Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• If you’re looking to move from Windows, you have options.
• Zorin OS and AnduinOS both have the look and feel of Windows.
• Both of these distributions are free to download and install.

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If you ask any Linux user what distribution is best to use if you’re moving from Windows, you’ll get a cornucopia of answers: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, elementaryOS, Fedora… the list goes on.

From my perspective, there are two particular distributions that bubble up to the top of the heap: Zorin OS and AnduinOS.

Similar names, but strikingly different takes.

Both of these distributions are based on Ubuntu, which makes perfect sense for a newbie-friendly distribution. However, what they do to Ubuntu is quite different from one another.

Let’s find out which one of these distributions might be right for you.

Zorin OS

Zorin OS recently announced that, after the demise of Windows 10, there were over 1 million downloads of the distribution in just over a month (75% of which were from Windows machines). That’s impressive (and telling).

Also: How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution for you

But what is Zorin OS, and why is it always considered the best bet for those who are new to Linux?

It all begins with the UI.

Zorin OS gives you the choice of four different layouts, two of which are similar to Windows and two are very Linux-centric. That’s just the free version. If you pony up for the Pro edition, you get six more layouts (including one that resembles MacOS). You choose your layout during your first login, but you can change it any time, using the Zorin Appearance tool.

Zorin OS runs well on old and new hardware. Because it’s based on Ubuntu, it benefits from the HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel, which means it supports modern PCs as well as older machines.

I’ve been a big fan of Zorin OS for some time now and have regularly recommended it to those who are looking to finally leave Windows for Linux. It really is that user-friendly. I’ve even made the claim that Zorin OS is exactly what a desktop operating system should be. 

Other features of Zorin OS include the following:

• All the software you need to get started (including the LibreOffice office suite and the groupware suite, Evolution)
• A unique take on using Windows apps (more on that in a bit)
• Supports Android connectivity out of the box (via Zorin Connect)
• Lightweight, so it runs on older hardware
• The Uncomplicated Firewall and AppArmor for application security
• Supports full-disk encryption
• Available in over 100 languages, making it accessible to a global audience
• Built-in window tiling for a more efficient desktop
• Available in three different versions: Core (free), Pro ($47), and Education (free)

Let’s talk about Windows app support. This is one of the features that makes Zorin OS stand out. If you download a Windows installer (either .exe or .msi) and double-click it, Zorin OS will recommend a Linux alternative for that app. 

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

Zorin OS also includes the universal package manager, Flatpak, which means you have even more applications available for installation (including proprietary software, such as Spotify and Slack). Even better, Flatpak is rolled into the GUI App Store, so you don’t have to bother installing those apps via the command line.

Is Zorin OS right for you?

If you’re attempting to leave Windows for Linux, Zorin OS is a great option. You can always start out with a rather Windows-like UI and then (thanks to Zorin Appearance) switch it up for a more unique look.

With Zorin OS, you won’t have to worry about installing a bunch of software after installing the operating system, as you’ll have everything you need to get started.

Also: How to easily run Windows apps on Linux with Wine

In other words, Zorin OS is an out-of-the-box experience that is perfectly geared toward those who are new to Linux. However, don’t be fooled, Zorin OS is also at home with those who have plenty of Linux experience. 

The only thing missing from Zorin OS is Wine, which allows you to run Windows apps on Linux. You can always install Wine (and several Wine GUIs) from the GUI app store.

AnduinOS

Next up is AnduinOS. Unlike Zorin OS, with AnduinOS, you get one layout that happens to look quite a bit like Windows 11. With the AnduinOS, anyone who’s ever used Windows 10 or 11 will feel right at home on this desktop OS.

Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed

I should start by saying that, although AnduinOS is a well-designed Linux distribution, it’s not quite as polished as Zorin OS. Of course, Zorin OS has been around for quite some time and has had plenty of opportunity to “get it right.” That is not to say AnduinOS should be avoided, as that is certainly not the case. This is just an instance of one distribution having been around for quite a bit longer than the other.

That being said, AnduinOS is quite good.

But what is it?

Essentially, AnduinOS is a Linux distribution that uses the GNOME desktop environment to recreate the Windows 11 UI. AnduinOS is based on Ubuntu but shrugs off Snap in favor of Flatpak. The developers have also baked Flatpak into GNOME Software, meaning you can install any Flatpak app without having to use the command line.

One of the first things you might notice with AnduinOS is the limited amount of preinstalled software. Where Zorin OS gives you everything you need out of the box, AnduinOS requires that you install the apps. Fortunately, you only have to open the GUI app store and start installing. 

Also: Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to escape Windows)

Here’s a feature that Windows 11 users will happily welcome: AnduinOS does not collect any data from you. Period. On top of that, there are no ads or even a hint of AI anywhere in the OS. With AnduinOS, you are free from spying or having things forced on you.

There is one thing you might want to change. AnduinOS ships with the dark theme enabled, so while it might resemble Windows 11, it’s not quite right. Fortunately, you can go to Settings > Appearance and select the Default style. Once you’ve done that, you’ll find the desktop looks even more like Windows 11.

Other features of AnduinOS include:

• Uses the HWE kernel for broader hardware support
• HDR support
• Created for all types of users (average users, admins, developers, creatives, etc.)
• Designed for older and newer hardware
• Active development with new builds every month

Is AnduinOS right for you?

This is pretty simple: If you’d like to stick with the Windows 11 look and feel, but want the reliability, security, and user-friendliness of Linux, AnduinOS is the perfect distribution. As long as you’re willing to install the software you need, you’ll find AnduinOS to be the ideal operating system for weaning you from Windows 10 or 11.