Linux has many hundreds of distros, but the best ones for beginners have more hand-holding and some Windows-like familiarity.

However, both Ubuntu and Mint are very popular, have thriving communities, and are designed specifically for non-Linux veterans, so they're a great place to start.

The best Linux distros for beginners in 2025 make switching from MacOS or Windows so easy Why switch to Linux? More security, more privacy, and freedom from vendor lock-in.

Linux Mint has an easy-to-use wizard that lets you automatically find and install hardware drivers for things like your NVIDIA graphics card.

Linux Mint Linux Mint, often touted as the most beginner-friendly Linux distro, is a comforting choice for those transitioning from Windows.

Trying Linux is easy—you can even install it on a USB drive or disc to try it out before committing. Enter the world of open-source here.