- AnduinOS offers a Windows-like experience for users migrating to Linux.
- It is based on Ubuntu and supports Flatpak for secure app management.
- The desktop mimics Windows 11 using GNOME and custom extensions.
- It doesn’t collect data and is maintained as an open-source project.
Making the leap from Windows to Linux has always been a daunting task for everyday users. The fear of unfamiliar interfaces, command-line terminals, and software incompatibility has long kept Windows users glued to Microsoft’s ecosystem. But what if there was a Linux distribution designed from the ground up to make that transition seamless?
Enter AnduinOS — an open-source Linux distribution that mirrors Windows 11 in both appearance and workflow. Created by Anduin Xue, a software engineer at Microsoft, this distro is gaining traction as a worthy alternative for users seeking freedom from Windows without sacrificing usability or comfort. Whether you’re a curious explorer or a power user with Windows fatigue, here’s everything you need to know about AnduinOS.
What Exactly is AnduinOS?
AnduinOS is a custom Linux distribution derived from Ubuntu, specifically tailored for users transitioning from Windows platforms. While it keeps the heart of Ubuntu (Debian-based, stable and well-supported), it overlays a user interface strikingly similar to Windows 11. From the centered start menu to the quick settings bar at the bottom right, every design detail feels intentionally familiar to reduce learning curves.
The project is developed and maintained by Anduin Xue, who works at Microsoft but leads this initiative as a non-profit, donation-driven side venture. Released publicly in September, the project has already reached multiple stable versions, including:
- AnduinOS 1.1 – Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with support until April 2029.
- AnduinOS 1.3 – Based on Ubuntu 25.04 and supported until January 2026.
This dual-version strategy offers users both long-term stability and bleeding-edge technology, depending on their preference.
Why Does AnduinOS Look So Much Like Windows 11?
The design philosophy behind AnduinOS is clear: reduce friction for new users. It uses the GNOME desktop environment but heavily customizes it with well-selected extensions to create a Windows-esque interface. Some of the default enhancements include:
- ArcMenu – Creates a start menu experience in the center of the taskbar.
- Dash to Panel – Combines the top bar and dock into a single taskbar.
- Blur My Shell – Adds a sleek blur effect to backgrounds and menus.
- Light/Dark Theme Switcher, OpenWeather, Removable Drive Menu – Adds functionality users expect from modern desktop environments.
The result is a polished and welcoming desktop that looks like Windows but runs entirely on Linux. It even features a weather widget and a settings menu design similar to Windows, achieving a familiar interaction for new users.
Application Compatibility and Package Management
One of AnduinOS’s main strengths is its use of the Ubuntu software ecosystem. This means that any application that works on Ubuntu will likely run smoothly on this system. Furthermore, it is compatible with tools such as:
- Debian packages (.deb)
- APT for terminal package management
- Flatpak – Preferred for installing graphical applications in an isolated and secure environment.
The default Software Center relies on Flatpak for most applications, though users can manually configure alternative sources like Snap or native .deb repositories if they wish. Some popular applications that have been successfully tested include:
- Google Chrome
- GIMP
- Slack
- Inkscape
For users coming from Windows, this means they can have their productivity tools ready in minutes, without compatibility hassles.
Installation Experience
Installing AnduinOS is as straightforward as most conventional Linux distributions. The main steps are:
- Download the ISO image from the official page.
- Flash it onto a USB drive using tools like Rufus.
- Boot from the USB and follow the on-screen instructions.
The process usually takes less than 10 minutes, and most users report a hassle-free installation. Although some isolated cases mentioned minor issues, such as temporarily inaccessible remote servers during updates.
Hardware Compatibility
Based on Ubuntu 25.04 and 24.04 LTS, AnduinOS boasts excellent hardware driver support. Most users have noted that features such as:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Webcams and microphones
- HDMI output and USB peripherals
Work out of the box without the need for additional configurations or driver installations. Even specialized adapters like the LogiLink USB to Ethernet were detected and used without problems. This represents a significant advantage for those new to Linux who fear the troubleshooting process.
Performance on Modest Hardware
One of the key benefits of AnduinOS is its quick response. Tested on older machines like a Lenovo X390 with 8GB of RAM and an Intel i5, the system showed superior performance compared to Windows 11 under those conditions. Users have reported that Windows runs slowly on similar hardware — even requiring the removal of unnecessary components — while AnduinOS maintains smooth operation in daily tasks.
Even with animations, menus, and effects active, the system remains stable. This makes it ideal for giving a second life to old laptops that cannot upgrade to Windows 11.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Although it has many advantages, AnduinOS is not perfect. For example, while it mimics the Windows look, it lacks a complete pre-installed software center experience. Users are directed to a web list to install popular applications.
Key tools like LibreOffice, Spotify, or cloud applications do not come pre-installed, and while it is possible to install them manually, this can add unnecessary complications. Additionally, there is no simple graphical interface for sharing folders on the local network, a basic function in Windows and essential for home users.
The file system structure can also be a learning challenge. Unlike the C:\ drive in Windows, Linux organizes files into directories and the user primarily interacts with the personal folder. Although not a serious problem, it requires a period of adaptation for those coming from Windows.
Security and Privacy
One of the standout features of AnduinOS is its total absence of telemetry. Unlike Windows, which collects user data, this distribution maintains open-source principles regarding privacy. With Flatpak, GUI applications are isolated from the core system unless explicit permissions are granted.
This approach reinforces both security and stability—ensuring that even if an application has problematic behavior, it will not compromise the entire operating system.
Is AnduinOS Better Than ZorinOS?
ZorinOS is another Ubuntu-based distribution aimed at Windows switchers, and it is considered one of the most popular options in this segment. While ZorinOS is more established, AnduinOS offers an even closer appearance to Windows 11 and presents a modern, clean, and less distracting interface.
In comparative performance tests by users, ZorinOS showed advantages on older hardware. However, both support most applications and workflows, so the choice usually comes down to personal preferences in terms of design and responsiveness on each specific setup.
How to Try It Yourself
If you are ready to take the leap, the latest version of AnduinOS is available on the . The ISO can be downloaded to create a bootable USB and test it or do a full installation. Additionally, the project maintains repositories on GitHub and GitLab with all the code and documentation.
Although it is still a relatively new distribution, it already has an active community and frequent updates. There is useful documentation, although in some cases in Chinese, and most users report a major hassle-free installation and use.
If you are looking to escape Microsoft’s data collection policies, avoid system slowdown, or simply explore Linux, AnduinOS offers an easy and beginner-friendly path. Its combination of Windows familiarity with Linux stability positions it as one of the most accessible Linux experiences for those starting with this operating system.