AnduinOS is starting to make more and more noise in the community of users looking for an alternative to Windows, especially now that migrating to Windows 11 has become mandatory for millions of people in the face of the imminent end of support for Windows 10.
However, many users are hesitant to make the jump due to the high hardware requirements or certain Microsoft policies. In this context, AnduinOS emerges as a promising option not only because of its visual resemblance to Windows 11, but also for the simplicity it offers to users accustomed to Microsoft systems.
What exactly is AnduinOS?
AnduinOS is, in essence, a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, retouched to offer a desktop experience strongly reminiscent of Windows 11. The customization work focuses primarily on the desktop environment GNOME, which in this version has been refined to the point of closely resembling the Windows interface, both in visual appearance and in some operating habits.
Its creator has made it clear that it is not a commercial project, but a hobby, so The original idea was simply to package your custom environment for your own use. However, the community's interest has grown so much that after its appearance in DistrowatchThe distribution reached the point of overloading its servers due to the avalanche of downloads. Today, anyone can download AnduinOS for free and use it without restrictions.
In technical terms, AnduinOS uses the Ubuntu package base, which means that any Ubuntu-compatible application will be able to run on this system. It also includes Flatpak for managing graphical applications, a modern installation method that allows programs to run in isolation, adding an extra layer of security and stability.
Objective and philosophy of AnduinOS
The main purpose of AnduinOS is make life easier for developers and ordinary users who are accustomed to the Windows environment and who want to start using Linux without feeling lost. To do this, The system offers a desktop configuration that emulates gestures, appearance, and workflows familiar to those migrating from Windows..
It is important to emphasize that, although visual customization is the most striking, AnduinOS does not introduce major internal changes compared to Ubuntu.The core of the system remains the same, ensuring stability and access to Ubuntu's vast ecosystem of software and documentation.
Technical characteristics and main differences
The latest released version –AnduinOS 1.3– is based on Ubuntu 25.04 and use the kernel 6.14, allowing you to take advantage of the latest technologies in the Linux world. In addition, it makes use of GNOME 48 as a desktop environment, including all official GNOME programs and applications pre-installed to provide a consistent experience from the start.
One of the key points that differentiates AnduinOS from other similar projects lies in the possibility of creating a custom ISO image. Thanks to a specific tool included in the system, any user can generate your own custom version of AnduinOS, adding configurations, logos, or custom elements easily and without advanced knowledge. This is very useful for both individual users and companies that need to adapt the system to their specific needs.
As for software compatibility, Being based on Ubuntu, most native Linux programs and utilities will work without any problems.Applications can be installed through Ubuntu's repositories, via .deb packages, or via Flatpak. Additionally, the system is prepared to run Windows applications using Wine, making the transition easier for those who rely on certain Microsoft-exclusive programs.
An important detail is that the AnduinOS app store comes with Flatpak support out of the box, a notable difference from the classic Ubuntu system. This significantly expands the catalog of applications that can be easily installed.
Similarities and differences with Windows 11
Where AnduinOS puts all its effort is in making the user experience as similar as possible to Windows 11This is reflected in the design of the start menu, the arrangement of icons, the taskbar and other small functionalities that mimic the behavior and gestures of Windows.
Beyond the visual aspect, Some features inspired by Windows 11 have been added, such as clipboard history (activated with the Windows + V combination), HDR support, and even a version of Firefox adapted to correct localization errors and improve the experience with some multimedia elements. However, all of these elements are incorporated using free and open source software, adapting the functionalities to be secure and robust within the Linux environment.
AnduinOS Installation and Requirements
For those who want to try AnduinOS, the installation is very similar to any other modern Linux distribution. The ISO file is available for free from the official website., and it is recommended to use torrent clients such as qbittorrent, Transmission or Deluge to download it quickly and help other users with the file seed.
Before installing, It is essential to verify the integrity of the downloaded ISO imageThis can be easily done by comparing the file's SHA256 sum with the one provided on the download page, either using the sha256sum command on Linux or macOS, or using 7-Zip on Windows. This precaution prevents installing a corrupted or tampered version, ensuring maximum security from the start.
As for minimum requirements, AnduinOS is much more modest than Windows 11 and doesn't require the latest generation of hardware. The official requirements for installing it are:
- 64-bit processor with at least two cores (Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent)
- RAM memory of 4 GB
- Disk space of at least 20 GB (SSD is recommended)
- Integrated or dedicated graphics card
- Firmware with UEFI and Secure Boot support
- Internet connection for updates and additional software downloads
These requirements allow AnduinOS to run on a wide variety of computers, including those where Windows 11 isn't even installable.
Support, versions and updates
As of May 2025, the latest version available is 1.3, based on Ubuntu 25.04 and officially supported until January 2026. This means that, when the time comes, it will be necessary to update the distribution to continue receiving security patches and improvements. Currently, It is not possible to upgrade from one version to another without reinstalling the system from scratchThe developers have acknowledged the limitation and are working on a fix, but for now, it's important to keep it in mind if you plan to use the system as your primary environment.
The creator himself has mentioned that he only dedicates a few hours a month to this project, as his main occupation is his job at Microsoft. However, the community has shown great interest, and as the number of users grows, collaboration on development and long-term support will surely increase as well.
Differences between versions and localization
At the time of downloading AnduinOS, There are different versions depending on the language and locationFor example, you can choose between an ISO in US English (en_US) or Chinese (zh_CN), with slight differences in language packs, input methods, and locale settings (time zone, environment variables, default APT mirrors, etc.). This makes it easy for users in different regions to use without requiring extensive post-installation adjustments.
Key advantages and potential drawbacks
The main attraction of AnduinOS, besides its faithful Windows look, is the ease of transition for those who have always used Microsoft operating systems. Additionally, being based on Ubuntu, it offers great stability, access to a vast software library, and established community support.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, AnduinOS is still a young distribution and it's not among the top 100 most popular in the Linux world, which can affect both the number of tutorials available and the speed with which specific problems can be solved. Also, as mentioned above, does not allow upgrading between versions without reinstallation, a limitation that its developers hope to solve soon.
Of course, like any Linux-based distribution, the user has complete control over the system and you can modify it to your liking, adding or removing programs, changing themes or adjusting settings to perfectly suit your needs.
The system's future will depend on its ability to offer updates, expand support, and maintain compatibility with new versions of Ubuntu and GNOME. The community and developers will play a crucial role in its evolution, but for those who want to experience a Windows-like Linux without the hassle, it offers an interesting and accessible alternative.