Alternatives to Windows 11: 4 Most Popular Picks to Use

In case you don’t want to or can’t upgrade, you can remain on Windows 10 for the time being. Although the latest version looks better with its new interface, in terms of functionality, it’s pretty similar.

The biggest change besides the visual revamp is the support for Android apps, but you can also use them with Android emulator software.

However, you will miss out on certain gaming features, such as AutoHDR and DirectStorage, if you don’t install the latest version, so you should keep that in mind if you’re a gamer.

You’ll still be able to play your favorite games, even if you don’t upgrade, without any problems, just without these two features.

It’s also important that we mention the software support. Microsoft is planning to maintain Windows 10 until October 2025, so you can use it for few more years.

However, this might not apply to other developers, and some of them might slowly move away from older operating systems and focus exclusively on the latest one.

This shouldn’t worry you too much, but you might find that certain apps won’t run, especially as the end of official support draws near.

If you don’t plan to upgrade or your PC just can’t support the latest version, you can continue using the current one as an alternative.

You might miss a couple of gaming features and a new user interface, but that’s not a dealbreaker for most users, since the majority of applications will still work on Windows 10 without any issues.

For more information and direct comparison between the two operating systems, we suggest reading our Windows 10 vs Windows 11 guide.

Currently, the world’s second most used operating system is macOS, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best Windows alternatives out there.

The two have a lot of similarities, especially in the terms of the user interface, with both having rounded corners and a centered Taskbar that allows you to quickly access apps.

Widgets are a new addition in Windows 11, but they have been available on Mac for a while, so that’s one more feature that the two share.

We also have to mention security as one of the macOS highlights. The system has a dedicated chip for boot protection and credentials storing, similarly to TPM.

Apple also has a strict app policy, and only certified software is allowed to be downloaded from the Store, ensuring the maximum safety of its users.

Both systems offer integration with mobile platforms, with support for Android and iOS apps on Windows 11 and macOS respectively.

Although the two systems have many similarities, there’s one major difference between them. Apple’s devices can’t run executable or .exe files.

This means that you’re not able to use any of your favorite Windows applications unless the developers have made a version for Mac devices, but you can circumvent that if you dual boot Windows 11 and macOS.

Lastly, we have to talk about gaming, and Macs aren’t famous for being a reliable gaming platform. Even though you’ll be able to run some games, expect to encounter issues along the way.

macOS is a great alternative to Windows 11, however, you won’t be able to run most of your favorite Windows apps and games on it.

To make a switch, you’ll need to buy a Mac computer first, and this isn’t the best option for most users. We wrote in great detail about both operating systems, and you can read more in our Windows 11 vs macOS article.

In order to download macOS and install it on a Windows-based PC or otherwise, you will need to download it by using a device with macOS already installed. You can do so by accessing the App Store, downloading the OS, and then creating a bootable USB on your Windows 10 device.

One of the best alternatives for Windows is Linux for several reasons. The operating system is completely free, and you can run it on your existing computer.

There are tens of different versions to choose from, and each has a unique look and hardware requirements, meaning that you can run it on almost any configuration, even if it’s 10 years old.

In terms of visual appearance, there might be some similarities with certain distributions, but what’s unique with Linux is that it has a minimalistic design that looks great.

Security is one more major benefit, and since the platform has only a handful of threats, you can rest assured that your PC will be completely safe.

The operating system can’t run .exe files, which makes your computer protected from the vast majority of malware. However, this also means that you can’t run Windows applications at all.

Some developers optimize their software for multiple platforms, but in most cases, you’ll have to rely on one of many available alternatives.

Alternatively, you can use Wine for emulation or use virtual machine software, but be prepared to deal with some compatibility issues.

It’s also worth mentioning that Linux is somewhat more complex than other operating systems, so it might not be the best choice for less tech-savvy users.

For more information, we suggest reading our Windows 11 vs Linux guide to learn more about the differences between the two.

Chrome OS started humbly but it has changed a lot during the years, and it shares a lot of visual similarities with Windows 11.

Both systems have rounded corners for open windows, a centered Taskbar, and a rather similar notification and Quick Settings panel.

Another shared feature is the ability to run Android apps, and in fact, Chrome OS had this option for a while, while Windows just got native support for them.

The main difference is that the two systems use completely different app stores, and one is powered by Google’s Play Store and the other by Amazon’s app store.

Many users aren’t happy with this decision because it means that Windows users will get access to a lot smaller library of apps, but that could be fixed with the sideloading support.

The main difference is the support for Win32 apps, and Chrome OS just isn’t compatible with them. This means that you won’t be able to run your favorite Windows software at all.

As a result, the operating system is a lot safer, thanks to the sandboxing support. Since malware usually comes in .exe format, you can rest assured that your device is perfectly secure at all times.

However, there’s extensive support for web apps and Android applications, and you can even run Linux software on some models, but that probably won’t be enough to make users switch.

You should also know that to use this operating system, you’ll need to purchase a Chromebook, and this probably isn’t the best option for most users.

To learn more about the differences between the two, be sure to visit our Windows 11 vs Chrome OS guide.