- AnduinOS is an Ubuntu-based distro that mimics the look and feel of Windows 11 to make the transition to Linux easier.
- It offers LTS and standard versions, planned support until 2029, intensive use of Flatpak, and no Snap by default.
- Its creator, a Microsoft engineer, maintains it as a personal project with a focus on usability, low power consumption and a family-friendly environment.
- It doesn't introduce major technical innovations, but it stands out as a simple and accessible option for former Windows users.
AnduinOS has caught the attention of many desktop users Almost overnight: a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, with an aesthetic very similar to Windows 11, and created by none other than an engineer working at Microsoft. A curious mix that has attracted the attention of both Windows users and the Linux community itself.
Although it began as a personal project, AnduinOS has been gaining shape, versions and ambitionToday it is a real option for those who want to leave behind Windows 10 or Windows 11 without giving up a familiar environment, with a Microsoft-style taskbar, centralized start menu, Flatpak integration and fairly moderate resource consumption for being built on GNOME.
What is AnduinOS and what is its philosophy?
AnduinOS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. which seeks to make it as smooth as possible the leap from Windowsespecially for developers and users accustomed to Microsoft's way of working. The project's central idea is to maintain familiar operating habits and workflowsbut brought to a modern and flexible Linux environment.
The person responsible is Anduin Xue, a software engineer employed at Microsoft (not on a Windows machine) and a Chinese citizen residing in China. He began by assembling scripts and tweaks for his own use, almost automatically within his daily routine, until he decided to package everything into an installable ISO. That personal experiment ended up being published, and when it reached Distrowatch, The server was overwhelmed by thousands of daily downloads.
At the technical level, AnduinOS is not trying to reinvent the wheelIt takes Ubuntu as is, visually adapts it, adds some tools and default settings, and presents it as a desktop very close to Windows 11. In fact, the system itself still identifies as Ubuntu in the version file and directly uses its repositories, APT package system, and ecosystem.
Xue's own position on his creation is quite modest: He states that he only dedicates a few hours a month to maintenance.He has no short-term business plans and sees it as a hobby that he will continue as long as he finds it enjoyable. He doesn't rule out offering services to companies in the future if the circumstances allow, but for now the project It remains a personal and open-source initiative., licensed under GPLv3.
This mixture of Amateur origins, author linked to Microsoft, and a very specific focus on Windows users It has also generated some controversy and misgivings within part of the community. However, beyond theories and suspicions, the reality is that it is a relatively simple, transparent distribution with very specific objectives.
Graphical environment: a GNOME tweaked to resemble Windows 11
The distro's defining characteristic is its interface virtually identical to Windows 11Based on GNOME (in its recent versions, such as GNOME 48 in newer editions), AnduinOS loads a set of extensions, themes, and tweaks that transform the environment to resemble the Microsoft desktop.
Among the key pieces is ArcMenu, which replaces the standard GNOME application menu by a centralized, box-shaped Start menu with an application list very similar to the Windows style. In addition to that Dash to Panel, which merges the dock and top bar into a single bottom panel, where windows, shortcuts and tray area are grouped, closely following the behavior of the Windows 11 taskbar.
In the aesthetic section, AnduinOS uses Fluent-type themes (for example, Fluent Dark) for window elements, icons, and colors. The idea is that, from the first boot, the user recognizes the layout: bottom bar, centered icons, start menu with search bar, notification areas, and a weather widget in the corner—all very familiar to anyone used to Windows.
Another interesting detail is that the The default browser may be Microsoft EdgeThis further reinforces the feeling of being in "a Windows without Windows." However, the use of Firefox, adjusted with localization fixes and prepared for HDR content, is also mentioned, so the default browser may vary depending on the version, but always maintaining a practical and ready-to-use approach.
Although the interface closely mimics the Redmond system, it is still GNOME with all its customization possibilitiesThe user can change behavior, add more extensions via Extension Manager, adjust the bar, modify themes, or even get closer to a classic Ubuntu environment if preferred, something that is much more limited in Windows.
Technical basis, versions and support cycle
Underhood, AnduinOS is entirely supported by Ubuntu, both in its LTS branches and in the intermediate editions. There are two main version lines:
- LTS Edition (for example, AnduinOS 1.1), designed for those who want stability and long-term support.
- Standard Edition (for example, AnduinOS 1.3 and later), geared towards enthusiastic users who prefer more recent features.
La LTS version 1.1 has planned support until 2029thus maintaining a similar cycle to that of the Ubuntu LTS on which it is based. Edition 1.3 is supported on Ubuntu 25.04 and maintains support until approximately January 2026, in line with the lifespan of that version of Ubuntu.
Within the standard branch, the distro receives minor revisions; for example, AnduinOS 1.3.3 introduces specific corrections and adjustmentsAmong them is a solution to an accessibility problem that prevented the screen reader from correctly reading the text. The package is also included. librime-plugin-lua for users of the input method ibus-rime They can use Lua scripts, something focused mainly on the Chinese environment (it affects the zh_CN configuration by default).
Another relevant change is the incorporation of policykit-desktop-privileges among the default packages. Thanks to this, the system allows certain operations (mounting drives, performing simple updates, and other everyday administrative tasks). without constantly requesting the passwordsimplifying the experience for novice users and bringing it closer to typical Windows behavior.
More versions are already planned for the future: AnduinOS 1.4, based on Ubuntu 25.10and a future AnduinOS 1.5, planned for Ubuntu 26.04 LTSThis roadmap, which should mark a significant leap in maturity and stability, leveraging the foundation of a new Ubuntu LTS, offers some reassurance to those who fear the project might be abandoned overnight.
Performance, kernel, and hardware requirements
One of the most surprising things for those who try it is that, despite using GNOME with several extensions, AnduinOS maintains a reasonably low RAM consumptionIn tests on real equipment and virtual machines, memory usage hovers around just over 1,3 GB at idle, a low figure for this desktop environment.
At the kernel level, versions such as the Linux kernel 6.1.4 or 6.14 depending on the build and edition, this translates into good compatibility with recent hardware and support for modern technologies. This is complemented by APT 3.0 as a classic package manager on the Ubuntu side, which makes updates quick and reliable for those familiar with Debian/Ubuntu.
In terms of minimum requirements, the distribution is relatively accessible. The project indicates that a x86-64 processor at 2 GHz (equivalent to an Intel Core i3 or similar in AMD), 4 GB of RAM, One 20 GB of free disk space (preferably an SSD) and a screen with at least 768p resolution. In practice, it is also noted that consumes less resources than Ubuntu GNOME standard, so it can revitalize computers that no longer meet the official requirements of Windows 11.
Another aspect to consider is that the The ISO size is around 2 GBTherefore, it doesn't require huge downloads or unusual installation methods. And thanks to session compatibility... optimized X11It performs especially well in virtualization environments, where Wayland can still cause some headaches.
In general, for desktop use, browsing, development, and even gaming via Steam, AnduinOS offers remarkably smooth performance.The available information points to good compatibility with games running through the Steam client for Linux, taking advantage of the previous work of the Ubuntu and Proton ecosystem.
Installation: Quick and easy process
If you have installed Ubuntu before, The term "starting AnduinOS" will sound very familiar to you.The distribution uses the classic Ubuntu installer, with some aesthetic adaptations to fit with its modern visual theme, but the flow of steps is essentially the same.
The installation process has been optimized to be very fast, around five minutes on relatively recent equipment. During the initial setup, you can choose the base: a branch equivalent to Ubuntu 24.04 (focused on stability) or the more advanced type Ubuntu 25.04 / 25.10 depending on the specific version of AnduinOS you download, to have more up-to-date packages.
After copying the files and the first boot, The system starts without any additional complex steps.Everything comes pre-configured: active bottom panel, start menu in the center, applied icons, and a ready-to-use software store. However, some users have reported small cosmetic bugs, such as problems with user avatars in the GNOME settings, minor details that do not affect daily use but remind us that the project is relatively young.
An important point today is that, in order to move from one major version of AnduinOS to another (for example, from 1.3 to a future 1.4 or 1.5), A direct and automatic update system is not yet offeredThe developer intends to enable this feature later, but for now, upgrading between major branches involves a clean install and, if necessary, restoring data and settings.
On the other hand, one of the interesting new features is the existence of a tool to generate custom ISO imagesThis utility allows users to package their own AnduinOS with custom logos, configurations, and desktop settings, which is especially useful for developers, businesses, or administrators who want to deploy a homogeneous environment across multiple computers.
Software management: Flatpak, graphic store, and no Snap
A very striking decision, considering it comes from Ubuntu, is that AnduinOS dispenses with Snap by defaultInstead, it relies on Flatpak as the main system for installing universal applications, in addition to the classic APT for the system's base packages.
The project includes as standard a software store that looks very similar to the Microsoft StoreFrom that graphical store, you can easily search for, install, and update Flatpak applications, even update the system itself from the interfaceIt's reminiscent of KDE's Discover store or GNOME's own software center, but with a different design.
This combination makes it possible for a Windows user who is new to Windows I can use the system almost without touching the terminalSearch for apps, tap install, receive updates, and manage your software in a way that's very similar to what you already know. At the same time, those coming from the Linux world have all the advantages of the Ubuntu ecosystem: official repositories, PPAs if needed, and compatibility with a large number of packages.
Using Flatpak as the backbone of user software has the advantage of isolate applications using sandboxingto facilitate the installation of recent programs without breaking system dependencies and to offer updated versions even on a more conservative base. This fits well with the AnduinOS philosophy: a familiar environment, but with the flexibility and security offered by Linux.
Furthermore, being based on Ubuntu, the distro It inherits compatibility with Steam and other launchers.Therefore, users who want to play games have a fairly straightforward path. Combined with Proton and the usual tools of the Linux gaming ecosystem, the result is a system suitable for both work and leisure.
User experience for those coming from Windows
The real goal of the distribution is for a user accustomed to Windows 10 or 11 Don't feel "lost" when starting for the first timeThat's why almost everything, from the design of the taskbar to the layout of the menus, aims for that characteristic familiarity.
Some specific elements, such as the weather widget in the bottom left corner The Start menu with pinned applications and a grid-based list replicates deeply ingrained habits in Windows users. Even features like... clipboard history Accessibility via a key combination similar to Windows+V has been taken into account to reduce the clash of habits.
At the permissions and administration level, the inclusion of policykit-desktop-privileges It reduces the number of password dialogs required for simple tasks, bringing it closer to the "easy-to-use" feel of Windows in its home configuration. Mounting drives, running basic updates, or installing simple programs can be done without constantly typing your password.
Also key is the fact that The bottom panel and start menu work very intuitively.Anyone familiar with the Windows taskbar will immediately recognize the pinned icons, grouped windows, notification area, and shortcuts. Therefore, the main difference for a new user isn't the graphical environment, but rather the system's internal logic (file structure, concepts like repositories, permissions, etc.), which is discovered over time.
For those with a more technical background, AnduinOS offers a very comfortable middle ground for developmentUbuntu base, access to common programming tools, the ability to use containers, WMs, editors and everything you would expect in Linux, but maintaining an aesthetic that makes it easier to switch between Windows and Linux machines on a daily basis.
Criticisms, limitations, and who might be interested
Despite its virtues, AnduinOS is not without its flaws. criticisms and reservations within the communitySome users see the distro as a cute curiosity, but not as a recommended option compared to more established alternatives like Ubuntu, Linux Mint or KDE Neon, especially when it comes to systems intended to last for years in production.
There is also some debate about the fact that the developer works for Microsoft and resides in China, which has raised suspicions among a more distrustful segment of the community. To date, there is no indication that the project is officially linked to Microsoft or that it includes problematic behavior; it is a personal, open-source project with code under GPLv3, but the controversy has been there nonetheless.
From a strictly technical standpoint, the absence of direct updates between major versions This is a significant practical limitation. It requires reinstalling the system to upgrade from one major version to another, which falls short of the "hassle-free" experience some users seek, especially those without prior Linux experience.
On the other hand, although in terms of interface it doesn't have much to envy in Windows 11, It doesn't offer too many profound technical innovations.Essentially, it's Ubuntu with a well-thought-out customization layer and several usability-focused design choices. This can be perfectly valid, but it also leads some to see it as "just another derivative" within the vast landscape of Linux distributions.
The reality is that AnduinOS can be an excellent option for users who want to try Linux without a jarring visual shockFor those tied to certain Windows habits and for developers who switch between both systems daily, Linux is a good option. However, if someone is looking for a distribution with a huge community behind it, years of experience, and very clear long-term guidelines, distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora are likely still safer bets.
In the end, AnduinOS proves that A simple but well-executed idea can capture attention even in an ecosystem as saturated as that of Linux distributions.A familiar desktop environment, moderate power consumption, a solid foundation like Ubuntu, and a developer with professional experience at Microsoft have been enough to generate buzz, receive thousands of downloads, and position this distro as a unique alternative for those considering moving away from Windows 10 and its hardware limitations in the future.
Anyone who dares to try it will find A Linux that feels suspiciously like Windows at first glanceBut it hides all the power, freedom, and flexibility of free software beneath that veneer. It may not be the ultimate distro for everyone, but it is a very convenient entry point for many users who would otherwise never make the switch.
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