Need a Windows 10 alternative? Still miss XP? This Linux distro is for you – and it's free

Since I started covering Linux and open-source technology in the late 1990s, my goal has been to help make the operating system easier to understand and use. One part of that gig is finding Linux distributions perfectly suited for those looking to jump from Windows but who don’t want to deal with an unfamiliar UI.

That quest has led me down some less-than-trustworthy paths, resulting in Linux distributions that could steal data and other nefarious schemes. Fortunately, most Linux distributions are trustworthy, and the Q40S distribution is one you can rely on.

Also: How to set up 2FA for Linux desktop logins for added security

The distro is officially called XPQ4 and offers rethemed versions of Q40S that resemble either Windows 10 or XP. I don’t know if the developers intend to give this theme the Windows 11 treatment, but the Windows 10 option should please anyone looking to make the migration.

If you’re a bit confused about the breakdown so far, here’s the hierarchy:

• Debian is the base
• Q40S is the distribution
• XPQ4 is what gives Q40S the Windows look
• FreeXP is the version that resembles Windows XP, and Free10 is the version that resembles Windows 10

If you go with the FreeXP version, you’ll even find the Bliss Wallpaper made famous by Microsoft, and a very familiar Start button.

Also: Bluestar Linux is a gorgeous MacOS-like take on KDE Plasma that’s easy to use

I used Free10 for my tests because most people are probably more familiar with Windows 10 than XP.

My experience with Free10

As with most Linux distributions, the installation was a breeze. A few clicks and a couple of minutes was all it took to get Free10 installed and ready to dazzle. As soon as I logged in to the desktop, I was impressed.

Although I’ve never been a fan of the various Windows UIs, I know when a Linux distribution gets it right, and Free10 nails it. If you glanced at this Linux desktop distribution quickly, you’d swear it was Windows 10 — even down to the password prompt.

On first login, I was greeted with the Q40S Welcome Screen offering quick access to the Desktop Profile tool, application installations, proprietary codecs, screen scaling, autologin, hardware info, and more.

The Desktop Profile section is interesting because it allows you to install other desktops (LxQT, Xfce, Lxde, Mate, Budgie, Cinnamon, GNOME, or Trinity). The default is KDE Plasma (configured to resemble Windows 10). 

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You can also select a full-featured desktop, a basic desktop, or a minimal desktop. The default is the full-featured desktop and I recommend leaving it as such.

The desktop menu

Out of the box, you get the standard KDE Plasma menu, with a twist. If you click the menu button, you get the traditional menu. However, click the Super (aka Meta) key on your keyboard and a Windows 10-like menu appears.

Because this is KDE Plasma, there is a lot of customization to be found. Without much effort, you can turn the bottom panel into more of a dock or even change the theme from the default Windows 10 to one of the preinstalled options. 

Keep in mind, however, that changing the theme defeats the purpose of using Free10, as you’d essentially wind up with a Debian distribution with KDE Plasma. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not bad, but if you came here for Windows 10, you’ll want to stick with that theme.

Also: How to use Linux without ever touching the terminal

Yet, at some point, you might get tired of the Windows 10 look and want to change it up. When that happens, open Settings and go to Appearance > Global Theme. Select from the preinstalled options or click Get New Global Themes to find one that suits your taste. There’s a large selection of themes, so plan to scroll through the list until you find one that makes you smile.

Installing applications

Let’s get an important concern out of the way. This is not Windows, so you won’t be able to download .exe files and install them at will. For that process, you’d have to take the extra step of installing Wine.

Also: How to run a Windows app on Linux with Wine

The good news is you can open KDE Discover and find many applications to install. The only caveat is that Q40S doesn’t add Flatpak support out of the box. However, you only have to open Settings (in Discover) and click Add Flathub to remedy that issue.

Once you’ve taken care of that process, you’ll find even more apps to install (even proprietary apps).

Who is Free10 for?

This one is simple: if you’re looking to migrate from Windows 10 to an operating system that will continue to be supported for years to come, won’t cost you a penny, and that’s reliable and secure, then Free10 (aka Q40S, aka XPQ4) is the flavor you’re looking for. 

Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)

You can download and install Free10 freely on as many computers as you need.