But yeah, I’ve recently fully migrated to Linux and can run Windows in a virtual machine if I ever need it for work. In setting that up, it made me realize just how much junk and telemetry is included by default in Windows 11 and how sluggishly it runs compared to Linux.
What version on Linux is most like Windows? I’m not a gamer and nearly everything I do runs in a browser so compatibility isn’t going to be an issue, but any time I’ve tried to migrate over it’s been a nightmare of weird errors and non-stop troubleshooting
Wish there were simple answer to that question, however it really comes down to do the preferences of the individual user.
First thing you should do is decide which desktop environment you’re going to use. This, after all, determines the workflow and the feel of the UI.
None of them are exactly like Windows, so it’s hard to say which one is “most like” it. People at this point will typically say Cinnamon or KDE Plasma, but as someone who prefers a keyboard-driven UI, Gnome felt the most comfortable for me when I first ventured into the world of Linux as a Windows user.
To be honest, the best thing to do is to try out different Linux distros in a virtual machine or Live USB so you can see which one feels most natural to you.
Plenty of good info there, thanks for the thorough response. I’ll probably go the live USB route, which I’d forgotten was a thing. That way any hardware issues should be apparent pretty quickly
If you want a windows like environment I would recommend Linux mint with cinnamon. The key is to remember that you can’t run windows programs without using steam, Lutris, wine or bottles. Windows programs rely on the registry and .exe files.
Or if you don’t want to run mint, you can run just about any distro with cinnamon or if you like tweaking your environment you can use KDE and stiill have a windows like environment.
Pop!_os is another popular one being referred to new windows migrants.
That is fixable via regedit, I believe.
But yeah, I’ve recently fully migrated to Linux and can run Windows in a virtual machine if I ever need it for work. In setting that up, it made me realize just how much junk and telemetry is included by default in Windows 11 and how sluggishly it runs compared to Linux.
What version on Linux is most like Windows? I’m not a gamer and nearly everything I do runs in a browser so compatibility isn’t going to be an issue, but any time I’ve tried to migrate over it’s been a nightmare of weird errors and non-stop troubleshooting
Wish there were simple answer to that question, however it really comes down to do the preferences of the individual user.
First thing you should do is decide which desktop environment you’re going to use. This, after all, determines the workflow and the feel of the UI.
None of them are exactly like Windows, so it’s hard to say which one is “most like” it. People at this point will typically say Cinnamon or KDE Plasma, but as someone who prefers a keyboard-driven UI, Gnome felt the most comfortable for me when I first ventured into the world of Linux as a Windows user.
To be honest, the best thing to do is to try out different Linux distros in a virtual machine or Live USB so you can see which one feels most natural to you.
Some good starting ones are:
Plenty of good info there, thanks for the thorough response. I’ll probably go the live USB route, which I’d forgotten was a thing. That way any hardware issues should be apparent pretty quickly
If you want a windows like environment I would recommend Linux mint with cinnamon. The key is to remember that you can’t run windows programs without using steam, Lutris, wine or bottles. Windows programs rely on the registry and .exe files.
Or if you don’t want to run mint, you can run just about any distro with cinnamon or if you like tweaking your environment you can use KDE and stiill have a windows like environment.
Pop!_os is another popular one being referred to new windows migrants.
Looks like Cinnamon is the way to go, thanks. I’ll give it a spin tomorrow, thanks for your help
You’re welcome