Hey everyone! I'm revisiting Linux after a decade away, having previously tested out Ubuntu, Mint, and Red Hat among others before sticking with Windows. These days, casual gaming is more my speed—I enjoy titles like Stardew Valley and Minecraft—along with some streaming on YouTube and Netflix. I also use Virtual Tabletop programs and Discord regularly. Currently, I'm on Windows 11 with an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and an RTX 1660 OC Super GPU. I'm looking for a Linux distro that feels most like Windows, allowing for easy usage without getting stuck on dependencies, yet also offering room to learn and grow my skills. Would I be better off trying Ubuntu or Mint again, or maybe something like Zorin that aims to mirror Windows? I had a rough experience with Zorin, running into some boot issues, so I'd love to get some recommendations!
4 Answers
ZorinOS could be what you’re looking for since it’s designed to resemble Windows. It makes the transition smoother with a familiar user interface. Just keep in mind that some users have experienced hiccups, but it's worth a try!
Mint is often recommended for a Windows-like experience. It's user-friendly and has a familiar interface for those coming from Windows. The Mint menu is similar to the Windows Start menu, which might be comforting!
I’m leaning towards Mint based on that advice!
Give distros like Fedora or even a live USB with multiple distros a shot! Ventoy lets you test several without installing them first, so you can see what fits you best without making a commitment.
I’ve never heard of Ventoy before—sounds like a great way to explore!
You might want to consider trying KDE Plasma, especially with Kubuntu. It feels similar to Windows but has many more features. Users rave about its customization without being overwhelming, so it might suit you well!
I've tried it before but thinking I’ll give it another shot!

I found their user interface really nice, but it would help to ensure your hardware is compatible first.