Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
Over the past year, several Windows-like Linux distributions have been given the spotlight. A couple of those distributions were nothing more than malware in disguise, which has made me a bit squirrely about trying others, but to let a couple of bad apples spoil the entire bushel isn’t fair, in my opinion. So when I came across yet another, I decided to give it a try.
That distribution is AnduinOS, which is a custom Ubuntu-based Linux distribution to help users transition from Windows to Linux. AnduinOS is open-source, uses GNOME to create a UI that’s familiar and simple, collects no telemetry, is containerized via Flatpak, and is ready to use without complicated installations or configurations.
Also: When Windows 10 support runs out, you have 5 options but only 2 are worth considering
After spinning up an AnduinOS virtual machine (via VirtualBox), it was time to check out what this Linux distribution has to offer.
There are two versions you can download:
- 1.1 – based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with kernel 6.11 and support until April 2029
- 1.3 – based on Ubuntu 25.05 with kernel 6.14 and support until Jan 2026
I opted to go with version 1.3 because I wanted the newest of the new for my test.
Initial impressions
First, the developers did a bang-up job of creating a UI that’s quite reminiscent of Windows 11 without making it seem like a clone or a half-baked attempt at tricking users. No, AnduinOS is clearly not Windows, and it doesn’t try to come off as such.
This is Linux, but it’s Linux that would make it easy for anyone to make the switch from Windows.
When reviewing Linux distributions, one of the first things I always do after installation is check the menu to find out what apps it includes. At first, I was surprised that AnduinOS didn’t ship with apps like LibreOffice or other productivity tools. With this distribution, you get software like Firefox, Disk Usage Analyzer, the full contingency of GNOME apps (such as Software, Weather, and Sound Recorder), a text editor, Shotwell, Rhythmbox, Remmina, and the usual utilities.
Also: I converted this Mini PC from Windows to Linux, and it came alive. Here’s how
To anyone developing a Linux distribution to ease the transition from Windows to Linux, I would say: Consider adding the following software:
- LibreOffice
- Slack
- Spotify
- A cloud-based note-taking app (such as Standard Notes)
- A cloud sync app (such as Insync)
- Geary or Evolution (email app)
I realize some of the above are proprietary, but they have become the standard, especially for work, so unless your distribution is marketed as 100 percent FOSS (free, open-source software), there’s no reason to ignore such apps.
Or at least offer a welcome app that gives users an obvious and easy route to installing them.
OK, back to AnduinOS.
Also: You can test all the best Linux distros right in your web browser with this site
I’ve never been a fan of the Windows desktop layout, but AnduinOS does make it appealing. Of course, it defaults to a dark theme (of which I am not a fan), so I immediately switched it over to the lighter option via Settings > Appearance. Once I did that, the desktop looked even better, with a slight transparency and blur in the panel and menu.
The light theme is so much easier on the eyes.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Because this is the GNOME desktop (with a few extensions added to give it the Windows 11 look), using the desktop is extremely easy. There is even the GNOME Extensions app, so you can more easily manage those extensions. The developers have added extensions like ArcMenu, Blur My Shell, Dash to Panel, Light/Dark Theme Switcher, OpenWeather Refined, Removable Drive menu, and more.
Also: Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux distro is the best alternative for your Windows 10 PC
One thing that caught my attention was that, as I was exploring the OS, I was notified that the system needed to reboot to apply the upgrades. I guess the developers really decided to give users the full Windows 11 treatment. I’m used to updates requiring reboots on Fedora-based Linux distributions, but not Ubuntu. It’s fine because the reboot was quick and there were no ill effects.
There was one bit of disappointment
I discovered there was no way to easily share a folder over my home network. This has always been a bone of contention for me with some Linux distributions. Users are more savvy than developers give them credit for. If you’re trying to make users feel at home, consider pre-installing everything necessary to share folders over the network. Unfortunately, AnduinOS does not ship with such software, which means sharing folders over the network would require you to install a few pieces of the puzzle.
Also: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 8 Linux distros for free
That caveat aside, AnduinOS could easily make for a smooth transition from Windows to Linux. It’s well laid out, it’s well themed, it performs very well, enjoys the usual Linux stability and security, and shouldn’t give anyone new to the open-source operating system the slightest bit of trouble.
Of all the Linux Windows clones I’ve tested, aside from ZorinOS, I would say that AnduinOS is the safest bet. The OS collects no data, has a wonderful UI (if you like Windows), performs like a champ, and could make the transition pretty easy.
If you’re interested in AnduinOS, download an ISO of the distribution, burn it to a USB drive, boot up, install, and enjoy.
Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
