Zorin OS vs AnduinOS: How to Choose the Right Windows-Like Linux Distro for You

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ZDNET Highlights

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

If you ask any Linux user which distribution is best to use if you’re moving from Windows, you’ll get a lot of answers: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, ElementaryOS, Fedora… the list is very long.

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

Same name, but clearly different forms.

Both of these distributions are based on Ubuntu, which is a perfect newbie-friendly distribution. However, what they do in Ubuntu is quite different from each other.

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

zorin os

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

Too: How to Choose the Right Linux Desktop Distribution for You

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

It all starts with the UI.

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

Zorin OS runs well on old and new hardware. Because it is 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 regularly recommend it to people who are looking to eventually leave Windows for Linux. It is really user friendly. I’ve even gone so far as to 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 way to use Windows apps (more on this in a bit)
• Supports Android connectivity out of the box (via Zorin Connect)
• Is lightweight, so it runs on older hardware
• Simple 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 different. If you download a Windows installer (either .exe or .msi) and double-click on 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 like Spotify and Slack). Even better, Flatpak is offered in a GUI app store, so you won’t have to worry about installing those apps via the command line.

Is Zorin OS Right for You?

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

With Zorin OS, you won’t have to worry about installing a lot 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 tailored for those new to Linux. However, don’t be fooled, Zorin OS works even for people who have plenty of Linux experience.

Zorin OS only lacks Wine, which allows you to run Windows apps on Linux. You can always install Wine (and many Wine GUIs) from the GUI App Store.

anduinOS

Next up is AndroidOS. Unlike Zorin OS, with AnduinOS, you get a layout that looks a lot like Windows 11. With AndroidOS, anyone who has ever used Windows 10 or 11 will feel right at home on this desktop OS.

Also: Best Linux Distributions for Beginners: Tested and Review by Expert

Let me start by saying that, although AnduinOS is a well-designed Linux distribution, it is not as polished as Zorin OS. Of course, Zorin OS has been around for a long time and there’s been plenty of opportunity to “do it right”. This doesn’t mean that Android should be avoided, because that’s certainly not the case. This is just an example of one distribution being around for much longer than the other.

That being said, AnduinOS is pretty good.

But what is it?

Essentially, AndroidOS is a Linux distribution that uses the GNOME desktop environment to recreate the Windows 11 UI. AnduinOS is based on Ubuntu but ignores Snap in favor of Flatpak. The developers have also included Flatpak into GNOME Software, which means you can install any Flatpak app without using the command line.

The first thing you may notice with AnduinOS is the limited amount of preinstalled software. Where Zorin OS gives you everything you need, AnduinOS requires that you install apps. Luckily, all you need to do is open the GUI App Store and start installing.

Also: Why people will continue to gravitate towards Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to avoid Windows)

Here’s a feature that Windows 11 users will happily welcome: AndroidOS doesn’t collect any data from you. Duration. Furthermore, there are no ads or even a hint of AI anywhere in the OS. With AnduinOS, you are free from having things spied on or imposed on you.

There is one thing you would like to change. AnduinOS comes with the dark theme enabled, so it may resemble Windows 11, but it’s not perfect. Luckily, you can go to Settings > Appearance and select the default style. Once you do this, you will find that the desktop looks even more like Windows 11.

Other features of AnduinOS include:

• Uses HWE kernel for broader hardware support
• HDR support
• Designed for all types of users (average user, administrator, developer, creative etc.)
• Designed for old and new hardware
• Active development with new construction every month

Is AnduinOS Right for You?

It’s very simple: if you want to stick with the look and feel of Windows 11, but want the reliability, security, and user-friendliness of Linux, AndroidOS is the perfect distribution. As long as you’re willing to install the software you need, you’ll find AndroidOS to be the ideal operating system for getting rid of Windows 10 or 11.