A Microsoft engineer made a Linux distro that’s like a comfort blanket to ex-Windows users — I finally tried it, and I’m surprised how good it is

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Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter about Linux. For instance, the growth of SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, and also, although it’s not officially the case anymore, discussions surrounding the potential demise (or perceived demise) of Windows 10.

What it brought to mind was something relatively new that I hadn’t thoroughly examined until now. Today, though, I’m taking care of that oversight.

On this site, AnduinOS functions similarly to Linux, but with a unique twist: it was developed by Anduin Xue, a software engineer at Microsoft, adding an exclusive flavor to its composition.

Remarkably impressive for a side project, and among the most welcoming Linux distributions I’ve encountered, particularly for those transitioning from Windows, whether that’s Windows 10 or 11.

Built by one person, it’s pretty astonishing how good it is.

AnduinOS isn’t a carbon copy of Windows, but it has that familiarity

One noticeable feature of AnduinOS is that it bears a strong resemblance to Windows 11. While it’s not an identical copy, it shares many characteristics, including the presence of a weather widget located in the bottom-left corner, which gives a sense of familiarity.

On this platform, the main menu, similar to Windows 11, is positioned centrally and unfolds into a compact box structure. Within it, you’ll find simply an ordered list titled ‘All Apps’. As for the widgets located in the bottom right corner, they share a design aesthetic reminiscent of Windows operating system.

In other words, it’s intentional, but for anyone considering using something other than Windows, it provides a sense of comfort knowing this was designed with that choice in mind.

It’s like draping a comfort blanket around yourself. Not in the least bit overwhelming.

Linux offers great flexibility; with the right skills, you can customize its appearance and behavior to suit your preferences exceptionally well. If you’re particularly inclined to make it resemble Windows 11 as closely as possible, there are likely solutions available.

One appealing aspect of AnduinOS, which isn’t exclusive to this distribution, is its user-friendly design. Previously accustomed Windows users can easily adapt to it without much hassle as interface elements are in familiar locations, and overall usage bears a striking resemblance to the Windows operating system.

Initially, it didn’t come with an app store, but that’s changed now. It includes Flatpak by default, acting like a regular app store where you can easily install and update software without having to use the terminal.

That includes Microsoft Edge, which is the same browser you’d get on Windows 11.

Absolutely, AnduinOS runs on Linux, which includes a terminal. However, even if you’re new to using operating systems, you won’t need to master the command line immediately to utilize AnduinOS effectively.

What makes AnduinOS tick underneath

AnduinOS’ mission statement reads as:

AnduinOS is a version of Linux, built on Ubuntu, designed to make it easier for developers moving from Windows to Linux by preserving the familiar ways they work.

As a analyst, I’ve designed this system to be accessible for beginners by incorporating some of the most user-friendly aspects of Linux. At its core, it runs on Ubuntu, a platform widely recognized as an ideal starting point for new users. The desktop environment is constructed using GNOME, which provides a familiar and intuitive interface for many Linux novices.

In essence, it’s user-friendly yet adaptable, and designed for stability. It comes in two variants: one is an LTS supported until 2029, while the other is based on a continuously updated rolling release.

The ISO size of AnduinOS is quite compact, under 2GB in fact. It’s not resource-intensive either, making it suitable for older or less powerful hardware. I’ve been testing it within a moderately equipped virtual machine, and it’s been running smoothly and delightfully to use.

A great place to start with Linux

Using Microsoft as the builder definitely lends AnduinOS a touch of added trustworthiness, making it a compelling choice compared to Windows.

Using it is straightforward, it performs reliably across various types of hardware, and should you wish, it can be customized and expanded as needed.

Even though it was created by a single developer, the instructions are comprehensive and straightforward for those looking to explore additional features, including gaming, in their setup.

If you’ve been thinking of trying Linux, you could do a lot worse than trying AnduinOS first.

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2025-07-01 15:39