Table of Contents

This primer on Linux distributions is part 1 of the PC of Distros Series.  It’s meant to help the novice understand the current state of the Linux community, how each distribution (or distro, as they’re called) is categorized and grouped.  It will help you understand some common terms and acronyms, give you an explanation of what a Linux desktop is, what a Home directory is (and why they’re important and why each distro has one), and then give you the chance to download a few and try them out.

Come and take a long, hard look at the world of Linux.  It might be one of the best things to happen to your (now unsupported) Windows 10 PC since Windows 10, and honestly, some Linux operating systems look so much like Windows, you might not even notice the difference!  I’ve pulled together the top 100 Linux distros that look awesome and are easy to use and switch to.

1. Introduction
2. Background Information
3. Glossary
4. A Brief Intro to Linux & Linux Families
5. Linux Distros & Desktop Environments
6. What is a Home Directory (and why does each distro have one)?
7. Top 100 Linux Distros with Awesome Looking Desktops
8. Conclusion

Introduction

With Windows 10 finally reaching end of life on 10/15/2025, several tech sites – including iTechGear.org and The iTechGear Weekly – recommend that Windows 10 users take their PCs and convert them into a Linux PC.  This isn’t a bad idea, and I thought I would look into it with an extra computer I had laying around the house.

A few folks have asked me WHY Linux.  There are a couple of interesting answers to this question.  Some of them are pretty blunt.  Some of them are qualified.  Some of the questions are loaded and have pretty interesting answers:

1. Why Linux?
   What other alternative is there? If Windows 10 isn’t a viable option because it won’t get any feature – or more importantly – security patch updates – to keep you and your private information safe, there really isn’t any other alternative, especially if your PC can’t run Windows 11 due to the lack of a T2 security chip or supported microprocessor.  macOS will only run on Mac hardware.  And let’s talk about THAT for a quick moment – Building a Hackintosh (or putting macOS on anything other than an actual Mac) is possible, but extremely difficult.  I’ve done it.  It was cool, too, but Apple caught on and made it so difficult that it wasn’t worth the effort, especially when it came to updating the OS to the next version.  Everything breaks, or at least broke, and getting macOS to run on a non-Apple silicon chip when they eventually stop supporting Intel processors will be a non-starter for nearly everyone.  Even right now, it calls for a great deal of effort that requires a level of expertise that most don’t have or don’t want to undertake due to the time commitments, and honestly, many wouldn’t know where to start.  Then there’s also its illegality…
2. Wouldn’t it be easier to buy another computer?
   For some, that might be the best thing to do, but purchasing a new computer isn’t always in the cards. Many people have issues with throwing a perfectly good computer away (or relegating it to a closet, storage area, or landfill) when it’s still usable and has basically nothing wrong with it other than a (now) obsolete operating system.Linux is a great alternative here, especially if you want to extend the life of your PC and get extra value out of that perfectly good piece of hardware.
3. Isn’t this all more complicated than I need it to be?
   Maybe… or no.  Maybe not.  That will depend on your budget and/or your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get involved in something new.  If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and learning a thing or two about Linux, how it works, some Terminal commands, and how to get things working the way they need to, then this exercise should be an excellent learning experience for someone who knows little to nothing about Linux.
4. There are a lot of Linux distributions. Which Distribution should I pick?
   You’re absolutely right.  There’s a whole bunch.  ChatGPT estimates that there are over 1000 different Linux distributions, with over 600 in active development and support.  More are being developed every month, and it’s not always easy to know which one might be best for you or work with your computer’s hardware.  It’s also not easy knowing where and how to get software for these things (but that’s another story for another day… Let’s concentrate on finding one or two that you might like first, but that’s still going to be an issue for many…)  If, after trying this, you find it too complicated or that it doesn’t make sense, then buying a new computer may not seem too out of line. You can at least say you tried.

And if that’s the case, don’t feel like you’ve failed.  Working with Linux – or any unknown or new technology – can be challenging, even for those who are really Windows savvy.  The OS is different, and there are several other variants (or families, as you’ll see), and locating and downloading software isn’t as “normal” in Linux as it is in Windows or macOS.  It requires a bit more expertise and may even require that you enter some commands in Terminal and remember your login or administrative password for something other than just logging in.

Don’t worry about it. It’s gonna be ok.

This article – and the series that it links to – are all meant to:

1. Help folks find and install some excellent Linux distributions that will help you get extra value out of your computer.
2. Learn a bit about the different types– or, again, families – of Linux available to choose from and
3. Help you build a really cool PC and/or PC of Distros (short for Distributions, or for Linux Distributions) that will be fun to use, fun to maintain, and help you become more computer and OS savvy in a world where some of the most advanced technologies EVER (like AI and digital assistants) have been introduced.

If you’re looking to begin learning and building some skills – and hopefully – have some fun with your old computer, read on, my friend, and roll up your sleeves.  This is going to get interesting…

As we go through this, I will present a lot of information. Some of it will be in table format. It’s easier to read that way, and you’ll be able to digest it better that way, too.

At times, this may seem like an information dump, and perhaps it is.  It’s not meant to be taken that way.  You need a lot of context to fully understand what you see and read as current information today.  I think this is the best way to present it. And it will be easiest for you to understand and refer back to it, if need be.

 

Background Information

As with everything, a little context goes a long way.  If you have read this far, you’ll likely read at least this whole article through.  Unfortunately, nothing is going to make any sense unless we get some terms and acronyms defined so you can at least be a little savvy with the lingo.  IT and businesses LOVE taking shortcuts with everything, words and terms included, so let’s start there.

Please note that information in all tables will be displayed alphabetically.

Glossary

Acronym	Technical Definition	Usage in Linux Context	Plain-English Explanation
BSD	Berkeley Software Distribution.	It originated at the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1970s as a series of improvements and extensions to the original AT&T UNIX operating system. Over time, it became a complete, independent Unix-like OS lineage.	BSD isn’t exactly Linux.  Instead, it is a family of Unix-like operating systems derived from the Berkeley version of UNIX.  Examples include FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD.
DE	Desktop Environment.	A complete graphical interface including a window manager, panels, menus, and tools.	What you actually see — your desktop, menus, and icons.
Distro	Short for distribution, meaning the name of a particular installation of Linux.	A distro – or distribution – belongs to a family or type of Linux, which may be further divided into sub-families or groups of distros.	A distro is used to name a type of Linux and to help identify which Linux family it comes from.
Family	There are hundreds of Linux distributions, but most trace back to a small handful of “families” or base systems. Think of it like a big family tree with several main trunks and branches.	The lineage or traceable origin of each Linux distribution can be traced back to a specific OS of origin.	The grouping of different Linux distributions into like groups makes them easier to use and understand their inner workings.
GTK3	GIMP Toolkit version 3.	A GUI toolkit used by GNOME, Cinnamon, and Xfce to build apps and interfaces, and a graphical Desktop Environment.	The ‘paintbrush’ developers use to design Linux desktops and apps.
KDE	K Desktop Environment (now KDE Community).	Project maintaining KDE Plasma DE, KDE Frameworks, and KDE Gear apps (built on Qt).   Remember, DE stands for Desktop Environment (& not the abbreviation for Germany).	The team behind the KDE Plasma desktop environment and its integrated ecosystem.
LXDE	Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment.	Low-resource DE using GTK2 and Openbox WM (defined below); ideal for older systems.	Simple, lightweight, and efficient, but now aging.
LXLE	Lubuntu Extra Life Extension.	LXDE-based distro variant optimized for Ubuntu LTS releases.	A polished, user-friendly take on LXDE for long-term use.
LXQt	Lightweight Qt Desktop Environment.	The successor to LXDE was rewritten using the Qt framework.	A modern, efficient, lightweight desktop that’s easy on resources.
Qt	Cross-platform application and UI framework written in C++.	Provides libraries and tools to build graphical interfaces. Used by KDE, LXQt, Deepin, etc.	The ‘engine’ that powers many beautiful Linux desktops and apps.
WM	Window Manager.	Controls window placement, borders, and decorations under X11 or Wayland.	The behind-the-scenes system that lets you move and manage windows.
Xfce	Originally, it was XForms Common Environment, but now it is a standalone lightweight desktop environment (DE).	Built using GTK3, focused on speed, simplicity, and stability.	A fast, traditional desktop that runs great even on older hardware.

 

A Brief Introduction to Linux and Linux Families

There are roughly 10 to 12 prominent Linux families, and every distribution you’ve heard of, or will see mentioned here and in this entire series, comes from one of these roots.

If you imagine them like a tree:

• 🌱 Debian and Red Hat are the oldest “roots.”
• 🌿 Ubuntu and Fedora are the most influential, the “branches.” And they stem from Debian and Red Hat, respectively
• 🍃 Arch, Gentoo, Slackware, openSUSE, and Solus are the independent, self-grown trees.

All of them come from UNIX, an environment used on mainframes. When personal computers were introduced as desktop replacements for mainframes, Linux was developed to mimic UNIX so we could communicate with PCs the same way we did with mainframes.

#	Family Name	Origin / Base	Known For	Popular Derivatives
1	Alpine Family	Independent	Lightweight, secure, often used in servers & containers	postmarketOS (for phones), various Docker bases
2	Android / AOSP Family	Linux kernel + Android stack	Mobile OS ecosystem	LineageOS, GrapheneOS, /e/OS
3	Arch Family	Independent (founded 2002)	Rolling release, minimalism, DIY customization	Manjaro, EndeavourOS, Garuda, ArcoLinux
4	ChromeOS Family	Based on Gentoo	Cloud integration, simplicity	ChromiumOS, FydeOS, CloudReady (Neverware)
5	Debian Family	Independent (founded 1993)	Stability, vast repos, foundation for many	Ubuntu, MX Linux, Deepin, Kali, Elive
6	Fedora / Red Hat Family	Independent (founded 1994)	Enterprise-grade, innovation, SELinux	RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux), CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux
7	Gentoo Family	Independent (founded 2000)	Source-based, performance, customization	Calculate Linux, Sabayon (discontinued), Redcore
8	openSUSE Family	Independent (founded 1994)	Stability, YaST control center, enterprise roots	GeckoLinux, SUSE Linux Enterprise
9	Slackware Family	Independent (founded 1993)	Oldest still maintained distro, simplicity, purity	Salix OS, Zenwalk, Absolute Linux
10	Solus Family	Independent	Built from scratch for desktop polish	None — unique ecosystem
11	Ubuntu Family	Based on Debian	Very popular. User-friendliness, ease of use, huge community	Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, Elementary OS, Nitrux, Feren OS
12	Void Family	Independent	Musl/glibc choice, systemd-free design	no major, but a cult favorite

 

Linux Distributions and Desktop Environments

Most distributions you find online are derived from the types listed above.  The major thing distinguishing one from the other is its DEFAULT desktop GUI (graphical User Interface). This is where the fun comes in.  In my humble opinion, the desktops you see in a Linux distro are beyond cool.  They are the primary reason why I undertook this project in the first place.  The eye candy is oh, so pleasing to the eye!

Below is a list of Linux desktop environments, a brief description of each, and the pros and cons of using each one. While it is technically possible to install ANY desktop on ANY Linux distribution, unless you really know what you’re doing, adapting one for your computer isn’t easy. They often require much scripting to get the functionality and the graphical elements to stitch together correctly.

Nearly all desktop environments that come from any of the distributions noted below are highly customized to work with that specific distro.  While you may be able to download the desktop you like in one distro, it would take an enormous amount of work to customize it to work with the distribution you’re trying to install it on.  Yeah, I know.  It’s a thing… very disappointing, but true.

I’m not saying that you’d be unsuccessful, but you’d likely end up ruining a desktop environment that does work or finding yourself in an “expert” mode and not knowing how to get out of it.  At that point, you may have to blow the installation of Linux and reinstall it to get back to where you were before you started tinkering.  The lesson here – learn before you tweak.

I’m telling you all of this not to discourage you but to help you find and try new Linux distros with the different desktops that come with them so you enjoy how the computer works and functions. The idea is to get up and running as quickly as possible and not get stuck tweaking and tuning or passing message after message to ChatGPT and the like, trying to undo a mess you’re in.

Most distributions come with more than one or two desktops. Choose a distro that has more than one. Try them all. If you don’t like any of them, grab another distro in the same Linux Family and install it.

You should also know and understand that each distro and desktop environment is solely dependent upon the hardware you have in your PC and the drivers that either the “live” version of the distro and/or its installation program was able to find for your graphics adapter, sound card, Wi-Fi card, etc.  Most distros will come with two different install routines/apps – one for advanced graphics, the regular install routine, and one for “safe graphics,” or the one that “should” work if the one for the advanced/regular graphics installation routine does not.

By the way, we see the same type of behavior in Linux.  You’re likely use to how things work there. In other words, if Windows doesn’t have a driver for your <pick a device>, it won’t use it, and that functionality won’t work (or won’t work correctly) with that device, and you may or may not see an error message from Windows about it.

The same thing will happen in Linux.

Here is a list of the 36 unique Linux Desktop Environments I have been able to find and identify in all of the distributions I’m going to list:

 

Desktop / Flavor	Technical Description	User-Oriented Summary	Pros	Cons
Bspwm (pre-themed)	A minimal, binary space-partitioning window manager using X11; configuration handled through scripting.	Ultra-light tiling desktop—keyboard-driven, fast, perfect for power users.	Fast, minimal resource use, total control.	Steep learning curve, no GUI configuration tools.
Budgie	Built on GNOME technologies (GTK3) with Raven sidebar and modular panel system.	Clean, modern, and elegant—mixes GNOME’s polish with simplicity.	Easy to use, visually consistent, low clutter.	Smaller ecosystem, fewer extensions.
COSMIC (tiling GNOME)	Pop!_OS’s fork of GNOME Shell with tiling window management integration.	Looks like GNOME but behaves like a pro productivity workspace.	Great multitasking, attractive UI, hardware acceleration.	Currently Pop!_OS-specific, limited outside adoption.
Choice of DEs	Indicates distros that let you pick from multiple desktop packages (Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, etc.).	Installer offers freedom—choose your favorite look.	Maximum flexibility.	Inconsistent branding; variable polish between DEs.
Cinnamon	GNOME 3 fork using Muffin WM; developed by Linux Mint team.	Windows-like with smooth animations and strong usability.	Familiar layout, polished, stable.	Slightly heavier on RAM, slower on low-end systems.
Core	MakuluLinux’s minimal variant; stripped-down environment with custom visuals.	Lightweight, animated desktop focused on performance.	Responsive, unique design.	Not standardized, limited external support.
Cutefish Desktop	Qt-based, independent DE mimicking macOS; now discontinued.	Gorgeous, minimal, macOS-like interface.	Intuitive, consistent design.	Project dormant; limited customization and support.
Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE)	Built on Qt and Dtk (Deepin Tool Kit); integrates compositor and window manager.	Extremely polished—animated, macOS-inspired visuals.	Stunning visuals, cohesive design.	Heavy on resources; slower on old hardware.
Enlightenment	Modular, highly optimized X11/Wayland compositor using EFL (Enlightenment Foundation Libraries).	Futuristic and animated yet lightweight.	Fast, flexible, beautiful.	Sparse documentation, complex setup.
Explorer shell	Windows NT-style shell using Explorer.exe-style navigation (ReactOS).	Feels like Windows 2000/XP.	Familiar to Windows users.	Not Linux-based; limited features, alpha quality.
Fluxbox	Lightweight stacking WM based on Blackbox; text-configured.	Simple, fast classic desktop.	Tiny footprint, customizable.	Outdated look, no GUI settings.
GNOME	Modern, Wayland-first DE built on GTK4 and Mutter.	Minimalist, clean, touch-friendly interface.	Stable, great accessibility, polished.	Limited customization; heavy memory use.
GNOME + Handheld	GNOME build with input scaling and mobile tweaks (e.g., for Steam Deck).	Desktop–handheld hybrid layout.	Great scaling, touch ready.	Limited to specialized hardware.
JWM	Lightweight stacking WM using XML config; often used in Puppy Linux.	Simple, old-school taskbar desktop.	Very light, runs on legacy PCs.	Primitive interface, limited features.
KDE Plasma	Qt 5/6-based DE using KWin compositor and Plasma Shell.	Highly customizable, modern, and smooth.	Gorgeous UI, rich tools, efficient memory use.	Many options can overwhelm newcomers.
LXLE	LXDE-based lightweight environment customized for Ubuntu LTS.	Friendly lightweight desktop with visual enhancements.	Low RAM use, good balance of style and speed.	Fewer advanced effects, aging codebase.
LXQt	Successor to LXDE, built with Qt and Openbox.	Lightweight but modern-looking.	Fast, modular, updated regularly.	Sparse documentation, fewer extensions.
LinDoz	MakuluLinux’s customized Cinnamon variant themed like Windows.	Windows 10/11-style interface on Linux.	Familiar layout, good performance.	Niche to Makulu; updates depend on base.
MATE	Fork of GNOME 2 with modern GTK3 support.	Classic desktop feel with updated internals.	Reliable, lightweight, easy to learn.	Slightly dated visuals.
Moksha	Bodhi’s Enlightenment E17 fork, lightweight compositor.	Elegant minimalism with animated flair.	Beautiful and fast.	Small community, limited docs.
Openbox	Minimal stacking WM using text configs or tools like obconf.	Super-fast, traditional windowed feel.	Ultra-light, customizable.	Manual configuration required.
Pantheon	Custom DE from elementary OS; GTK-based.	Sleek macOS-inspired design with strong UX.	Gorgeous, unified apps.	Less customizable, Ubuntu-specific.
Plasma	Shorthand for KDE Plasma (same environment).	Same as KDE Plasma above.	Same pros as KDE Plasma.	Same cons as KDE Plasma.
Proprietary	Non-open-source desktop shell or launcher (rare).	Custom vendor interface.	Tight integration, unique UX.	Limited transparency, closed source.
Qtile WM	Tiling WM written and configured in Python.	Programmable, script-friendly interface.	Lightweight, endlessly customizable.	No GUI tools: Python config required.
ROX	Lightweight file manager & optional pinboard desktop (used in Puppy Linux).	Minimal desktop with ROX-Filer icons.	Fast, simple.	Dated visuals; limited extensions.
Shift	MakuluLinux edition with dynamic switching interface.	Hybrid desktop that changes layout on demand.	Innovative, flexible.	Proprietary; limited beyond Makulu.
Shift DE	Successor of Makulu Shift, combines tiling/stacking modes.	Adaptive desktop between workflows.	Unique convergence concept.	Experimental; limited elsewhere.
Steam Big Picture UI	Gaming-optimized interface using Steam’s launcher.	Console-like, controller-first UI.	Perfect for gaming rigs.	Not a full DE; limited multitasking.
Trinity	Continuation of KDE 3.x series (TDE).	Classic KDE look and feel.	Lightweight, nostalgic.	Outdated tech, limited app support.
UKUI	Ubuntu Kylin’s Qt-based Windows-like DE.	Modern, user-friendly Chinese/English desktop.	Easy transition from Windows, localized.	Heavier than XFCE; some translations incomplete.
Unicorn Desktop (Xfce-based)	Rhino Linux’s customized Xfce fork.	Polished Xfce with mobile-inspired style.	Stable, lightweight.	Early-stage project; limited docs.
Web UI	Browser-based management interface for NAS/server systems.	Access via web browser instead of local desktop.	Lightweight, platform independent.	Not a traditional desktop environment.
Xfce	GTK3-based DE using Xfwm4 compositor.	Balanced, traditional desktop that runs anywhere.	Stable, low resource use, flexible.	Lacks advanced visual effects.
Zorin Desktop	Custom GNOME Shell fork by Zorin OS.	macOS/Windows hybrid interface—sleek and accessible.	Gorgeous themes, familiar layout.	Fewer advanced settings; limited outside Zorin.
i3 / i3-Gaps	Minimal tiling WM written in C; gaps version adds spacing between windows.	Keyboard-centric, grid-based workspace.	Lightning fast, scriptable, minimal RAM.	Steep learning curve, lacks desktop features.

 

What is a Home Directory, and Why does each Distro have One?

As with Windows and macOS, each Linux distribution has something called a “home directory.”  This is where all USER specific files and configuration data are stored and accessed by the distribution.  They can be stored on the same disk partition as the distribution or can be stored on a different partition or disk drive entirely, as long as the operating system can get to the data, you’re good to go.

Like in Windows, your home directory contains the following:

• Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, etc.
• Hidden configuration files (those starting with a . (dot) For Example:
  •  .bashrc, .config/, .mozilla/
  • These files store settings for your desktop environment, apps, and shell.
• Custom scripts or personal programs you may add.

All your files and environment tweaks live there.

Each Linux distribution has one because a single computer may be used by more than one person. So, each user of the computer has their own home directory. This keeps data and all of your related files safe and secure.  One user can’t access another user’s data by default.  There are a few other reasons and a bit more information on all of this that I will have in a separate, Linked article, later on.

Top 100 Linux Distros with Awesome Looking Desktops

I’ve scoured the internet for some of the best Linux distributions I could find. This isn’t a complete list. From the research I’ve done, there are possibly over 1000 different Linux distributions available today, with new ones being created constantly. As of 2023, approximately 600 different Linux distributions were actively being maintained.  Many of them are community supported, meaning that there isn’t a registered corporation providing the software, doing the development, doing the testing and support, etc. It’s just a group of developers doing it all because they love Linux.  Support your local Linux Dev if you can.

Each Linux distribution has its own unique look and feel and may assume a level of expertise or specific purpose for its use.

For example, ZorinOS is for general-purpose creativity and productivity, while Kali Linux is primarily used for security and (enterprise network) penetration testing (due to all the specialized tools it contains).

The distributions in the table below are distros known for their good looks, ease of updates, relatively stable tooling, solid communities, and (generally) “it works out of the box” behavior. Some are more bleeding-edge, and some are more stable.  You’re going to find things you like, and things you won’t.

While each distribution is based on a family “foundation,” each is different, using different desktop environments, different drivers, developed with different goals and purposes, to solve specific problems or provide specific users with specific functionality.  If those purposes or problems or functionalities aren’t initially something you’re interested in, you may still find use and purpose or a sense of harmony in a distribution’s interface and applications.

Use what you like, skip what you don’t.  These are mostly easy to try and install.  Nearly all of them come with some kind of “live CD” or boot instance that will allow you to try it out, and then install it if you like it or really want to see if it fits you.

If you don’t like something, you can simply shut the machine down while still in the “live CD” and then not worry about it.  Move on to the next one.  This is something unique to Linux.  I haven’t seen Windows or macOS ever do this.  However, macOS only works on Macs, and Windows now, currently only has one version in active support.

Even if you install something you don’t like, don’t worry.  You can easily wipe the disk to swap it out or drop it later if you want.

The list below is in no particular ranking order.  Each distribution notes its download Links, a mirror Link (or alternate download site), and why it might be a good pick for you.

Please note:  I've noticed that the site theme doesn't handle tables very well, which is unforunate.  I may need to look into a different theme.  However, along with my apologies, please use this attached excel sheet to see all of the distros I've pulled and to get access to their direct download links and mirrors (if any).  100 Linux Distros

#	Distro	Family	Desktop/Flavor Highlight	Why It’s a Good Pick	Download/Official Link	Mirrors
1	ALT Linux	Independent (RPM)	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Mature, corporate‑grade look	Official Link
2	Archcraft	Arch-based	Openbox/Bspwm (pre-themed)	Minimal yet gorgeous WM setups	Official Link	Mirror Link
3	ArcoLinux	Arch-based	i3/Openbox/Xfce	Educational Arch with many themed editions	Official Link
4	Athena OS	Arch-based	GNOME	Security + aesthetic focus	Official Link
5	BigLinux	Arch-based	KDE Plasma	Attractive presets; codecs included	Official Link	Mirror Link
6	BlackArch	Arch-based	Openbox/Xfce	Security‑focused with dark aesthetic	Official Link
7	BlendOS	Arch-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Universal app ecosystem; modern UI	Official Link
8	Bluestar Linux	Arch-based	KDE Plasma	Stable, fast Arch KDE variant	Official Link
9	Bodhi Papacy	Ubuntu-based	Moksha	Preloaded Bodhi with extras	Official Link
10	Bodhi Linux	Ubuntu-based	Moksha	Unique lightweight aesthetic. Moksha is an Enlightenment fork	Official Link	Mirror Link
11	BunsenLabs Linux	Debian-based	Openbox	Minimalist beauty; lightweight	Official Link
12	CachyOS	Arch-based	Plasma/GNOME + Handheld	Performance-optimized; slick defaults	Official Link	Mirror Link
13	Calculate Linux	Gentoo-based	KDE Plasma/Xfce	Fast Gentoo binaries + visuals	Official Link
14	ChimeraOS	Arch-based	Steam Big Picture UI	Console-style interface	Official Link
15	ChimeraOS (rolling)	Arch-based	Steam Big Picture UI	Gorgeous console‑style experience	Official Link
16	Clear Linux	Independent (Intel)	GNOME	Extremely optimized; sleek	Official Link
17	ClearOS	RHEL-based	Web UI	Server/desktop hybrid with clean GUI	Official Link
18	Crystal Linux	Arch-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Modern Arch with visual flair. Uses the Jade Installer	Official Link
19	CutefishOS (archived)	Ubuntu-based	Cutefish Desktop	macOS-like, beautiful simplicity	Official Link
20	deepin	Debian-based	Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE)	One of the most polished desktops	Official Link	Mirror Link
21	Drauger OS	Ubuntu-based	Xfce	Gaming‑focused Ubuntu with tweaks	Official Link
22	EasyOS	Puppy-based	JWM	Simple containerized OS	Official Link
23	elementary OS	Ubuntu-based	Pantheon	macOS-like elegance; cohesive apps	Official Link
24	Elive	Debian-based	Enlightenment	Elegant, animated lightweight	Official Link
25	EndeavourOS	Arch-based	Choice of DEs	Near-vanilla Arch + friendly tooling	Official Link
26	ExTiX	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma/LXQt	Live DVD with modern look	Official Link
27	Fedora KDE Spin	Fedora (RPM)	KDE Plasma	Clean, modern KDE on Fedora	Official Link
28	Feren OS	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Polished theming + friendly tools	Official Link	Mirror Link
29	Garden Linux	Debian-based	GNOME	Polished, container-optimized	Official Link
30	Garuda Linux	Arch-based	KDE Plasma	KDE Plasma has “Dr460nized” Max eye-candy out of the box; gaming-friendly; Btrfs snapshots	Official Link	Mirror Link
31	GeckoLinux	openSUSE-based	KDE Plasma/Xfce/Cinnamon	openSUSE with better defaults	Official Link
32	GhostBSD	FreeBSD-based	MATE	BSD with friendly desktop polish	Official Link
33	KaOS	Independent	KDE Plasma	Tight, elegant KDE integration. Only supports KDE Plasma (Qt focus_	Official Link	Mirror Link
34	KDE neon	Ubuntu LTS-based	KDE Plasma	Pure KDE (User edition) showcase on a stable base	Official Link	Mirror Link
35	Kubuntu	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Ubuntu reliability + beautiful Plasma	Official Link	Mirror Link
36	Linux Lite	Ubuntu LTS-based	Xfce	Lightweight, clean, newcomer-friendly	Official Link	Mirror Link
37	Linux Mint (Cinnamon)	Ubuntu-based	Cinnamon	Windows-like, elegant, friendly	Official Link
38	LinuxFX (WindowsFX)	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma/Cinnamon	Windows‑11‑like UI on Linux	Official Link
39	Lubuntu	Ubuntu-based	LXQt	Fast, simple, clean visuals	Official Link	Mirror Link
40	LXLE	Ubuntu-based	LXLE	Lightweight; visually enhanced LXDE	Official Link
41	Makulu Shift	Debian-based	Shift DE	Dynamic theme switching	Official Link
42	MakuluLinux	Debian-based	Core/LinDoz/Shift	Dynamic themes; flashy visuals	Official Link
43	Manjaro	Arch-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME/Xfce	Beginner-friendly Arch; attractive defaults	Official Link	Mirror Link
44	MX Fluxbox	Debian-based	Fluxbox	Lightweight + elegant WM setup	Official Link
45	MX Linux	Debian-based	KDE Plasma/Fluxbox/Xfce	Practical + attractive; great tools	Official Link	Mirror Link
46	MX Linux (KDE)	Debian-based	KDE Plasma	MX tools + a polished KDE spin	Official Link	Mirror Link
47	NitroOS	Arch-based	KDE Plasma	Gaming-focused Arch distro	Official Link
48	Nitrux	Debian-based	Proprietary	AppImage-first; stylish defaults. Heavily themed version of KDE Plasma desktop	Official Link	Mirror Link
49	Nitrux Maui Shell (preview)	Debian-based	Proprietary	Maui Shell (preview) – a next-generation shell inspired by Plasma, but built from scratch using KDE tech	Official Link
50	Nitrux NX Desktop Next	Debian-based	Proprietary	Preview builds of Maui shell	Official Link
51	Nobara	Fedora-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Out-of-box gaming niceties and gaming tweaks to GNOME Desktop	Official Link
52	openSUSE Tumbleweed	Independent (RPM)	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Rolling + polished tools (YaST)	Official Link	Mirror Link
53	Parrot OS (Home)	Debian-based	MATE	Security distro with aesthetic UI	Official Link
54	Parrot Security (MATE)	Debian-based	MATE	Attractive hacker aesthetic	Official Link
55	Pearl Linux	Ubuntu-based	Cinnamon/MATE/Xfce	macOS/Windows hybrid themes	Official Link
56	PearOS	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME	True macOS aesthetic mimic	Official Link
57	Peppermint (Devuan Edition)	Devuan-based	Xfce	Systemd‑free; lightweight	Official Link
58	Peppermint OS	Debian/Devuan-based	Xfce	Clean, minimal, web-app friendly	Official Link	Mirror Link
59	Peux OS	Debian-based	Xfce	Beautiful Indonesian distro	Official Link
60	Pop!_OS	Ubuntu-based	COSMIC (tiling GNOME)	Great defaults, drivers, and performance	Official Link
61	Puppy Linux	Independent	JWM / ROX	Cute, lightweight, runs from RAM	Official Link	Mirror Link
62	Q4OS	Debian-based	KDE Plasma/Trinity	Classic Windows-like feel	Official Link
63	QTileOS	Debian-based	Qtile WM	Minimalist tiling + flair	Official Link
64	Qubes OS	Fedora-based	Xfce	Unique compartmentalized security	Official Link
65	ReactOS	Windows NT clone	Explorer shell	Windows‑style UI (alpha)	Official Link
66	RebornOS	Arch-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME/Xfce	Custom installer; many DEs	Official Link
67	Redcore Linux	Gentoo-based	KDE Plasma	Binary Gentoo with polish	Official Link
68	Refracta	Devuan-based	Xfce	Simple and clean; systemd‑free base	Official Link
69	Regata OS	openSUSE-based	KDE Plasma	Multimedia/gaming polish	Official Link
70	Regata OS Gaming	openSUSE-based	KDE Plasma	Game‑optimized with tools	Official Link
71	Regolith Desktop	Ubuntu-based	i3-Gaps hybrid	Minimal + aesthetic tiling setup	Official Link
72	Revenge OS (legacy)	Arch-based	GNOME	Sleek minimal GNOME (legacy)	Official Link
73	Rhino Linux	Ubuntu-based	Unicorn Desktop (Xfce-based)	Rolling Ubuntu with custom aesthetic	Official Link
74	RisiOS	Fedora-based	GNOME	Web app integration; attractive defaults	Official Link
75	ROSA Fresh	Independent (RPM)	KDE Plasma	Elegant Russian distro	Official Link
76	Sabayon (legacy)	Gentoo-based	KDE Plasma/GNOME	Polished legacy Gentoo fork	Official Link
77	SerpentOS	Independent	Proprietary	Next‑gen distro focused on polish	Official Link
78	Siduction	Debian-based (Unstable)	KDE Plasma/Xfce	Modern Debian Unstable derivative	Official Link
79	Slackel	Slackware-based	KDE Plasma/Openbox	Polished Slackware derivative	Official Link
80	Solus	Independent	Budgie/KDE Plasma/GNOME/Xfce	Curated, cohesive experience	Official Link
81	SparkyLinux	Debian-based	LXQt/MATE/Xfce	Colorful themes + performance	Official Link
82	SteamOS 3	Debian-based	GNOME	Built for gaming; Deck-friendly	Official Link
83	ToriOS	Debian-based	Openbox	Lightweight for older hardware	Official Link
84	TrueNAS SCALE	Debian-based	Web UI	NAS OS with a clean interface	Official Link
85	TUXEDO OS	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Slick defaults for TUXEDO laptops	Official Link
86	TUXEDO OS 2	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Refined TUXEDO UX	Official Link
87	TUXEDO OS Plasma Edition	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Custom theming for TUXEDO laptops	Official Link
88	Ubuntu Budgie	Ubuntu-based	Budgie	Stylish, GNOME-like desktop	Official Link
89	Ubuntu Cinnamon Remix	Ubuntu-based	Cinnamon	Ubuntu base + Mint-like feel	Official Link
90	Ubuntu Kylin	Ubuntu-based	UKUI	Chinese‑localized; elegant look	Official Link
91	Ubuntu MATE	Ubuntu-based	MATE	Classic feel, customizable	Official Link
92	Ubuntu Studio	Ubuntu-based	KDE Plasma	Polished for creators and artists	Official Link
93	Ultramarine Linux	Fedora-based	Pantheon/KDE Plasma/GNOME	Fedora remix with beautiful DEs	Official Link
94	Vanilla OS	Ubuntu-based	GNOME	Immutable; clean and fresh visuals	Official Link
95	Void Linux	Independent	LXQt/Xfce	Lightweight, sleek, runit init	Official Link
96	Voyager Live	Ubuntu-based	GNOME/Xfce	Artistic themes; polished OOTB	Official Link
97	Xubuntu	Ubuntu-based	Xfce	Stable, easy, visually balanced	Official Link	Mirror Link
98	ZebarOS	Arch-based	KDE Plasma	Modern, clean, performance-focused	Official Link
99	Zorin OS	Ubuntu-based	Zorin Desktop	Modern, familiar look (Windows/macOS layouts) for switchers	Official Link
100	Zorin OS Lite	Ubuntu-based	Xfce	Lightweight take on Zorin style	Official Link

Conclusion

With Microsoft ending active support for Windows 10, the best way you can continue to get value out of your Windows 10 PC is by

1. Upgrading it to Windows 11 – if possible and if compatible
2. Buy a new computer – if you can afford it or don’t mind spending the money
3. Continue to use it by subscribing to Microsoft’s Extended System Updates (ESU) program – but this will only work for three years (and then you’re back with the same problem)
4. Upgrade the PC to Linux – pick one of the ones here, or pick one of your own.

Regardless, you’re going to have to choose one of these options.  Your only other choice is to do nothing, and that’s GOING to lead to identity theft the moment you get malware because you’re surfing the web on a computer with  security holes that will never be patched.

There are more than a few Linux distributions in this list that really look like you’re using Windows 11.  There are some Linux distributions in this list that look nothing like Windows but still offer a good computing experience from a free operating system that will be supported for years to come.

I hope you find one or three that you like.  If, after you find your favorites, you want to install one, some, or all of them on your computer, I’ll have an article that will help you do just that.