AnduinOS: The Modern, Secure Windows-like Linux for Seamless Migration

Few Linux distributions in recent memory have generated as much intrigue—and trepidation—as those designed to mimic the look and feel of Microsoft's flagship OS. The allure is obvious: a streamlined transition for former Windows users, familiar design cues, and a ready-made ecosystem for productivity. But with several infamous scams making headlines—malware “distros” in sheep’s clothing—legitimate efforts now face an uphill battle for trust. It’s against this backdrop that AnduinOS, a relatively new player inspired by Windows 11 but built atop Ubuntu, seeks to redefine what a Windows-like Linux can be: fast, approachable, and, above all, secure.

The Windows-to-Linux Bridge: Why AnduinOS Matters​

Operating system migrations often founder on a psychological barrier. Many users are less concerned by core functionality than the visual and operational muscle memory a system elicits. For Windows users, settings menus, window layouts, taskbars, and start menus are as much instinct as interface. This explains—at least in part—why distributions that borrow the best of Microsoft’s UX find traction among those pondering a leap to open-source platforms.
AnduinOS joins the ranks of ZorinOS, Linuxfx, and the now-notorious “fake” Windows-lookalikes, but carves a niche by prioritizing authenticity, privacy, and the deliberate absence of spyware or telemetry. Drawing from Ubuntu’s stability while leveraging GNOME with custom extensions, AnduinOS offers a desktop that is not only familiar in appearance, but also accessible in philosophy. For desktop Linux’s perennial growth challenge, this is a significant development.

Versions and Support: LTS Roots, Fresh Features​

At its core, AnduinOS is available in two mainline versions:

• Version 1.1: Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with Linux kernel 6.11, supported until April 2029.
• Version 1.3: Built atop Ubuntu 25.05, kernel 6.14, with support ending in January 2026.

Both versions aim to balance up-to-date hardware enablement with multi-year security, a nod to Ubuntu’s reputation for dependability. The inclusion of kernel 6.14 in the bleeding-edge 1.3 edition ensures compatibility with recent chipsets and peripherals, giving users the option to prioritize either stability or the latest features.
With support windows clearly defined, prospective users can make informed decisions—a level of transparency absent in some prior “Windows clones” whose project roadmaps have consisted of little more than vaporware promises. This in itself is notable, as many distribution projects buckle under maintenance burdens well before their first LTS expiration.

First Impressions: Familiarity Without Deceit​

Unlike attempts to perfectly mimic Windows aesthetics, AnduinOS walks a tightrope between homage and innovation. The experience, as reported by Jack Wallen and confirmed in hands-on tests, is “reminiscent” of Windows 11, yet never crosses into clumsy impersonation. The choice of GNOME as its foundation is telling: flexibility, accessibility, and extensibility trump superficial one-to-one copying.
Upon installation, users are greeted with a layout inspired by Windows 11’s themes—rounded corners, a centered taskbar, and modern translucency effects—realized through carefully selected GNOME extensions. Essential tools such as ArcMenu (for a “Start” menu-like launcher), Blur My Shell (transparency and blur), Dash to Panel, and OpenWeather Refined combine to create a slick, modern desktop that feels both welcoming and uniquely Linux.
Critically, AnduinOS does not attempt to disguise itself. There are no attempts to pass off GNOME elements as Windows features or mislead users about underlying functionality. Instead, the UI feels like a thoughtfully crafted bridge: Windows-inspired, but absolutely open-source.

Minimal Preinstalled Apps: A Double-Edged Sword​

One of AnduinOS’s more controversial design decisions is its lean, “apps-light” distribution. On first boot, users will find Firefox, standard GNOME utilities, Disk Usage Analyzer, a text editor, Shotwell (photo manager), Rhythmbox (music player), Remmina (remote desktop), and a few other essentials. Absent are staples such as LibreOffice, cloud-sync tools, or a full productivity suite.

Advantages​

• Lightweight Footprint: The smaller selection of preloaded apps means faster boot times, reduced disk usage, and a cleaner experience.
• User Empowerment: Users can build their own productivity environment, unencumbered by unnecessary software.

Drawbacks​

• Onboarding Hurdle: Users expecting a “turnkey” Windows-to-Linux experience may be confused by the absence of, for example, an office suite or email client.
• Workplace Readiness: The omission of commonplace tools—Slack, Spotify, cloud note apps—could mean extra steps (or frustration) for those seeking an out-of-the-box replacement for their workstations.

The developer rationale appears to be that AnduinOS is not marketing itself as “100 percent FOSS” (Free, Open-Source Software), but rather as pragmatic—open to including proprietary tools if they’re necessary for common workflows. However, this logic only extends so far: for users without experience in installing Linux apps, especially on the GNOME desktop, even a missing office suite could prove a stumbling block.
For a distro aimed at easing the transition from Windows, there is a convincing argument that a streamlined “Welcome” app or post-install wizard could offer fast access to must-have productivity tools. ZorinOS, for example, sets the gold standard here with its onboarding experience. Until then, AnduinOS’s minimalism remains both a feature and a caveat.

Default Themes: Beauty in Choice—and a Nod to Accessibility​

AnduinOS defaults to a dark theme, but, as some testers point out, this is not to everyone’s taste. For those preferring lighter chromatics, a quick trip to Settings > Appearance flips the system to a bright, semi-translucent look that further sharpens its modern aesthetic. Blur and transparency effects—long a staple of macOS and Windows 11—are handled deftly by the “Blur My Shell” extension, lending the UI a sense of visual depth without sacrificing clarity.
Accessibility is another high point: both light and dark themes are visually balanced, ensuring readability without straining the eye. This attention to inclusive design is critical for any OS targeting mainstream adoption, where users may include everyone from seasoned IT pros to seniors with limited tech experience.

Extending GNOME: Powerful Customization Out-of-the-Box​

The magic underpinning AnduinOS’s interface is no secret: the GNOME Extensions framework allows unprecedented flexibility, and AnduinOS leans into this with a pre-installed Extensions app. Users can manage, enable, or disable modifications like ArcMenu, Dash to Panel, and Light/Dark Theme Switcher with just a few clicks.
Here’s a breakdown of key included extensions:
This suite offers a mix of form and function that dramatically lowers the transition barrier. Users coming from Windows will immediately recognize the start menu metaphor and centralized workflow, while power-users can tweak to their heart’s content.
The native GNOME Extensions app adds another layer of approachability. While other distros leave extension management to the browser or site, AnduinOS lets users toggle features with a friendly, discoverable interface—no command-line familiarity needed.

Update Process: Familiar Prompts, Secure Upgrades​

In a surprising twist, AnduinOS even emulates some of Windows’ update behaviors. Users are notified of necessary system updates and—unusually for Ubuntu-based systems—prompted to reboot. According to firsthand accounts, this process is entirely benign: reboot times are minimal, and in the tested scenario, the system resumed normal operation without incident.
This move may strike longtime Linux users as odd (as most updates don’t require reboots unless a kernel is updated), but it’s arguably deliberate. For those coming from Windows, the “please reboot to update” dialog is muscle memory. By mirroring these flows, AnduinOS displays an awareness of its audience and further reduces platform anxiety.
The update delivery mechanism remains standard Ubuntu, ensuring security and reliability. Crucially, AnduinOS makes no attempt to “cloudify” or tie the update process to proprietary servers or telemetry—everything is open-source and above board.

Networking Hiccups: The Missing Link​

No product is perfect, and in AnduinOS’s case, the glaring omission is the lack of easy network file sharing support. Many Windows users (and small offices) depend on the ability to quickly share folders over a local network with a few clicks and no terminal usage. While GNOME has Samba integration, AnduinOS doesn’t preinstall or enable it out of the box.

The Impact​

• For Home Users: Sharing folders between AnduinOS and Windows computers will require extra installation steps, such as adding samba and configuring shares manually.
• For Work Environments: The lack of out-of-the-box networking could be a stumbling block for those expecting “it just works” file exchange.

The omission is notable. Until remedied, transitioning users may be caught off guard, forced to Google (or support call) for solutions. This is an area where AnduinOS could easily improve its onboarding—either by including sharing software by default, or by offering a “one-click” setup from the Welcome menu.

Security and Privacy: A Standout Feature​

Perhaps the primary differentiator for AnduinOS—and its strongest selling point—is a staunch commitment to security and privacy. Unlike several recent “Windows clones” that were later discovered to steal user data or serve up ads, AnduinOS explicitly collects no telemetry, does not phone home, and exposes its full source code.
Users are free to audit or modify any aspect of the OS, in keeping with the core tenets of open source. Flatpak containers are leveraged for app distribution, adding an extra security layer by isolating apps from the wider operating system and reducing the likelihood of one app affecting another.
Where ZorinOS (the other clear leader in this genre) deploys a mix of FOSS and proprietary software, AnduinOS goes one step further by avoiding any shadowy backchannels. This is hardly trivial—recent malware distros, masquerading as user-friendly alternatives, have undermined community trust. AnduinOS reestablishes this trust, giving users peace of mind.

Performance and Stability: Everyday Reliability​

In testing (both by independent reviewers and anecdotal feedback), AnduinOS delivers the kind of smooth, responsive experience one expects of a mature Ubuntu base. Boot and shutdown times are fast, desktop responsiveness is on par with GNOME’s best implementations, and stability has thus far been excellent. No significant bugs or crashes have been reported in even the latest release.
Linux’s innate immunity to most forms of malware, plus the platform’s legendary uptime, cements AnduinOS as a viable daily driver for a broad range of users. Battery life on laptops appears consistent with that of mainstream Ubuntu flavors—a testament to prudent kernel and power management choices.

Suitability and Use Cases: Who Should Consider AnduinOS?​

• Windows Migrators: Anyone needing to move off end-of-life Windows 10 or escape the relentless push toward Windows 11’s hardware requirements will feel right at home.
• Privacy Advocates: With no telemetry and open-source transparency, it’s an ideal choice for the privacy-conscious.
• Developers and Tinkerers: Ubuntu’s repository access and flatpak support mean a huge selection of both FOSS and commercial software.
• Primary Workstations: With a little app setup, it can serve as a full-time desktop for productivity, programming, or creative work.

However, it’s less ideal for:

• Unattended Transitioners: Users wanting perfect “it just works” onboarding (especially for network-shared folders or Microsoft Office compatibility) may find other distros like ZorinOS Pro or Linux Mint better suited.
• Legacy Hardware: While AnduinOS boasts modern kernels, its visual flourishes may tax older, non-accelerated GPUs—LXDE/XFCE-based distros will remain king on ancient hardware.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Limitations​

Notable Strengths​

• Sleek, Modern UI: Successfully blends Windows 11 cues with GNOME power.
• Transparent Security: No telemetry, 100% open-source, Flatpak containers.
• Fast, Stable Base: Ubuntu’s reputation, plus new kernels for hardware support.
• Customizability: Enhanced by the GNOME Extensions app and approachable settings.
• Focused Branding: No misleading attempts to “pass off” as Windows.

Potential Risks and Weaknesses​

• Minimal Preinstalled Applications: Could turn off newcomers expecting instantly complete productivity suites.
• No One-Click Network Sharing: Likely the single largest stumbling block for home and small office use.
• Shorter support cycle for “latest” version: With its Ubuntu 25.05 base, rapid release updates may introduce unexpected bugs or require more frequent user intervention.
• Unclear Future for Proliferation: As with any young project, long-term development depends on sustained community and maintainer engagement.

The Broader Context: The Evolving Windows-Clone Landscape​

Linux distributions mimicking Windows’ interface have become more sophisticated—and more scrutinized—in the wake of privacy abuses by certain malicious projects. AnduinOS’s strict no-telemetry stance and transparent processes are signals to skeptical audiences. The open embrace of Flatpak represents a convergence of user-friendliness with robust sandboxing.
At the same time, meaningful competition emerges from ZorinOS (with its highly refined onboarding and subsystem options), Linux Mint (with its longstanding record of stability and usability), and even ChromeOS Flex (for users with web-centric or legacy hardware needs).
As enterprise and government agencies increasingly demand control over their software and data, the appeal of a privacy-focused, easy-to-use, Windows-like desktop should only increase. AnduinOS’s best hope may lie in cultivating a strong user community and responding proactively to early-user feedback—especially regarding app onboarding and network sharing quirks.

Getting Started: Installation and Pathways Forward​

Testing AnduinOS is simple. Users can:

• Download an ISO: Both versions are readily available from the official AnduinOS website (third-party links should be avoided; as with all new distros, check file hashes for integrity).
• Burn to USB: Leveraging popular tools like Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or the built-in dd command.
• Boot and Install: The standard Ubuntu installer is used, ensuring a predictable setup process.
• Explore and Personalize: Begin importing data, installing preferred apps from GNOME Software or Flatpak, and customizing the environment using the built-in GNOME Extensions app.

Final Verdict: A Welcome Addition With Room to Grow​

AnduinOS is neither a true Windows “clone” nor an empty gesture to Linux’s design maturity. It is, rather, a compelling hybrid—one that captures the essence of what makes Windows accessible, while offering the rock-solid security of open-source Linux. By sidestepping the data collection and closed-source pitfalls of recent Windows releases, it positions itself as both a pragmatic and ethical alternative for the privacy-conscious.
While not perfect—there’s ground to cover in network sharing and out-of-the-box productivity—the project’s transparency, stability, security, and modern UI offer a blueprint for future “transition” distros. For those seeking a faster, safer, and genuinely user-friendly path from Windows to Linux, AnduinOS earns a place at the top of the shortlist.
And as worries over vendor lock-in and privacy continue to mount in the tech world, projects like AnduinOS will only grow in relevance. Its ethos represents the best of open source: user respect, community-driven development, and the freedom to adapt—without compromise.

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Source: ZDNET AnduinOS is a Windows 11-like Linux distro that's easy on the eyes and the brain