European Alternatives to Microsoft Windows

The European alternatives to Windows are Linux distributions. For people coming from Windows, Zorin OS and Linux Mint, both from Ireland, are the easiest starting points. Ubuntu from Canonical in London and openSUSE from Germany suit those who want broad software support or long-term stability. This page compares the ten operating systems listed here, explains who each one fits and what to check before switching.

Windows alternatives from Europe compared

System	Origin	Based on	Type	Best for
Zorin OS	Ireland (Dublin)	Ubuntu	Desktop	Windows switchers, older PCs (Lite edition)
Linux Mint	Ireland	Ubuntu or Debian	Desktop	Beginners who want a classic desktop
Ubuntu	United Kingdom (Canonical, London)	Debian	Desktop and server	Wide software and hardware support, long-term releases
openSUSE	Germany (Nuremberg)	Independent	Stable (Leap) or rolling (Tumbleweed)	Users who value stability or current software
Manjaro	Germany	Arch Linux	Rolling release	Experienced users who want current software
EndeavourOS	Community project	Arch Linux	Rolling release	Users who want Arch with a simple installer
KDE neon	Germany (KDE)	Ubuntu LTS	Desktop	Fans of the latest KDE Plasma desktop
Qubes OS	Community project	Xen virtualization	Security-focused desktop	Journalists and security-conscious users
Jolla (Sailfish OS)	Finland	Linux	Mobile	Smartphones, not a PC replacement
/e/OS	France	Android	Mobile	Smartphones, not a PC replacement

Why look for a Windows alternative now

Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Microsoft sells Extended Security Updates for it, available until 12 October 2027 according to its website. Windows 11 requires, among other things, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, which rules out many working older PCs. Zorin OS lists a 64-bit dual-core processor at 1 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and 15 GB of storage as the minimum for its free Core edition. That makes Linux a practical way to keep such a computer in use.

Which Linux system suits which user

• Switching from Windows: Zorin OS lets users adjust the desktop layout to a familiar style. Linux Mint offers a classic desktop and ships with everyday software.
• Broad compatibility: Ubuntu is widely supported by software vendors and hardware makers and offers long-term releases.
• Stability or current software: openSUSE Leap is built for stability, Tumbleweed, Manjaro and EndeavourOS are rolling releases that update continuously and need more attention.
• KDE Plasma: KDE neon pairs the newest Plasma with an Ubuntu LTS base.
• Security: Qubes OS isolates applications in virtual machines. It needs compatible hardware and is not meant for gaming.

Jolla and /e/OS are phone systems. They appear here as European alternatives to big-tech platforms but cannot replace Windows on a computer; see smartphones for the mobile side.

Software compatibility: what works and what does not

Browsers, email, media players and cloud storage work as on Windows. Free office suites open Microsoft Office files, though complex layouts can shift, and Microsoft 365 runs in the browser; see the Microsoft Office page and office suites. Adobe Creative Cloud and some industry or banking programs have no Linux version. Windows programs can run through Wine-based layers such as the Windows App Support in Zorin OS, but Zorin itself warns that some apps may not work correctly. Many games run through Steam's Proton, while titles with certain anti-cheat systems do not. Before switching, list the programs you depend on and check each one.

How to switch from Windows to Linux

1. Back up all files to an external drive or cloud storage.
2. Write the distribution to a USB stick and boot from it. Zorin and others let you test without installing.
3. Check Wi-Fi, graphics, printer and sound in the live session.
4. Install alongside Windows (dual boot) or replace it.
5. Restore files, then set up programs and online accounts.

FAQ

What is the best alternative to Windows?

For most people switching, Zorin OS or Linux Mint. Both aim at a familiar desktop and run on modest hardware.

Is Linux free?

Yes, all listed desktop systems are free to download and use. Zorin OS also sells a Pro edition with extra apps and layouts.

Can I run Windows programs on Linux?

Many, through compatibility layers like Wine, but not all. Check the programs you need before switching.

Which Linux distributions come from Europe?

Zorin OS and Linux Mint from Ireland, openSUSE, Manjaro and KDE neon from Germany, Ubuntu from the United Kingdom, plus community projects such as EndeavourOS and Qubes OS.

Will my old PC run Linux?

Often yes. Zorin OS has a Lite edition with the lightweight XFCE desktop for older machines.