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

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Linux offers more security, privacy, and freedom from vendors.
• Modern Linux distros are user-friendly — even for non-techies.
• Linux Mint, Zorin OS, MX Linux top beginner distro list.

Why would you want to switch to the Linux desktop? There are many reasons, but the short version is that the operating system is more secure, provides far more privacy, and frees you from vendor lock-in. For current Windows users, it also provides a way to continue using your Windows 10 PC even if your machine cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

Besides, contrary to popular opinion, anyone can use and enjoy Linux as a desktop operating system. I taught my then-mother-in-law, who was 79 years old, how to use Ubuntu Linux, and we didn’t even speak the same language! If she could do it, you can do it.

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

Yes, Linux was once difficult to learn, but those days are long gone. Don’t believe me? Ever use an Android phone? A Chromebook? Congratulations, you’re already a Linux user, but maybe you didn’t know it.

If you want to, you can dive deep into Linux shell scripts and do all your work from the Bash shell, but nobody must do that anymore. There are old-school desktop distributions, such as Gentoo and Linux From Scratch, where you need to be a Linux maven to make the most of them. But those distros aren’t for you.

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

You need a Linux distribution that looks like Windows with a gentle learning curve. I get that. While I’ve used Linux for over three decades and Unix desktops before that, I know what it’s like to be a new user. It also doesn’t help your situation that there are hundreds of desktop Linux distributions to choose from. Some are hard, but most are simple.

I’m here to help you select the version of Linux that will get you started on the right foot. I’ve tested all these myself.

1. Linux Mint

Best Linux distribution for beginners overall

Price: Free | Core code: Ubuntu 24.04 | Open source: Yes

SJVN / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Sick and tired of Windows? Hate the idea of moving to Windows 11? Then consider turning to Linux Mint, in particular the version using the Cinnamon interface. I’m a Linux power user, and my current favorite desktop operating system is Linux Mint 22.1, and I highly recommend it to beginners.

Mint, with several desktop environments such as Cinnamon 6.4, looks a lot like XP or Windows 7. It uses a Windows icon, menu, and pointer (WIMP) interface, much like the one you probably already know and love. It’s not a one-to-one match with XP or Windows 7, but most Windows users will find Cinnamon a comfortable fit. Linux users who grew up with the GNOME 2.x style interface will also love Cinnamon since it’s based on that classic Linux desktop interface.

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

Like all Linux desktop distros, Mint is more than just an operating system — it also comes with all the software you need. LibreOffice 24.2.7 for office work and homework, Firefox 141 for web browsing, Thunderbird 128.5.2 for email and calendaring, and GIMP 2.10.36 for graphics editing. If you’re a gamer, Linux Mint supports Steam, which works the same way it does on Windows.

All of this is free.

Pros:

• Linux Mint is completely free to download and use.
• Its Cinnamon interface closely resembles Windows, making it familiar for new users.
• The built-in software installer program is easy to navigate and install applications.

Cons:

• Proprietary graphics drivers (eg Nvidia or AMD/ATI) are not included out of the box, though you can add them.
• Snap package support isn’t enabled by default, but you can install and enable it if you need it.

2. Zorin OS

Best Linux distribution for those who like Windows

Price: Free for basic and education; $47.99 Pro version | Core code: Ubuntu Linux 22.04 | Open source: Yes

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

My ZDNET Linux brother, Jack Wallen, thinks Zorin 17.3 is the best Linux distro for Windows users because its look, feel, and software support make it easy for them to adjust. I can’t argue — he’s right.

You can easily adjust Zorin to work and look like Windows 7 or Windows 11. Or, for that matter, with the Pro version ($47.99), you get six additional layouts, one of which provides a MacOS look and feel if you prefer. It’s up to you.

The Pro edition also comes with media software, including Kdenlive, a feature-rich, non-linear video editor; Inkscape for Adobe Illustrator — like graphics editing; Blender for animation and 3D creation; and Ardour for digital audio work.

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

Zorin 17.3 also makes it easy to install some Windows programs. It comes ready to install 150 Windows apps or to suggest alternatives. Underneath the hood, there are a lot of moving parts, such as Wine and PlayOnLinux, but as a new Linux user, you don’t need to worry about those. All you must do is pick, install, and get back to work or play.

When it comes to software, besides the usual pack of popular Linux programs, Zorin comes with the Brave web browser rather than Firefox, which is the default browser in almost all Linux distributions. That’s because the distro’s developers believe Brave is the best browser today for privacy.

So, if you’ve decided to take your first steps into Linux from Windows, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better choice than Zorin OS.

Pros:

• Zorin 17.3 is completely free to download and use.
• It is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners transitioning from Windows.
• It includes built-in support for many Windows programs, simplifying the installation process.

Cons:

• The MacOS-style interface is only available in the paid Pro version.

3. Ubuntu

Great, easy-to-use Linux distribution for beginners

Price: Free for individuals/Variable commercial pricing | Core code: Debian | Open source: Yes

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Ubuntu was often considered the best Linux distribution for new users, and while others may hold that title these days, it’s a great distro for newbies. Indeed, if you’ve been looking closely at the notes, you’ll see that both Mint and Zorin OS are built on Ubuntu’s strong foundations. That’s because Ubuntu is simple, beginner-friendly, and has lots of community support. If you have a question, someone out there has almost certainly had the same problem and found an answer to it.

By default, Ubuntu uses the GNOME 3.x interface. It takes some learning if all you’ve known before is Windows, but it’s not that hard. Once you get accustomed to the interface, you’ll see that it makes perfect sense (and you might even wonder why other desktop operating systems don’t follow suit).

Also: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux

While the most recent version of this Linux is Ubuntu 25.04, I recommend you use the current long-term support (LTS) version, Ubuntu 24.04. That edition has support for a dozen (yes, 12) years.

Pros:

• Ubuntu is well suited for both personal computers and corporate environments.
• Ubuntu offers some of the best hardware recognition available, ensuring most devices work out of the box.
• It includes built-in Snap support, giving you access to thousands of applications.
• The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS edition provides twelve years of official support.

Cons:

• The GNOME 3.x interface may take new users some time to learn and get comfortable with.

4. Pop!_OS

Odd name, but it’s a great desktop

Price: Free | Core code: Ubuntu | Open source: Yes

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

You say you don’t want anything to do with installing Linux on a desktop, and I can’t convince you that installing Linux on a PC isn’t hard. In that case, you could buy a machine that already has Linux on it. If that approach works for you, one of your best choices is System76’s high-end line of desktops and laptops. These all come with Pop!_OS as their default Linux distro. Pop!_OS fits this hardware like a glove.

Like many other beginner-friendly Linuxes, Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu. Where it changes course is that its new, still wet-behind-the-ears, desktop interface is COSMIC. This interface may look like GNOME, one of the most popular Linux desktops, but it’s written in Rust. As a new user, you probably couldn’t care less about that fact. What’s important to you is that it’s fast and smooth. You should avoid using this distro on a low-powered system. For those, you’ll want MX Linux. Pop!_OS, however, will provide the most benefits from newer hardware.

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

Another advantage for new Linux users is that almost all its applications can be installed with a single click with no fuss or muss. That’s because Pop!_OS uses APT and Flatpak package management. This makes it as simple to install, remove, and update programs as it is on a smartphone.

Last, but not least, Pop!_OS is great for PC gaming. The distro supports Steam, Lutris, and GameHub for the best possible, ready-to-run computer games.

Pros:

• Pop!_OS delivers fast performance, making everyday tasks feel quick and responsive.
• Its new COSMIC desktop interface is smooth and speedy while still offering a familiar look.

Cons:

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

5. MX Linux

Best lightweight Linux distribution for beginners

Price: Free | Core code: Debian | Open source: Yes

mxlinux.org / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Years ago, one of my favorite Linux desktops was MEPIS Linux. This Debian Linux–based distribution worked well. Eventually, though, its founder and maintainer, Warren Woodford, had to turn his attention to other business. MEPIS’s fans joined forces with the related antiX Linux community and revived the project as MX Linux.

Today, it’s a good, solid, lightweight desktop that uses Xfce as its interface. MX Linux works well, and it’s very popular. What I like most about this distro is that it’s beginner-friendly, easy to pick up, and you can run it on even ancient Pentium II gear. In short, it’s ideal if you want to get your feet wet with Linux on a PC that would otherwise be collecting dust in your closet.

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

But you don’t have to take my word for it. On Distrowatch, the site that tracks all Linux desktops, MX Linux has almost always been at the top of the list recently. They must be doing something right.

The newest edition available today is MX-Linux 23.5.

Pros:

• MX Linux runs smoothly on much older computers.
• MX Linux offers a lightweight Xfce desktop that’s easy to learn and pick up.

Cons:

• Upgrading from one major release to another requires you to do a fresh installation.

What is the best Linux distro for beginners?

My pick for the best Linux distribution for beginners is Linux Mint. Its user interface looks and feels very much like Windows for easier transitioning, as well as a free and open-source code for making tweaks. The best part is that Linux Mint doesn’t collect your data at all, so you can use it with confidence that your information won’t end up on a server somewhere to be sold to advertisers.

So, ready to give Linux a try?

Also: My 10 favorite Linux distributions of all time, ranked

It’s worked well for me for over 30 years, and it can work well for you for the next 30. While most desktops seem to be heading to a DaaS model, including Windows, I can guarantee you Linux will still be available for your PC decades from now.

Is it hard to install applications on Linux?

No, it’s not. It used to be hard to install programs on Linux, but that’s no longer the case. Under the hood, things can still be complex, but now almost all distros have application stores. These make installing new programs as simple as a pick and a click.

Can you run Windows programs on Linux?

If you still need some Windows programs, you can always try Crossover Linux to run them on Linux. It won’t run all Windows apps by any means, but it runs many of them surprisingly well. Some Microsoft programs are now available natively on Linux. This includes Edge browser and Teams.

Also: 8 ways every Linux distro could make things a lot easier for newbies

You can also run Windows 365 Cloud PC, a full Windows 10 or 11 cloud-based desktop, from Linux. This subscription service costs a pretty penny. Or, for free, you can run Microsoft 365 for the web (formerly Office 365), which gives you access to a subset of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote’s functionality.

Do you need security software on desktop Linux?

No, not really. True, while Linux is much safer than Windows, it’s not immune to attacks. But those attacks tend to be much rarer than those that plague Windows or MacOS.

Also: 5 Linux distros I recommend to help businesses cut costs and boost security

That said, you should still run a firewall, which Linux has built in. For stopping malware in its tracks, you might consider installing ESET Endpoint AntiVirus for Linux or ClamAV. I will add, however, that I’ve never, ever encountered any Linux malware. That said, it can’t hurt to install ClamAV. After all, it’s free.

Are there other Linux distributions worth considering?

For many years, my Linux colleague Jack Wallen loved elementary OS because of its elegant Pantheon desktop. He’s said, “It was rock solid, easy to use, and performed like a champ.” Sure, some people have called it dull, but, really, isn’t dull a good thing in an operating system? It’s there when you need it, and it doesn’t get in the way. That sounds like a winner to me. The distro looks like MacOS, and I know that’s a good thing for some of you.

Also: My 5 favorite Linux distros for home office desktops – and I’ve tried them all

My last alternative pick is another Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with Mint Linux. Instead, this distro’s calling card is that, with its Site Specific Browser, Peppermint integrates easily and seamlessly with cloud and web-based applications.

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