10 Best Free Alternatives to Windows 10: Go-to Options in 2025

With the obsession with Windows 11 becoming more imminent, a question is rising among many whether it is worth staying with Windows. Although Windows 10 is popular, it is coming to the end of official support, and millions of people seek a good and freely distributed operating system. Fortunately, quite several alternatives exist, such as older PCs and complete OS environments.

In 2025, the landscape of operating systems will be more diverse, making it the perfect time to explore alternatives. In this article, we have narrowed down some of the most efficient windows 10 alternative options for you to consider. Furthermore, we will also provide you with an advanced data recovery tool to recover data from Windows 10.

Part 1. Why Look for Windows 10 Alternatives? Details You Must Have

Before you dive into the top alternative for windows 10 options, first, let's explore the reasons you need those efficient alternatives:

1. Price and Availability Problems: A large quantity of Windows 10 machines cannot run Windows 11 due to its demanding hardware requirements, specifically the requirement of a TPM chip.
2. Control and Customization: Major alternatives, such as Linux, give users more control and freedom over their machines in the sense that they can be heavily customized.
3. Compatibility Problems: More software will lose compatibility with Windows 10 as the OS becomes unsupported, and it will be difficult to use new programs.
4. No Subscription Models: Under Windows 11, you will not be required to get a subscription plan, which you will pay for on a monthly or yearly basis.

Part 2. Explore 10 Top Alternatives for Windows 10: Free Options

For your ease, we have narrowed down some of the best alternative to windows 10 options while specifying their features and limitations given below:

1. Microsoft Windows 11

The upcoming Windows update will feature an updated Start menu, taskbar, and rounded window corners for a cleaner and more user-friendly experience. It is deeply integrated with the Microsoft Copilot AI assistant, which helps you with day-to-day tasks, system inquiries, and content summarization. Also, Windows 11 includes built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to keep it safe from malware.

Key Features

1. Being more efficient, it has faster boot times, improved sleep mode, and smaller update sizes.
2. Expanded Phone Link support by letting users take calls and send texts through PCs.
3. Windows 11 offers improved touch gestures, better pen response and voice typing.

2. Ubuntu Linux

One of the free windows alternative options lies in Ubuntu Linux, which is constructed on the open-source principles, hence it is community-based. It is compatible with the latest GNOME 48 to give a current and highly customized desktop environment. This OS offers up to 12 years of security maintenance, advanced disk encryption, and secure boot capabilities. Moreover, it runs on the latest Linux kernel (6.14 in 25.04) for better hardware compatibility.

Key Features

1. Its new installer makes it easy to set up Ubuntu alongside Windows or other operating systems.
2. This Window comes in a bundle with built-in apps like Firefox, LibreOffice, Thunderbird, etc.
3. Ubuntu Linux provides robust system management via tools like Landscape, as well as improved authentication.

3. Chrome OS

Designed for cloud computing, it is one of the fastest and simplest operating systems to consider. Most tasks are performed using the Chrome browser, which means it automatically syncs your data across different devices. This free alternative to windows 10 provides seamless integration with Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. This OS features built-in anti-virus protection and a read-only OS.

Key Features

1. The latest update provides features like image creation and a Gemini AI-powered digital assistant.
2. It is optimized for energy efficiency and offers long-lasting battery life.
3. Being highly versatile, this OS supports the Google Play Store and Linux apps.

4. Apple macOS Sequoia

Mainly designed for Mac users, this windows alternative brings a suite of AI-powered features for smarter writing, communication, and task management. Apple Intelligence is made for privacy, with most processing done on-device and processes on Apple's silicon servers. It provides seamless control to other Mac devices through your Mac and allows dragging and dropping files from a Mac to other Apple devices.

Key Features

1. With its recent upgrade, Siri now has integration with ChatGPT.
2. This OS provides features like advanced Window tiling for quick workspace layouts.
3. It has a new password app that centralizes password management across Apple platforms.

5. Elementary OS

Elementary OS offers stronger privacy by allowing users to manage app access to hardware and other networks. It features a refined desktop environment with visually appealing UI elements, maintaining overall minimal aesthetics. This best alternative to windows 10 can efficiently work on Linux Kernel 6.8 with smoother animations. Providing versatility, it comes with core apps like Files, Calendar, and Code.

Key Features

1. System and app upgrades are separated to allow seamless background app updates.
2. Based on the latest Ubuntu LTS, it updates drivers and file systems.
3. Its AppCenter now fully supports Flathub store to offer a vast range of cross-platform apps.

6. Manjaro Linux

It is tailored to easily cater to people of all skills, featuring a simple installer and the friendliest interface. Manjaro Linux is updated frequently, allowing you to access its new features regularly. Furthermore, it also lets you pick from various kernel versions based on your needs. Its official releases include KDE Plasma 6.3+, GNOME 48+, and XFCE 4.20, each catering to different needs.

Key Features

1. It provides deep integration with Flatpak to give users graphical access to sandboxed apps.
2. Manjaro Linux's new update allows limiting battery charging and improved power management.
3. This OS provides Calamares installer and the MHWD tool to automatically set up hardware.

7. Zorin OS

Zorin OS enables you to choose the layouts that resemble Windows and macOS to provide a comfortable experience. The big advantage of this free windows alternative is that it can be operated on old PC, so that even 15-year-old PCs can work. If you have a limited RAM of about 1.5 GB, this is an ideal option for your computer.

Key Features

1. Its new update offers universal search for apps, files, contacts, calendar events, and more.
2. This OS features horizontal workspaces and a refined Activities Overview with touchpad gestures.
3. With its recent enhancements, it now also offers advanced features like side-by-side suggestion.

8. Linux Mint

Being a free windows alternative, it offers a familiar yet beginner-friendly user interface like other operating systems. Linux Mint also offers Xfce and MATE editions for different hardware and users' preferences. This is based on Ubuntu LTS, which ensures security, stability, and reliability for the long term. Linux Mint is designed for low resource usage, improved power, and window management.

Key Features

1. It offers a snappier multi-monitor experience and improved rendering for a smoother desktop.
2. This operating system provides professional scaling for high-resolution displays.
3. Linux Mint provides enhanced compatibility with modern AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA hardware.

9. FreeBSD

It features Open ZFS integration, which enables features like high-capacity storage management and data integrity checks. This advanced windows alternative offers secure containerization via the Jail system, and each jail operates as an isolated environment. By providing vast compatibility, it provides many post options, letting users easily install, manage, and update the apps. Its advanced and designing capabilities help analyze and troubleshoot performance issues at both the kernel and application levels.

Key Features

1. FreeBSD supports robust encryption, access control, and built-in firewall features.
2. For efficient consolidation, it includes Bhyve, a built-in hypervisor for hosting virtual machines.
3. This OS offers a complete system with its own kernel, userland, drivers, and core tools.

10. Fedora Linux

This windows 10 alternative is known for fast adoption of new technologies and offering the latest apps as soon as they are released. Its frequent updates keep your system modern and without bloating it with extra apps. Fedora Linus works with SELinux security by default, which saves your data against malware attacks. This operating system comes with an advanced Wayland display server for smooth rendering and better input.

Key Features

1. Recent updates have introduced AI integration, code assistant, and powerful container tools.
2. Its official system includes GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, and others.
3. This OS allows installing, running, and sandboxing a huge variety of desktop apps.

Part 3. Bonus Tip. Retrieve Lost Data to Backup & Move to Windows 10 Alternative

Suppose you are a graphic designer and have been working on Windows 10 for ages. As Windows 10 support is going to end, you have decided to shift to a windows alternative system to avoid security risks. However, in between that transfer, she mistakenly deleted an important client folder, so in this situation, we recommend using Wondershare Recoverit. This data recovery tool lets you retrieve all essential lost data from 1000+ file formats.

It can efficiently restore your lost data due to any unforeseen reason, including human error, hardware, or software failure. Being an all-in-one recovery tool, it has been awarded with 35+ patent technologies for efficient workflow. Furthermore, it can recover lost data from more than 2000+ storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, and digital cameras.

Key Features

1. Broader Compatibility: This tool efficiently works with all the latest Windows, such as Windows 11/10/8/7 and Vista.
2. Scanning Options: While processing, it offers both Quick and Deep scanning options to let users choose according to their needs.
3. Preview Feature: You can preview your restored file before saving to examine whether the file is appropriate or not.

Detailed Stepwise Guide to Utilize Wondershare Recoverit For Data Recovery

Now, to transfer your essential data to a free windows alternative, you need to recover your lost data, so follow the guide given below:

Step 1. Choose the Location of the Lost File from Windows

As you access the tool, tap on the "Hard Drive and Location" tab and select the desired location from the "Quick Access" menu.

Step 2. Scan the Location of the Deleted File

As your file is selected, Recoverit will start scanning your whole file for data recovery. At this point, if you can't retrieve your data with Quick Scan, you can also access the Deep Scan option.

Step 3. Save The Restored File to the Desired Folder

Finally, your lost file has been recovered without any loss. You can "Preview" it or tap the "Recover" button to get it saved in the device.

Conclusion

Summing up, as Windows 10 will soon end its security support, many users are exploring reliable windows 10 alternative options. So in this article, we have provided you with the 10 most efficient operating systems that you can consider using. Furthermore, if your data is lost in the transfer process, we recommend using Recoverit, which lets you retrieve data.