AnduinOS: Windows-Like Linux for Seamless Transition and Privacy

For many Windows users looking to break free from Microsoft's increasingly restrictive ecosystem, the idea of switching to Linux can seem tempting—but also intimidating. Long gone are the days when Linux was synonymous with cryptic command-line adventures and inscrutable software installations. The recent emergence of distributions like AnduinOS is a testament to just how welcoming the world of open-source operating systems can be, even for diehard Windows devotees.

Introducing AnduinOS: Linux in Familiar Clothing​

AnduinOS is an Ubuntu-based distribution tailored specifically for users seeking an escape route from Windows—especially the latest iterations with their hardware requirements, mandatory account sign-ins, and pervasive telemetry. Developed by Anduin Xue and inspired by the aesthetics and workflow of Windows 11, AnduinOS aims to offer a soft landing for anyone apprehensive about venturing outside Microsoft's walled garden.
The project's mission is simple: deliver a seamless transition to Linux without the usual culture shock. By recreating the Windows 11 look and feel atop the robust backbone of Ubuntu (versions 24.04 LTS and 25.04/25.05, depending on edition), AnduinOS bridges the gap for users tired of endless updates, intrusive privacy policies, and forced migration paths.

Versions and Support Cycle​

There are currently two major releases available:

• AnduinOS 1.1: Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with kernel 6.11. Provides support until April 2029, making it the stronger choice for those seeking a worry-free, long-term installation.
• AnduinOS 1.3 / 1.3.1: Based on Ubuntu 25.04/25.05 with kernel 6.14. Receives support until January 2026, but benefits from fresher packages and newer hardware support.

While version 1.3 offers the most up-to-date experience, it's important to note that Ubuntu 25.04 is an interim release—not a long-term support (LTS) version. Users may find themselves having to upgrade more frequently, a reality that can deter those who value OS stability above all else.

User Experience: As Familiar as Windows, As Flexible as Linux​

At first glance, AnduinOS is almost uncanny in its resemblance to Windows 11. The desktop utilizes GNOME 48, tweaked with a suite of extensions (like ArcMenu, Dash to Panel, Blur My Shell, Light/Dark Theme Switcher, and OpenWeather Refined) to recreate a centered taskbar, rounded window corners, and other trademark Windows design cues.
Unlike some “Windows-like” Linux projects that feel like cheap imitations, AnduinOS treads a careful line: it evokes Windows but doesn’t impersonate it. You’ll notice the familiar workflow and menu layouts, but the system remains unapologetically Linux underneath. The result is less about deception and more about comfort—easing the transition without hampering the inherent advantages of open source.

Themes, Customization, and Accessibility​

AnduinOS provides out-of-the-box options for both light and dark themes, complete with transparency and stylish blur effects. Changing the system’s look is a two-click affair, accomplished through the standard GNOME settings. A special note for international users: unlike many distributions that rely on in-session language packs, AnduinOS provides separate ISOs for various languages, improving the accessibility and installation process across regions.

Usability Tweaks​

The developers have paid close attention to the details that matter most during the daily driver transition. Examples include:

• A weather widget on the desktop—a subtle yet handy nod to Windows 11’s user experience.
• A clipboard history shortcut (Super + V), making it easier for power users to cycle through previous clipboard entries.
• GNOME Extensions App pre-installed, providing painless management of third-party tweaks.
• Prompt update notifications and quick reboots, mimicking Windows 11’s update mechanics.

Software Selection: Minimalism with Maximum Flexibility​

Surprisingly, AnduinOS doesn’t come pre-loaded with a barrage of productivity tools or office suites. Instead, it ships with a sensible set of core applications:

• Firefox
• GNOME Software Center (with full Flathub and Flatpak integration)
• Core GNOME utilities (Weather, Sound Recorder, Disk Usage Analyzer, Text Editor)
• Remmina remote desktop client
• Shotwell photo manager
• Rhythmbox music player

The philosophy is minimalist: keep bloat to a minimum, and empower users to install what they need. Thanks to GNOME Software and Flathub, grabbing industry standards like LibreOffice, Slack, Spotify, or email clients is a matter of a few clicks. For many, this brings the Linux experience closer than ever to the one-stop-shop feeling of the Microsoft Store—arguably even more so, considering Flathub’s extensive curation of both proprietary and open-source software.
One feature notably absent, though, is easy SMB/samba file sharing. While common utilities are a click away, those eager to set up home network shares may find themselves fiddling with terminal commands or package managers—a rough edge that, if addressed, could further smooth the Windows-to-Linux journey.

Performance and Stability​

Running a full-featured GNOME desktop is often associated with moderate hardware demands. However, AnduinOS impresses by delivering fluid performance even in resource-constrained environments: virtual machines with 3 GB of RAM and only two cores exhibited no visible slowdowns, maintaining responsive window animations, snappy app launches, and prompt update cycles.
Part of this polish is owed to recent GNOME advancements, but it’s also a testament to the distribution’s careful curation. Many users report that AnduinOS offers a “set-it-and-forget-it” experience—reinforced by Ubuntu’s routine security updates and backported kernel fixes.

Security by Design​

AnduinOS’s foundation on Ubuntu 25.04 ensures that standard Linux security patches arrive routinely. The use of Flatpak containers for third-party apps is an additional boon. Apps run isolated from core system files, limiting the impact of potential vulnerabilities or malicious software—a major selling point for both individual and business users concerned about privacy and attack surfaces.

The Update Model: Room for Growth​

Here’s where AnduinOS’s indie nature shows. Unlike Ubuntu or Fedora, which push updates through system-integrated package managers, AnduinOS currently lacks its own software repository. Major upgrades (e.g., from version 1.3 to 1.3.1) are handled via a custom Bash script (do_anduinos_upgrade). This unconventional method is simple on the surface—run the script and upgrade happens—but it’s a step backward for users expecting seamless, one-click updates from a graphical interface or apt command.
The project lead promises native package management in future releases, but for now, the manual approach is a limitation. Timely security patches, convenience, and troubleshooting all suffer until a fully integrated solution arrives.

Risks Inherent to Manual Upgrades​

• Security gaps if users postpone or overlook critical updates.
• Potential for user error—custom scripts lack the robustness of well-tested package managers.
• Scalability limits—if AnduinOS’s user base scales, a manual update path becomes a bottleneck and source of frustration.

Editorial caution: As of publication, no known high-profile incidents have resulted from this update model, but the risk is real and should not be discounted for business-critical deployments.

Community and Documentation​

Being a young distribution, AnduinOS does not yet boast the massive community or exhaustive documentation found in Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint. Early adopters and tinkerers—especially those with some Linux experience or a talent for research—will likely thrive. Newcomers should be prepared to rely on official blog posts, forum threads, or the occasional GitHub issue rather than a deep knowledge base.
There’s a real upside, however, to its grassroots development—the single maintainer is responsive and engaged, often acting on community suggestions and bug reports at a pace larger projects envy.

Notable Strengths​

• Familiarity and Aesthetic Excellence: The Windows 11-style interface slashes the learning curve for new Linux users.
• Customizability Without Clutter: Minimal default apps, full Flatpak support, and the clean GNOME base allow both newbies and power users to build their workspace as needed.
• Performance and Responsiveness: Even on older hardware or in VMs, the user experience remains slick and robust.
• Strong Security Baseline: Ubuntu’s proven track record, plus containerized apps, provides peace of mind for those weary of privacy concerns in Windows.
• Internationalization and Inclusivity: Separate ISOs per language and recent improvements for non-English users make AnduinOS more welcoming for a global audience.
• Active, Attentive Maintenance: Bug fixes (e.g., Nautilus network crash), internationalization (locale tweaks), and UI refinements land quickly thanks to highly focused development.

Key Limitations and Potential Risks​

• Manual Upgrade Complexity: Without native package management, updates between point releases and across major versions require extra steps, introducing potential security and stability risks.
• Single-Developer “Bus Factor”: Should the project lead step back, development and support could stall, as there’s no visible core team or succession plan.
• Limited Documentation: Novices seeking troubleshooting help may have to be more self-sufficient.
• Short Support Windows on Interim Releases: Users on Ubuntu 25.04/25.05-based versions may be forced to upgrade sooner than expected, while LTS users can relax until 2029.
• No Out-of-the-Box Windows Compatibility Layer: Apps like Wine or PlayOnLinux are not included by default—users reliant on legacy Windows apps or games must install and configure these themselves.
• Potential Hardware Compatibility Gaps: As with many smaller projects, cutting-edge devices or niche peripherals may require workarounds not well documented in the community.

Who Should Consider AnduinOS?​

AnduinOS is especially compelling for:

• Curious Windows migrants who want a gentle, visually comfortable transition into Linux.
• General-purpose desktop users favoring a stable, modern, and secure workflow with access to proprietary and open-source apps.
• Developers and tinkerers seeking a minimalist, customization-friendly base—though those craving specialized dev tools out-of-the-box may be underwhelmed.
• Hobbyists and experimenters who enjoy customizing their environments and contributing feedback to emergent projects.

For businesses, institutions, or anyone needing guaranteed long-term stability, broad hardware compatibility, enterprise-grade support, or seamless Windows application integration, more mature distributions (such as Ubuntu LTS, Fedora, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS) may be preferable—at least until AnduinOS shores up its update and support infrastructure.

The Bottom Line: A Promising, Transparent Alternative for Windows Escapees​

AnduinOS exemplifies what’s possible when UX familiarity, open-source ethics, and focused design converge. Its appeal lies not just in what it imitates, but in how deftly it fuses Windows-like ease of use with the power and openness of Linux. For the right user, it offers a frictionless, attractive, and rapidly evolving desktop experience free from the constraints of Microsoft's ecosystem.
Yet, realism is warranted—early adopters must accept the risk-reward balance that comes with any small, single-developer project. The absence of a robust update mechanism, limited documentation, and unpredictable long-term continuity are genuine hurdles. Nevertheless, the passion behind AnduinOS and the quality of each incremental release suggest a Linux project worth watching for anyone eager to recapture their digital autonomy.
Those considering the switch should try AnduinOS first in a virtual machine or on spare hardware. Burning an ISO to USB and giving it a spin is refreshingly simple. For now, this distro stands as both a testament to Linux’s infinite adaptability and a blueprint for what user-centric, privacy-respecting operating systems can one day become.
Ready to ditch Windows? AnduinOS may not be the destination for all, but for the curious and courageous, it's an exciting waypoint on the open-source journey.

---

Source: ZDNET Want to ditch Windows? This Linux distro makes that transition easy