Want to try Linux but prefer the Windows UI? This distro is for you

I’ve seen many a Windows-themed Linux distribution come and go. I’ve also seen my fair share of Windows-like Linux distributions that were nothing more than malware, hiding as an operating system.

And then there’s FreeXP.

FreeXP is a take on Q4OS, which is based on Debian. This desktop OS looks very much like Windows 10, but don’t be fooled, this is Linux.

Earlier iterations of FreeXP allowed you to select from layouts that looked like: 

• Windows 2000
• Windows XP Classic
• Windows XP Moon
• Windows 7
• Windows 8 (for those who want a nostalgic challenge)
• Windows 10 Light
• Q4OS Default

After downloading and installing the latest version, it seems the only Windows theme that’s available is for Windows 10. You can scan through the KDE Plasma global themes (from within Settings > Appearance > Global Themes > Get New Global Themes) and find themes for other Windows releases, but you’ll probably find the default Windows 10 theme to be what you want.

Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first – here’s how

Because FreeXP is based on Debian > Q4OS, you can be sure that it’s a rock-solid distribution that will serve you well.

What FreeXP is

FreeXP is a Linux distribution that looks very much like Windows. Don’t be fooled, this is Linux through and through, but for anyone who’d like to switch to Linux but doesn’t want to have to learn their way around a different desktop environment, this is a great path to freedom from Windows.

The developers of this distribution have done a remarkable job of theming Linux to look like Windows. You could not tell someone they’re using Linux, and (at first) they will believe you.

What FreeXP is not

FreeXP is not Windows; it’s Linux, which means you’re not going to be able to install Windows applications without first installing Wine. I would have thought Wine should be installed by default, but it’s not. 

Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro

There’s also the Q4OS Software Center, where you can install a limited number of applications. My guess is that this tool was added so users can easily find alternatives for the Windows applications they use. You’ll also find the KDE Discover tool, which has a much larger selection of software from which to choose.

Between those two tools, you’ll find all of the software you need to create a highly functional, user-friendly, Linux-based desktop operating system.

Why I think you’ll like FreeXP

Obviously, the primary draw to FreeXP is that it looks like Windows 10. Beyond that, FreeXP ships with a ton of preinstalled software, such as LibreOffice (including Base), Chromium, Clementine (music player), Firewall Configuration, KDE Connect,  Sweeper (system cleaner), Thunderbird, VLC media player, and much more.

Another reason to like FreeXP is its take on the Start Menu. With this, you can drag and drop apps from the left menu to the right pane to create a grid of favorites for easy access.

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On a similar note, you’ll find the System Tray to be surprisingly familiar. Here you can open notifications, see if there are updates available, manage your clipboard, and more.

You’ll also enjoy the stability of Debian. If you’re coming from a Windows OS, you’ll be surprised at how reliable this operating system is. Debian is renowned for being one of the most stable operating systems on the planet, so you can say b’bye to those random crashes and strange behaviors.

Also: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 8 Linux distros for free

Ultimately, however, FreeXP is just easy to use. Whether you’re coming from Windows or you’ve dabbled with Linux, this desktop distribution is simple. Everything just makes sense, which is something Windows struggles with.

What I think you won’t like FreeXP

This one is very simple: if you come to FreeXP from Windows, and assume it will be a 1:1 copy of the Microsoft operating system, you’ll be disappointed. As I’ve said, FreeXP is Linux, and there’s no escaping that. 

Like Windows, Linux is an operating system, a way for you to interact with your hardware and installed software. Although they go about these things differently, they are both a means to an end, and the means isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think. Consider these points:

• You get a Windows-like desktop.
• It includes all the preinstalled software you need to get going right away.
• You can install applications from within a user-friendly GUI.
• You’ll find all the familiar features, such as clickable icons, a start menu, a system tray, a panel with launchers, and a GUI app store.
• Right-click the desktop and you’ll see a familiar-looking pop-up.

On top of that, you don’t have to worry so much about antivirus software, you won’t be frustrated by slow and unsteady updates, and you can customize the desktop however you like.

Also: 8 ways every Linux distro could make things a lot easier for newbies

If those pros outweigh the very minimal cons for you, then I believe FreeXP is just the distribution you need to help you jump through the Window(s) and land on more solid ground.

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