List of the Top 20 Operating Systems for Windows in 2025

Windows 11 provides a tranquil and forward-thinking space that invites users to delve into their passions through an updated interface. Featuring a revamped Start menu and improved ways to connect with friends and family, it also offers easy access to news, games, and various other content, thus cultivating an environment ideal for creativity and self-expression. You can smoothly access all your vital applications and manage multiple tasks with ease, thanks to functionalities like snap layouts, virtual desktops, and an enhanced redocking process. With Microsoft Teams, you can instantly reach out to your loved ones directly from your desktop, enabling free calls or chats on any device. By utilizing Microsoft Edge along with a range of customizable Widgets, staying updated on the news, insights, and entertainment that matter to you has never been easier. The redesigned Microsoft Store simplifies the process of finding your favorite applications and shows, ensuring that everything is neatly organized for your convenience. Overall, Windows 11 is crafted to nurture creativity and build connections, making it an excellent platform for both work and leisure pursuits. Moreover, the seamless integration of features within the operating system allows users to personalize their experience to match their unique preferences and lifestyles.

To kick off the installation of Windows 10, the first step is to acquire a legitimate license. Once you have the license in hand, you can move on to downloading and running the media creation tool, which is essential for this process. You'll find comprehensive instructions on how to effectively use this tool outlined in the following sections. If your current device is operating on Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media for another computer, make sure to check the section labeled Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for guidance on how to set up Windows 10 on an alternate machine. Furthermore, if you already own a Windows 10 license and are upgrading from either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can easily follow the designated steps for a seamless upgrade experience. Remember, each stage of the process is designed to ensure that your transition to Windows 10 is as smooth as possible.

The open-source ecosystem offers enhanced security features, a broader selection of packages, and state-of-the-art tools, covering environments from cloud to edge. To protect your open-source applications, it is vital to maintain thorough patching practices that span from the kernel through libraries and applications, ensuring compliance with CVEs. Both governmental bodies and auditors have confirmed Ubuntu's compliance with essential standards such as FedRAMP, FISMA, and HITECH. Now is the perfect moment to rethink the possibilities that Linux and open-source technologies can provide. Many organizations collaborate with Canonical to lower the expenses tied to open-source operating systems. By automating various processes, including multi-cloud management, bare metal provisioning, edge clusters, and IoT devices, you can achieve greater efficiency. Ubuntu stands out as an ideal platform for diverse professionals, ranging from mobile app developers and engineering managers to video editors and financial analysts handling intricate models. Its adaptability, reliability, ongoing updates, and extensive libraries make it a preferred choice for development teams worldwide. With a strong community backing and a dedication to ongoing innovation, Ubuntu continues to be a top contender in the realm of open-source solutions, making it an attractive option for both new and experienced users. Additionally, its versatility and user-friendly interface facilitate a smooth transition for those new to open-source software.

FydeOS is an efficient operating system that merges a Linux kernel with a browser interface and container technology, resembling the features found in Google Chrome OS. It is designed to work effectively on a broad array of mainstream devices. With FydeOS, users can fully engage with modern web applications, run Android software, and utilize Linux environments, all while enjoying seamless functionality within Chinese network infrastructures, much like the experience offered by a Google Chromebook. Built on the advancements of The Chromium Projects, FydeOS has seen substantial enhancements and optimizations to its kernel, which improve its browser capabilities and include localization tailored for Chinese users, thus elevating the user experience significantly. As a cloud-centric operating system, FydeOS aims to meet the requirements of today's Internet-driven society. It has made remarkable strides in expanding compatibility across different hardware platforms, delivering a versatile solution focused on its extensive features. This flexibility allows users to take full advantage of FydeOS for various applications, making it a valuable tool in both personal and professional settings. Additionally, its design prioritizes user-friendly navigation and performance, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can benefit from its functionality.

Windows Server 2022 introduces advanced security measures, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible platform for applications. It is essential to strengthen your organization's security protocols at the operating system level. By integrating your data center with Azure, you can enhance IT operational efficiency significantly. Developers and IT teams benefit from a comprehensive application platform that supports the creation and deployment of diverse applications. Utilizing Azure can lead to considerable savings, thanks to advantages such as the Azure hybrid benefit and extended security updates. Azure is celebrated as a dependable cloud solution for Windows Server, enabling you to transform your workloads seamlessly. Connecting your on-premises Windows Servers to Azure is effortless through Azure Arc. Transitioning to this latest operating system allows you to experience improved security, performance, and overall value. With Azure, you can fully leverage the extensive benefits of cloud computing. Initiating this process is free, making it easier to manage servers, clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and Windows 10 PCs effectively. This approach ensures that your shift to cloud services is not only smoother but also remarkably efficient in today's digital landscape. Additionally, you can take advantage of ongoing support and updates to stay ahead in technology advancements.

Transform your organization's computing infrastructure to guarantee security, manageability, and peak performance consistently. CloudReady provides the benefits of web capabilities devoid of the drawbacks and risks tied to traditional operating systems. It is a contemporary operating system designed to meet both present demands and future developments. Consequently, a diverse range of organizations—including corporations, non-profits, educational entities, and governmental organizations worldwide—trust CloudReady to bolster the security and effectiveness of their devices when engaging with web applications and virtual desktop systems. Based on Google’s Chromium OS, which utilizes the same open-source architecture as Chrome OS, CloudReady is compatible with computers of all ages, accommodating both cutting-edge models and those that are over a decade old. By implementing CloudReady, users enjoy remarkable speed, user-friendliness, and strong security, liberated from hardware limitations, making it an adaptable solution for any organization. Moreover, this flexibility empowers organizations to optimize their current technology investments while remaining competitive in a swiftly changing digital environment, ensuring they are well-equipped for future innovations.

Parrot is an international consortium of developers and cybersecurity professionals working together to establish a cohesive set of tools that streamline their efforts, making them more efficient, standardized, dependable, and secure. Central to this endeavor is Parrot OS, a prominent GNU/Linux distribution built on Debian, which is specifically tailored to emphasize security and privacy. It boasts a comprehensive portable laboratory that caters to a wide array of cybersecurity tasks, including penetration testing, digital forensics, and reverse engineering. Furthermore, it supplies all essential tools for software creation and data safeguarding. Consistent updates guarantee that the system remains robust, with regular releases incorporating a variety of hardening and sandboxing enhancements. Users have complete authority over the platform, enabling them to download, share, and scrutinize the source code, as well as to modify it according to their needs. This system is dedicated to respecting your freedom, and this dedication is unwavering. The community is also encouraged to participate actively, fostering its growth while maintaining the core values of security and privacy for everyone involved. Together, they strive to create a safer digital landscape for all users.

Fedora Workstation is recognized for its reliability, strength, and ease of use, making it an excellent operating system choice for desktops and laptops alike. It caters to a wide array of developers, from enthusiasts and students to professionals in business environments. With the GNOME 3 desktop environment, users can focus on their programming without distractions, fostering an environment conducive to productivity. Designed with developers in mind, GNOME enhances the user experience by streamlining essential tasks. The frustration of locating or assembling the required tools is alleviated by Fedora's comprehensive collection of open-source languages, tools, and utilities, which can be accessed effortlessly with a click or command. Furthermore, Fedora encourages collaboration through platforms and repositories like COPR, allowing developers to share their work and create builds that benefit the wider community. This collaborative aspect not only enhances individual workflows but also promotes the spirit of open-source contribution. Ultimately, Fedora Workstation stands out as a premier choice for developers eager to improve their productivity and make meaningful contributions to the tech ecosystem.

Discover the benefits of ChromeOS for both PCs and Macs, which embraces a cloud-first, user-friendly, and secure framework. With ChromeOS Flex, you can effortlessly upgrade your existing hardware in an eco-friendly manner at no cost. This system can be deployed across numerous machines or simply trialed to experience the advantages of a cloud-centric operating system firsthand. By opting for ChromeOS Flex, your computers will be fortified against security threats, boot up rapidly, maintain optimal performance over time, receive automatic updates, and can be managed remotely via the cloud. Devices start up efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime while updates occur seamlessly in the background. Users can quickly access virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and web applications within a streamlined and reliable setting. ChromeOS Flex can be distributed across your entire network using USB or network installation, and user settings along with policies are synchronized to devices almost instantly. The Google Admin console simplifies remote management, allowing updates and device policy configurations to be handled with ease. Moreover, the integration of sandboxing technology and the restriction on executables negates the need for traditional antivirus solutions, positioning this operating system as an intelligent choice for contemporary businesses. Ultimately, this cutting-edge platform not only bolsters security measures but also significantly enhances workforce productivity and efficiency across the board.

OmniOS is a server operating system that is open-source and focuses on incorporating only the most necessary features. Featuring ZFS as its native file system, it combines a volume manager with advanced data protection mechanisms that ensure integrity. Users can easily share storage volumes through various protocols, including iSCSI, CIFS, and NFS. Moreover, OmniOS provides the capability to run lightweight virtual machines, whether they're running OmniOS or Linux in containers, which helps eliminate the overhead typically associated with traditional hypervisors while maintaining effective resource management. For users who require comprehensive hardware virtualization, it also supports virtualization technologies such as bhyve and KVM, enabling the use of diverse guest operating systems like Microsoft Windows and FreeBSD. The network infrastructure can be efficiently virtualized using Crossbow, which facilitates the creation of virtual interfaces and switches, and offers the ability to assign dedicated resources for particular applications. DTrace acts as a sophisticated dynamic tracing framework that significantly aids troubleshooting across the entire software stack, providing real-time instrumentation as necessary. As an open-source initiative, OmniOS operates in a self-hosting manner, with its development actively overseen on GitHub; this platform allows contributors to submit pull requests while granting anyone interested the ability to access the source code to compile their own version. This collaborative environment not only promotes community engagement but also ensures a high level of transparency throughout the development process, encouraging contributions from a diverse range of developers.

The recent update of DragonFly, now at version 6.2.2, brings forth a range of improvements, such as better hardware compatibility for type-2 hypervisors that use NVMM, an enhanced amdgpu driver, and an experimental capability for remote-mounting HAMMER2 volumes, in addition to a host of other revisions. Being part of the BSD family, DragonFly traces its origins back to Linux and various BSD variants, while maintaining the core UNIX principles and APIs, yet it takes a separate path in its development from FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. This unique trajectory allows DragonFly to explore innovative features, including its advanced HAMMER filesystem, which is designed for high performance and includes built-in mirroring along with historical access functions. Among its impressive features is the introduction of virtual kernels, which permit the operation of a full kernel as a user process, enhancing resource management, kernel development, and debugging processes within a faster framework. The combination of these advancements makes DragonFly a compelling choice for users in search of alternatives to traditional operating systems, showcasing its commitment to pushing boundaries in the realm of system design. Furthermore, this distinctive approach positions DragonFly as a notable contender for those who prioritize innovation alongside reliability.

MicroOS is a microservice-focused operating system designed to provide atomic updates on a read-only btrfs root filesystem, specifically tailored for containerized applications with features that facilitate automated maintenance and patch management. By opting for openSUSE MicroOS, users can rapidly establish a streamlined environment that is perfect for running containers or any activities that necessitate transactional updates. As a rolling release distribution, it guarantees that all installed software is continuously updated and modern. Moreover, MicroOS offers an offline image option that simplifies the installation process, catering to users who prefer a more straightforward setup. The primary difference between the offline image and the self-install/raw images is that the offline version comes equipped with an installer, whereas the raw and self-install images offer more customization options through combustion or manual configurations post-deployment. Additionally, MicroOS supports the use of a real-time kernel, which significantly boosts performance. Users can experiment with MicroOS in virtual environments on platforms like Xen or KVM, while those using Raspberry Pi or similar system-on-chip devices can benefit from a preconfigured image that seamlessly integrates with combustion for a smooth boot process. This adaptability and range of options further enhance MicroOS's appeal across numerous deployment scenarios, making it a versatile solution for diverse computing needs.

Arm Mbed OS is a freely available operating system specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, equipping developers with the essential resources to create advanced IoT devices. This powerful operating system is optimized for smart and connected products that utilize Arm Cortex-M architecture, providing features like machine learning capabilities, secure connectivity options, an RTOS kernel, and drivers for a range of sensors and I/O devices. Tailored for the needs of the Internet of Things, Arm Mbed OS encompasses functionalities in connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security, along with an extensive library of software, development boards, tutorials, and real-world examples. It encourages collaboration within a broad ecosystem, supporting over 70 partners across various sectors, including silicon manufacturers, module developers, cloud service providers, and OEMs, thus broadening the options available for developers. By utilizing the Mbed OS API, developers can produce clean, portable, and easy-to-manage application code while also taking advantage of enhanced security, communication, and machine learning features. This integrated solution not only simplifies the development process but also significantly reduces costs, shortens development time, and mitigates risks. Moreover, Mbed OS facilitates innovation by allowing developers to quickly prototype and confidently deploy IoT solutions, ultimately driving technological advancement in the field. The comprehensive support provided by the Mbed community further enriches the development experience, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced developers alike.

Stratodesk NoTouch, recognized as the leading Thin Client operating system and management software globally, is now accessible. This innovative solution merges NoTouch OS and NoTouch Center, enabling users to convert any PC, Thin Client, or Laptop into a centrally managed Thin Endpoint. With the ability to deploy NoTouch OS across thousands of devices in an instant, management becomes seamless through the Stratodesk NoTouch platform. Praised for its efficiency, NoTouch OS stands out as the premier option for Thin Client operating systems and management solutions. This lightweight operating system can be swiftly installed from your server onto desktops, laptops, thin clients, or even Raspberry Pi devices. Additionally, NoTouch Center serves as an exceptional tool for overseeing your VDI endpoints, enhancing your operational control and efficiency across various devices. The combination of these features makes Stratodesk NoTouch an invaluable asset for any organization seeking streamlined endpoint management.

Effortlessly find that essential document, image, or video with just a few clicks. With features such as Split View, Editable Location, and a built-in Terminal among other useful tools, Dolphin streamlines the connection to USB flash drives, SD cards, and mobile devices, making your experience seamless. In our modern digital landscape, images are increasingly important, and Kubuntu provides applications that facilitate easy browsing, sharing, and enhancing of your photos. Okular, a versatile document viewer, supports various file types including PDF, Dejavu, PS, and DVI, and offers additional features like annotation, form filling, and eBook reading. Kubuntu also includes user-friendly music and movie players, allowing you to simply select a song or film while the system manages playback effortlessly. Most audio and video formats are supported from the outset, and installing restricted formats like MP3 is a quick two-click process, usually during setup. This cohesive multimedia integration ensures that Kubuntu stands out as a top choice for users who prioritize both convenience and a rich feature set. Ultimately, the platform’s diverse capabilities cater to a wide range of digital needs, enhancing the overall user experience.

Raspberry Pi Imager provides an efficient and user-friendly way to install Raspberry Pi OS and a selection of other operating systems onto a microSD card, preparing it for use with your Raspberry Pi device. To get a clear sense of the installation steps, take a look at our concise video tutorial that lasts just 45 seconds. Start by downloading and installing Raspberry Pi Imager on a computer that has an SD card reader. After that, insert the microSD card that you plan to use for your Raspberry Pi into the reader and open Raspberry Pi Imager. Users have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of operating systems offered by both Raspberry Pi and various external sources, making it easy to download and install them as necessary. This utility simplifies the entire setup process, thereby improving your overall experience with Raspberry Pi. By utilizing Raspberry Pi Imager, even beginners can seamlessly transition into the world of Raspberry Pi without any complications.

The Pavilion HyperParallel File System™ is the most efficient, compact, scalable, and adaptable storage solution available, enabling limitless scalability across multiple Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Arrays™ and achieving remarkable speeds of 1.2 TB/s for reading and 900 GB/s for writing, along with an astounding 200 million IOPS at just 25 microseconds latency per rack. This cutting-edge system is distinguished by its ability to offer independent and linear scalability for both performance and capacity, as Pavilion HyperOS 3 now features global namespace support for NFS and S3, which allows for seamless scaling across numerous Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Array units. Leveraging the power of the Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Array, users benefit from unparalleled performance levels and exceptional uptime. Additionally, the Pavilion HyperOS incorporates groundbreaking, patent-pending technologies that ensure data availability remains constant, allowing for rapid access that greatly outperforms conventional legacy arrays. This unique blend of scalability and performance solidifies Pavilion's status as a frontrunner in the storage sector, meeting the demands of contemporary data-centric environments. As the storage landscape continues to evolve, Pavilion remains committed to innovation and excellence, ensuring their solutions are always at the forefront of technology.

Urbit aims to be user-friendly for everyone, but its vast ecosystem can sometimes be daunting to navigate. By following the links provided, users can interact with the network through different pathways, including development, operation, and exploration. It tackles the intricate problems that come with building a peer-to-peer network, such as verifying identities, navigating NAT traversal, and ensuring messages are delivered precisely once, all of which are managed within the kernel, enabling app developers to focus on their essential business logic. The operating system operates as a singular pure function, granting developers strong assurances like automated persistence, efficient memory management, reproducible builds, and the capability for hot code reloading. Urbit's vision of a seamlessly connected world echoes the formative years of the Internet, promoting a space for collaborative discussions and mutual support among users. Challenges that seem insurmountable today, such as data breaches, spam, fraudulent reviews, and harassment, can be effectively addressed when individuals take back control of their computing environments. In this framework, a single login allows access to all services, significantly simplifying the user experience. This efficient system not only bolsters security but also fosters deeper, more personalized online interactions, leading to a more engaged and connected community. Ultimately, Urbit envisions a digital landscape that empowers users while preserving their autonomy and privacy.

Windows XP is a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system designed specifically for personal computers, having been released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, and made available to the public on October 25, 2001, with "XP" signifying "eXPerience." This iteration served as an advancement from earlier versions, such as Windows 2000 which targeted business and high-end users, and Windows Me which was aimed at home consumers, successfully integrating the NT and 9x lines of Windows. As a graphical user interface (GUI), Windows XP allows users to operate a variety of software applications, including word processors for creating documents and spreadsheets for handling financial tasks. Celebrated for its appealing color schemes, intuitive user interface, and overall reliability, Windows XP emerged as one of Microsoft's most successful flagship operating systems, enjoying a remarkable tenure of over five years. Eventually, it was succeeded by Windows Vista, officially released on January 30, 2007, signaling a transition period for many dedicated users. This transition not only represented a technological upgrade but also introduced new features that aimed to enhance user experience, even as some long-time fans of Windows XP mourned the change.

Windows Vista marked a notable progression in the Windows NT operating system series, following Windows XP and created by Microsoft. It was initially released to manufacturers on November 8, 2006, and became available for consumers on January 30, 2007, signaling its public debut. This iteration represented a shift from Windows XP, introducing a range of new functionalities along with a redesigned graphical user interface and improved security measures. One of the standout features of Vista was the launch of the Aero interface, known for its elegant, transparent visual effects on windows and dialog boxes, as well as engaging animations. Furthermore, the operating system established a new security architecture that included User Account Control (UAC), aimed at reducing the risks associated with malware and various security threats. Upon its launch, Vista elicited diverse opinions, with some critics praising the new features and enhanced security, while others expressed worries about its performance and compatibility with pre-existing hardware and software. Despite the polarized initial reception, Vista laid the groundwork for future Windows versions, shaping advancements in both user interface design and security protocols. Ultimately, its legacy continues to influence the evolution of operating systems today.