows

Worth: Free for primary and training; $47.99 Professional model | Core code: Ubuntu Linux 22.04 | Open supply: Sure

My ZDNET Linux brother, Jack Wallen, thinks Zorin 17.3 is the best Linux distro for Windows users as a result of its look, really feel, and software program help make it simple for them to regulate. I am unable to argue — he is proper.

You possibly can simply modify Zorin to work and appear to be Home windows 7 or Home windows 11. Or, for that matter, with the Pro version ($47.99), you get six extra layouts, one in all which supplies a MacOS feel and look should you favor. It is as much as you.

The Professional version additionally comes with media software program, together with Kdenlive, a feature-rich, non-linear video editor; Inkscape for Adobe Illustrator — like graphics modifying; Blender for animation and 3D creation; and Ardour for digital audio work.

Additionally: 6 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard

Zorin 17.3 additionally makes it simple to put in some Home windows packages. It comes prepared to put in 150 Home windows apps or to counsel alternate options. Beneath the hood, there are a number of shifting components, similar to Wine and PlayOnLinux, however as a brand new Linux consumer, you needn’t fear about these. All you have to do is choose, set up, and get again to work or play.

In relation to software program, apart from the standard pack of common Linux packages, Zorin comes with the Brave web browser slightly than Firefox, which is the default browser in nearly all Linux distributions. That is as a result of the distro’s builders consider Courageous is the most effective browser right this moment for privateness.

So, should you’ve determined to take your first steps into Linux from Home windows, you may be hard-pressed to seek out a better option than Zorin OS.

Professionals:

• Zorin 17.3 is totally free to obtain and use.
• It’s simple to make use of, making it supreme for inexperienced persons transitioning from Home windows.
• It consists of built-in help for a lot of Home windows packages, simplifying the set up course of.

Cons:

• The MacOS-style interface is simply obtainable within the paid Professional model.

3. Ubuntu

Nice, easy-to-use Linux distribution for inexperienced persons

Worth: Free for people/Variable business pricing | Core code: Debian | Open supply: Sure

Ubuntu was usually thought-about the most effective Linux distribution for brand spanking new customers, and whereas others might maintain that title nowadays, it is an incredible distro for newbies. Certainly, should you’ve been trying carefully on the notes, you may see that each Mint and Zorin OS are constructed on Ubuntu’s robust foundations. That is as a result of Ubuntu is easy, beginner-friendly, and has a number of community support. When you have a query, somebody on the market has nearly definitely had the identical drawback and located a solution to it.

By default, Ubuntu makes use of the GNOME 3.x interface. It takes some studying if all you have recognized earlier than is Home windows, nevertheless it’s not that arduous. When you get accustomed to the interface, you may see that it makes good sense (and also you may even surprise why different desktop working methods do not observe swimsuit).

Additionally: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux

Whereas the newest model of this Linux is Ubuntu 25.04, I like to recommend you employ the present long-term help (LTS) model, Ubuntu 24.04. That version has help for a dozen (sure, 12) years.

Professionals:

• Ubuntu is nicely fitted to each private computer systems and company environments.
• Ubuntu presents a few of the greatest {hardware} recognition obtainable, making certain most units work out of the field.
• It consists of built-in Snap help, providing you with entry to 1000’s of purposes.
• The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS version supplies twelve years of official help.

Cons:

• The GNOME 3.x interface might take new customers a while to be taught and get comfy with.

4. Pop!_OS

Odd identify, nevertheless it’s an incredible desktop

Worth: Free | Core code: Ubuntu | Open supply: Sure

You say you do not need something to do with putting in Linux on a desktop, and I am unable to persuade you that installing Linux on a PC isn’t hard. In that case, you may purchase a machine that already has Linux on it. If that method works for you, one in all your greatest selections is System76‘s high-end line of desktops and laptops. These all include Pop!_OS as their default Linux distro. Pop!_OS suits this {hardware} like a glove.

Like many different beginner-friendly Linuxes, Pop!_OS relies on Ubuntu. The place it modifications course is that its new, nonetheless wet-behind-the-ears, desktop interface is COSMIC. This interface might appear to be GNOME, some of the common Linux desktops, nevertheless it’s written in Rust. As a brand new consumer, you in all probability could not care much less about that reality. What’s vital to you is that it is quick and easy. You need to keep away from utilizing this distro on a low-powered system. For these, you may need MX Linux. Pop!_OS, nevertheless, will present essentially the most advantages from newer {hardware}.

Additionally: Installing apps on Linux? 4 ways it’s different than any other OS – and mistakes to avoid

One other benefit for brand spanking new Linux customers is that the majority its purposes may be put in with a single click on with no fuss or muss. That is as a result of Pop!_OS makes use of APT and Flatpak bundle administration. This makes it as easy to put in, take away, and replace packages as it’s on a smartphone.

Final, however not least, Pop!_OS is nice for PC gaming. The distro helps Steam, Lutris, and GameHub for the absolute best, ready-to-run pc video games.

Professionals:

• Pop!_OS delivers quick efficiency, making on a regular basis duties really feel fast and responsive.
• Its new COSMIC desktop interface is easy and speedy whereas nonetheless providing a well-recognized look.

Cons:

• Pop!_OS shines most when paired with System76 {hardware}.

5. MX Linux

Greatest light-weight Linux distribution for inexperienced persons

Worth: Free | Core code: Debian | Open supply: Sure

Years in the past, one in all my favourite Linux desktops was MEPIS Linux. This Debian Linux–based mostly distribution labored nicely. Ultimately, although, its founder and maintainer, Warren Woodford, needed to flip his consideration to different enterprise. MEPIS’s followers joined forces with the associated antiX Linux group and revived the undertaking as MX Linux.

Right this moment, it is a good, strong, light-weight desktop that makes use of Xfce as its interface. MX Linux works nicely, and it is very fashionable. What I like most about this distro is that it is beginner-friendly, simple to select up, and you’ll run it on even historical Pentium II gear. Briefly, it is supreme if you wish to get your toes moist with Linux on a PC that might in any other case be accumulating mud in your closet.

Additionally: Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever

However you do not have to take my phrase for it. On Distrowatch, the location that tracks all Linux desktops, MX Linux has nearly all the time been on the high of the record just lately. They have to be doing one thing proper.

The latest version obtainable right this moment is MX-Linux 23.5.

Professionals:

• MX Linux runs easily on a lot older computer systems.
• MX Linux presents a light-weight Xfce desktop that is simple to be taught and choose up.

Cons:

• Upgrading from one main launch to a different requires you to do a recent set up.