AnduinOS is a Ubuntu-based distro built for users who prefer a Windows-like graphical interface without the extra system requirements.
As a virtualization enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for operating systems that not only perform well but also offer a seamless experience for users transitioning between platforms. With Windows 10 reaching end-of-life in October 14th 2025, there will be no more security patches released, there might be time to look for an alternative if you want your hardware with balanced, well performing modern OS.
With Windows 11 strict hardware requirements pushing users to explore alternatives, Linux distributions are stepping up and today we have a very clean, robust, Windows 11 Like distribution called AnduinOS. If you ever plan to transition to Linux, AnduinOS is the way to go! I love it.
AnduinOS is a Debian/Ubuntu-based Linux distro that mirrors the Windows 11 interface while delivering the stability, flexibility, and performance of Linux. In this post, I’ll dive into the technical details of AnduinOS 1.3, share my experience testing it on VMware Workstation, and highlight why it’s an excellent choice for both new Linux users and seasoned IT pros looking for a Windows-like experience in a virtualized environment.
What is AnduinOS?
AnduinOS is a custom Linux distribution built on the robust foundations of Debian and Ubuntu, specifically the Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” release. Developed by Anduin Xue, a Microsoft software engineer, this open-source project aims to ease the transition for Windows users by replicating the look and feel of Windows 11.
It uses a heavily customized GNOME 48 desktop environment, enhanced with 18 GNOME extensions to mimic Windows 11’s centered taskbar, rounded window corners, and familiar application launcher. AnduinOS combines Debian’s stability with Ubuntu’s user-friendly package management, making it a compelling choice for virtualization enthusiasts and developers.
Unlike other Linux distros that require extensive theming to resemble Windows, AnduinOS delivers this experience out of the box. Its lightweight 2 GB ISO, minimal pre-installed software, and support for Flatpak and Wine make it versatile for running Linux, web, and even Windows applications.
Installation: A Breeze for Beginners and Pros
Installing AnduinOS in VMware Workstation is as straightforward as any modern Linux distro. Here’s how I set it up:
- Download the ISO: The AnduinOS 1.3 ISO, available at http://www.anduinos.com, is a compact 2 GB download.
- Create a VM: In VMware Workstation, I created a new VM, selecting “Linux” and “Ubuntu 64-bit” as the guest OS type. I allocated 20 GB of disk space, 4 GB of RAM, and 2 CPU cores – the defaults that are pre-selected when picking up Ubuntu x64 OS as a template.
- Boot and Install: After mounting the ISO, I booted into the live session, which features an “Install AnduinOS” icon on the desktop. The Ubuntu-based installer is intuitive, guiding users through partitioning, language selection, and user setup in under five minutes.
For virtualization users, AnduinOS’s modest resource requirements—around 6.9 GB of disk space (including a 2 GB swap file) and 1.3 GB of RAM at idle. Very easy choice as a Linux distro that is installed with the minimum application support but has VMware tools installed out of the box.
Why Test AnduinOS in VMware Workstation?
As someone who spends hours tinkering with virtual machines (VMs) on VMware Workstation, I appreciate distros that are easy to deploy and perform well in a virtualized environment. AnduinOS fits the bill perfectly. Its small ISO size and straightforward installation process make it a breeze to set up as a guest OS. I tested AnduinOS 1.3 on VMware Workstation 17. The distro is lightweight and no delays occurring at all while exploring the UI.
For new Linux users, VMware Workstation provides a safe sandbox to explore AnduinOS without the need to multiboot their systems or delete Windows to replace with Linux. VMware Workstation is the easy-to-test before making move.
The distro’s Windows 11-inspired interface reduces the learning curve, while its Ubuntu base ensures compatibility with a vast ecosystem of software and documentation. Plus, VMware Workstation’s robust support for Linux guests, including tools like VMware Tools for enhanced graphics and clipboard sharing, makes it an excellent platform for testing AnduinOS.
After question where do we want to install the system, the installer erases the disk and installs itself in less than 5 min.
The Windows 11 Experience on Linux
The first thing you notice when booting AnduinOS is its striking resemblance to Windows 11. The GNOME 48 desktop is customized with a centered taskbar, pinned applications, and a weather widget, mimicking Windows 11’s aesthetic. The file manager mirrors Windows Explorer, with familiar folder hierarchies (Documents, Downloads, etc.) displayed in the sidebar. A light/dark mode toggle adds polish, and the Super + V shortcut for clipboard history is a nod to Windows users.
For virtualization users, this familiar interface is a game-changer. New Linux users can navigate AnduinOS without feeling lost, while IT pros can leverage its Ubuntu base for development or testing. The distro’s performance in VMware Workstation is stellar—animations are smooth, and resource usage remains low, even with multiple applications open. I tested browsing with Firefox, editing documents in LibreOffice (installed via Flatpak), and running a Windows app via Wine, all within the VM, with no performance hiccups.
Technical Highlights for IT Pros
Let’s dive into the technical aspects that make AnduinOS stand out:
Debian/Ubuntu Hybrid: AnduinOS leverages Debian’s stability and Ubuntu’s package ecosystem, using APT for system packages and Flatpak for graphical apps. This dual approach ensures access to a wide range of software while maintaining a sandboxed environment for security.
GNOME 48 Customization: The customized GNOME desktop, with 18 extensions, delivers a polished Windows 11-like experience. However, users should note that GNOME extensions may break during upgrades, so sticking to LTS versions (e.g., AnduinOS 1.0 or 1.1) is advisable for stability.
Minimal Bloat: AnduinOS ships with minimal pre-installed software, including GNOME accessories (e.g., image viewer, media player) and Firefox. This keeps the system lightweight, with 6.9 GB of disk usage post-installation.
Wine Support: For users needing Windows applications, AnduinOS supports Wine, allowing seamless execution of many Windows executables. I tested a lightweight Windows utility in my VM, and it ran flawlessly.
Privacy Focus: AnduinOS collects no user data, adhering to open-source principles. Its transparent source code, available on GitHub, ensures trust and security.
Virtualization Performance: In VMware Workstation, AnduinOS runs efficiently on modest resources. My tests showed 4 GB RAM usage at idle and smooth performance with 3 GB allocated, making it ideal for older hardware or virtual environments.
Installing Software
The installation of new software (if not already installed) is a simple process. Click the shortcut icon on the taskbar called Software > Type what are you looking for (in my case I’m looking to install Brave browser) > click the Brave icon to install.
The next screen, just click the brave icon to install the software. It’s like Microsoft Store experience on Windows. Exactly.
Older Hardware compatibility
AnduinOS is a boon for older hardware, especially systems that can’t meet Windows 11’s requirements (e.g., no TPM 2.0 or unsupported CPUs like Intel Core i5-6000 series). Its minimum requirements are modest:
- CPU: A 1 GHz dual-core processor (e.g., Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2).
- RAM: 2 GB minimum, though 4 GB is recommended for smooth multitasking.
- Storage: 8 GB disk space, with 10-20 GB for additional apps and swap.
- Graphics: Basic 2D/3D acceleration (e.g., Intel HD Graphics 3000 or NVIDIA GeForce 600 series).
If you need further info, there is a forum on the AnduinOS website or you can also read the docs section here.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Windows 11-like interface reduces the learning curve for new Linux users.
- Lightweight and fast, with minimal resource usage in VMs.
- Ubuntu-based, ensuring broad software compatibility and documentation.
- Flatpak and Wine support for versatile app installation.
- Privacy-focused with no data collection.
Cons:
- GNOME extensions may break during upgrades, requiring manual fixes.
- No default app store interface; users rely on GNOME Software or APT commands.
- Interim releases (e.g., 1.3) have shorter support cycles than LTS versions.
Who Should Use AnduinOS?
AnduinOS is ideal for:
Windows Users: Those transitioning from Windows 10/11 who want a familiar interface. It has been a while since I saw this nice polished Windows-Like UI.
Virtualization Enthusiasts: IT pros testing Linux distros in VMware Workstation or other hypervisors.
Developers: Professionals needing a lightweight, Ubuntu-based environment with Windows-like workflows.
Older Hardware Owners: Users with systems that can’t run Windows 11 but want a modern OS.
Final Thoughts
If you have an older hardware laying around and don’t know what to do with, just try AnduinOS! It is my recommendation.
After testing AnduinOS 1.3 in VMware Workstation, I’m impressed by its balance of familiarity, performance, and simplicity. Its Windows 11-inspired interface makes it a fantastic entry point for Linux newcomers, while its Debian/Ubuntu roots offer the flexibility IT pros crave.
In a virtualized environment, AnduinOS shines, delivering smooth performance and easy setup. Whether you’re a Windows user exploring Linux or a virtualization guru testing new distros, AnduinOS is worth a spin. Download the ISO, fire up VMware Workstation, and take it for a test drive. Who knows, you might find your next favorite OS?
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