Faced with rapidly evolving technologies and the announced transition to Windows 10, more and more users are looking for a reliable, accessible, and reassuring alternative to their daily work environment. It is in this context that AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed by a Microsoft engineer, is gaining attention. This distribution is more than just a Linux variant: it offers a familiar interface to Windows users, particularly those coming from Windows 10 and 11, while maintaining the high performance and stability standards inherent to Linux. At the heart of this project is the desire to combine efficiency and visual comfort, making this creation unique and promising for the user community looking for a fresh start.
AnduinOS: A Linux distribution inspired by Windows to comfort users in transition
AnduinOS is a Linux distribution developed by Anduin Xue, a software engineer working at Microsoft. Its primary goal is to offer existing Windows users a warm and familiar experience, regardless of their technical level, while benefiting from the advantages of the open source world. Rather than being a carbon copy, this distribution stands out with a clean interface, inspired by the design of Windows 11, including familiar elements such as the centered Start menu, widgets like the weather, and a virtually identical taskbar. Through its ergonomic choices, AnduinOS bridges two worlds often perceived as antagonistic: a closed and paid system like Windows and a Linux system known for its flexibility but also its fragmentation into multiple distributions, which can intimidate newcomers. This interface choice makes it easier to get started and reduces the learning curve.Beyond its visual appeal, AnduinOS is built on a solid Ubuntu foundation—one of the most popular and stable distributions in the Linux ecosystem—which guarantees excellent hardware support and access to a wide range of compatible software. The GNOME desktop environment has been customized to offer a similar look and feel to Windows 11, while remaining flexible and customizable for more advanced users.
This distribution therefore aims to combine ease of use, performance, and simplicity. User interface centered around familiar Windows 11 elements Using Ubuntu as the foundation, ensuring stability Customized and optimized GNOME environment
Availability of an LTS version supported until 2029 Integration of Flatpak and a user-friendly software store
- Ultimately, AnduinOS is not just a graphical reproduction but an experience designed to welcome Windows system defectors, separating the idea of ”getting started with Linux” from the traditional complex and austere interface syndrome.
- Discover how to easily migrate from Windows to Linux with our guide dedicated to legacy users. Explore the features, benefits, and tips for getting started with this open-source operating system and enjoy an improved computing experience. Transform your computer experience with Linux, simple and accessible. Technically, how AnduinOS reassures Windows users without sacrificing Linux capabilities
- One of the biggest challenges when designing a Linux distribution for users accustomed to Windows is preserving that sense of familiarity while leveraging the power and modularity of Linux. AnduinOS achieves this feat thanks to several key, well-thought-out technical aspects.
- First of all, the integration of Microsoft applications, particularly the Edge browser, sends a strong signal to Windows users. Edge as a web browser guarantees a consistent experience, especially for users accustomed to the Microsoft ecosystem. Of course, the distribution also allows the installation of Firefox or Chromium for those who prefer other open-source browsers.
- Native installation of Microsoft Edge, familiar interface guaranteed
Simplified update management thanks to graphical tools
Accessible terminal but not mandatory for beginners
Lightweight version, less than 2 GB, suitable for modest machines
The system also benefits from a modern package manager combined with an ergonomic software store designed to facilitate the discovery and rapid installation of software, without ever requiring the novice to use the command line. This approach is part of a broader trend in modern Linux distributions, which tend to make the system accessible to a wider audience while retaining the tool’s power in expert mode if needed.
- Finally, regarding security and privacy—often sensitive issues in the Windows world—AnduinOS focuses on transparency and privacy, fundamental points of the open source philosophy. This approach reassures users seeking a clean experience without subscription requirements or forced data collection.
- Discover how to easily switch from Windows to Linux with our guide dedicated to former Windows users. Learn how to navigate the world of Linux, install applications, and enjoy the benefits of an open source operating system.
- Specific technical advantages for Windows switchers
- Central and minimalist Start menu
- for an intuitive approach
Weather widget included
on the taskbar, a detail that appeals to Windows users
, including open-source alternatives
- Updates via graphical interface so as not to scare beginners with the console
- Simple and clear documentation accessible on a dedicated website
- Specific attention is paid to the documentation, generated and maintained by the project’s sole developer. This valuable resource helps newcomers install, configure, and customize their environment according to their needs, which partly explains the rise in popularity of AnduinOS compared to other, more complex distributions.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBwKsIZ1dv0
- Performance and hardware compatibility: a strong point of AnduinOS for older Windows PCs The issue of hardware compatibility is often central when transitioning from Windows to Linux, especially for users with older or more modestly equipped computers. This is where AnduinOS also stands out thanks to its lightweight design and optimization.
- The distribution occupies less than 2 GB of hard drive space, well below that of many competing systems, allowing for quick installation and saving machine resources. This lightweight design is an asset for revitalizing older hardware after the gradual decline of official Windows 10 support. Optimized installation for resource-constrained machines
Extensive hardware support thanks to the Ubuntu base
Two versions available: an LTS and a rolling release for advanced users
Can be used on virtual machines or as the main system
An older laptop with a modest processor and 4GB of RAM can thus offer a very smooth experience under AnduinOS. The minimal and responsive look of the custom GNOME interface avoids unnecessary slowdowns while remaining modern and pleasing to the eye.
- Discover how to easily transition to Linux as a former Windows user. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with the interface, features, and benefits of Linux, while making your migration smooth and stress-free.
- For those interested in learning more about managing and optimizing older computers running Linux, specialized tutorials are available, notably on dedicated platforms, with practical guides for revitalizing an old PC with Linux. This approach is part of a strong trend in the free world in 2025, where digital recycling meets sustainable performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbfp0FsPCzM
- The AnduinOS user experience: a user-friendly approach combining simplicity and technical rigor
- Ease of use is at the heart of AnduinOS’s development. Each feature is designed to offer quick access without compromising the technical rigor required by an open source system. This duality between ease of use and power is a hallmark that Microsoft engineers have made a point of honor.
- Thanks to a simple yet modern interface, navigating the system is fluid and intuitive. Settings are accessible via a centralized panel that incorporates best practices discovered in Windows but adapted to UNIX standards. This facilitates everyday tasks such as managing the network, displays, or external devices.
Clear graphical interface, similar to Windows 11
Guaranteed compatibility with professional tools like VSCode
Community and documentation accessible at all levels
This approach is particularly attractive for developers who want to keep their familiar tools while switching to Linux, thanks to Ubuntu’s solid foundation and support for Visual Studio Code, among other popular IDEs. Furthermore, the distribution doesn’t forgo the power of command-line tools, which are present but entirely optional. The degree of customization is also significant, allowing everyone to tailor their system to their liking.
Finally, the community dimension is not neglected, with active maintenance of updates and extensive online documentation. Tutorials and collaborative feedback facilitate decision-making and adoption of the distribution.
- AnduinOS vs. its ecosystem: what are the prospects for Windows users in 2025?
- The current momentum surrounding Linux distributions dedicated to users transitioning from Windows is impressive. AnduinOS has positioned itself as a reassuring bridge for those who fear complexity or a complete break from their usual environment. With Windows 10 being considered for a phased shutdown by Microsoft, a possibility in the medium term, this Linux solution appears to be a solid alternative.
- The very fact that a Microsoft engineer is leading this project lends credibility and a pragmatic direction that is not often found at this level of development. This situation illustrates the extent to which the open source ecosystem is penetrating previously very closed professional environments.
- Distribution designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the Linux world.
- Ubuntu base guarantees stability and long-term software support.
Windows 11-inspired interface to maintain visual cues
Extensive application support, including Microsoft IDEs and browsers
Active community and rich, constantly evolving documentation
In 2025, in a context where the choice between Linux and Windows is increasingly made at the enterprise and individual user level, a distribution like AnduinOS could well become the natural gateway to Linux for users still very attached to their Windows environment. To further explore this transition to Linux and discover other alternatives, numerous online resources are available, offering objective guides and comparisons, such as the in-depth analyses on LinuxEncaja or tutorials for managing mixed Windows-Linux installations. Those looking to discover lightweight and portable distributions can also turn to separate projects detailed on LinuxEncaja.