Link copied to clipboard # Linux Mint vs Windows 11 Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/linux-mint/windows-11/export.csv) Linux MintWindows 11[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Linux Mint** No pricing available **Windows 11** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Linux Mint** 2 monthsFaster Based on 11 responses **Windows 11** 3 months Based on 194 responses Return on Investment **Linux Mint** 14 months1 month sooner Based on 10 responses **Windows 11** 15 months Based on 167 responses Perceived Cost **Linux Mint** $$$$$ **Windows 11** $$$$$ Average Discount **Linux Mint** Not enough reviews yet **Windows 11** 14% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Linux Mint** [ User-Friendly (11) ](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1510389&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Linux/Ubuntu OS (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1510536&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Driver Issues (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1510613&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Apps/Store (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1510608&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Windows 11** [ User-Friendly (269) ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1794268&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (261) ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1796042&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Customization (108) ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1794536&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ High Requirements (100) ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1796006&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Linux Mint** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_690e90c5de441951cf5715b08b1d5420/arduino-ide.png "Product Avatar Image") Arduino IDE ](https://www.g2.com/products/arduino-ide/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/visual-studio-code.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Visual Studio Code ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bed616139052a54ed9edfb8911a5b7bc/windows-7.png "Product Avatar Image") Windows 7 ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/integrations) **Windows 11** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f7fe78091bfbbe3048a641bfd42bf9f3/7z.jpg "Product Avatar Image") 7Z ](https://www.g2.com/products/7z/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e89d21750715f4646ed61c011b2917dc/adobe-acrobat.png "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Acrobat ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_58773a1e58e3f3d274316b3188ec4584/adobe-acrobat-reader.png "Product Avatar Image") Reader ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat-reader/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0d6021e1f6253f85ed0eb22a67eb101b/adobe-photoshop.png "Product Avatar Image") Photoshop ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/integrations) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Linux Mint** 8.9 8.9152 **Windows 11** 9.1 9.13,221 Ease of Use **Linux Mint** 9.0 9.0151 **Windows 11** 9.2 9.23,259 Ease of Setup **Linux Mint** 9.2 9.270 **Windows 11** 9.2 9.21,470 Ease of Admin **Linux Mint** 8.7 8.737 **Windows 11** 9.0 9.0714 Quality of Support **Linux Mint** 8.3 8.3142 **Windows 11** 8.5 8.52,952 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Linux Mint** 8.2 8.234 **Windows 11** 8.9 8.9682 Product Direction (% positive) **Linux Mint** 8.2 8.2145 **Windows 11** 8.9 8.93,100 **Features** ratings from reviews Operating System 8.8 31 8.6 780 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 54.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 13.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 54.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 13.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 38.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 38.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.5% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Linux Mint](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3146bdd0defa39278b58727400f0a807/linux-mint.jpg "Linux Mint")](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) Linux Mint Information Technology and Services 25.8% Computer Software 20.3% Computer & Network Security 5.5% Consumer Goods 4.4% Newspapers 4.4% Other 39.6% [![Windows 11](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/windows-11.jpeg "Windows 11")](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) Windows 11 Information Technology and Services 21.4% Computer Software 13.7% Higher Education 3.8% Computer & Network Security 3.6% Education Management 3.2% Other 54.3% Alternatives **Linux Mint Alternatives** ![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu") [ Ubuntu ](/products/ubuntu/reviews) ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") [ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ](/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/reviews) ![Chrome OS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_875175039c275eab2eed735a56ad8cee/chrome-os.jpeg "Chrome OS") [ Chrome OS ](/products/chrome-os/reviews) **Windows 11 Alternatives** ![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu") [ Ubuntu ](/products/ubuntu/reviews) ![Chrome OS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_875175039c275eab2eed735a56ad8cee/chrome-os.jpeg "Chrome OS") [ Chrome OS ](/products/chrome-os/reviews) ![Android](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565506/android.svg "Android") [ Android ](/products/android/reviews) ![Fedora](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565578/fedora.svg "Fedora") [ Fedora ](/products/fedora/reviews) ## Linux Mint vs Windows 11 FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Linux Mint vs Windows 11? Linux Mint and Windows 11 are both highly rated operating systems, but Linux Mint is distinguished by its open-source, lightweight, and resource-efficient design, while Windows 11 is known for its modern UI, deep Microsoft integrations, and broader commercial software compatibility. | [Linux Mint](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) | [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) | | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (191 reviews) | 4.5/5 (4322 reviews) | | Largest Segment | Small-Business | Small-Business | | Ease of Setup score | 9.2 | 9.2 | | Quality of Support score | 8.3 | 8.5 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | User-Friendly (11 all-time mentions) | Modern UI/UX and Microsoft 365 integrations (recent reviews) | ### How do the pricing models of Linux Mint and Windows 11 compare? Linux Mint is considered the stronger value by reviewers, with its free and open-source model frequently cited as a key advantage, while Windows 11 receives positive value sentiment but is associated with licensing costs and hardware requirements. - **Linux Mint:** In recent reviews, many highlight that Linux Mint is completely free to install and use, with no license purchase required, and praise its cost-saving benefits for both individuals and businesses. - **Windows 11:** Reviewers note that Windows 11 is often included with new devices and delivers good value through integrated productivity and security features, but mention that strict hardware requirements and licensing costs can increase the total cost of adoption. - **Switching-reason:** Several reviewers cite moving to Linux Mint to avoid licensing fees and extend the life of older hardware, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness compared to Windows 11. ### What are the best alternatives to Linux Mint and Windows 11? The top three alternatives to Linux Mint and Windows 11 are Ubuntu, Chrome OS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Linux Mint](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) | 4.5/5 (191 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open-source, praised for cost savings | User-Friendly (11 all-time mentions) | | [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4322 reviews) | Small-Business | Often bundled with new devices, licensing costs noted | Modern UI/UX and Microsoft 365 integrations (recent reviews) | | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2400 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open-source, widely adopted in business and education | Stability and strong community support (recent reviews) | | [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) | 4.5/5 (739 reviews) | Small-Business | Bundled with Chromebooks, praised for simplicity and low cost | Lightweight and easy to use (recent reviews) | | [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) | 4.6/5 (977 reviews) | Enterprise | Subscription-based, valued for enterprise support | Enterprise-grade reliability and support (recent reviews) | ### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing Linux Mint and Windows 11? Buyers comparing Linux Mint and Windows 11 should prioritize software compatibility, resource efficiency, security features, integration capabilities, and user interface design. - **Software Compatibility:** Windows 11 scores 9.1 on Meets Requirements, while Linux Mint scores 8.9; reviewers note Windows 11's broader support for commercial applications, while Linux Mint users mention limited native support for some proprietary software. - **Resource Efficiency:** Linux Mint is frequently cited for its lightweight size (6 all-time mentions) and ability to run on older hardware, while Windows 11 is noted for higher hardware requirements in recent reviews. - **Security Features:** Both products are praised for security, but Windows 11 reviewers highlight built-in security defaults and hardware-based protections, while Linux Mint is valued for privacy and minimal telemetry. - **Integration Capabilities:** Windows 11 is frequently mentioned for Microsoft 365 and Teams integrations (40 all-time mentions), while Linux Mint is noted for compatibility with open-source tools and Windows 7 integration. - **User Interface Design:** Linux Mint is cited for its familiar, user-friendly interface (11 all-time mentions), while Windows 11 is praised for its modern UI/UX and productivity features like Snap Layouts. ### What are the pros and cons of Linux Mint vs Windows 11? Linux Mint's headline strength is its user-friendly, lightweight, and cost-effective design, while Windows 11 stands out for its modern UI, productivity features, and deep Microsoft ecosystem integration. - **Linux Mint strengths:** User-Friendly (11 all-time mentions), Stability (9), Lightweight Size (6), Free/No Cost (5), Community Support (6), Easy Setup (5), Compatibility (5), Speed/Performance (7), Reliability (6). - **Linux Mint trade-offs:** Driver Issues (4), Limited Apps/Store (3), Outdated Technology (3), Slow Updates (3), Usage Difficulty for new users (3). - **Windows 11 strengths:** Modern UI/UX and Microsoft 365 integrations (recent reviews), strong multitasking features like Snap Layouts, enhanced security defaults, broad commercial software compatibility, and improved productivity tools. - **Windows 11 trade-offs:** Higher hardware requirements, licensing costs, less flexibility in customization compared to previous versions, and frequent updates that can disrupt workflow (recent reviews). ### Is Linux Mint or Windows 11 better for small businesses? Linux Mint is the better fit for small businesses, as both products' largest reviewer segment is Small-Business, but Linux Mint is consistently praised for its cost savings, resource efficiency, and ease of use in small business environments. - **Linux Mint:** Small-Business is the largest segment; reviewers highlight its ability to extend hardware life, reduce IT costs, and provide a stable, user-friendly platform for small teams. - **Windows 11:** Small-Business is the largest segment; reviewers note its strong productivity features and Microsoft 365 integration, but mention higher hardware requirements and licensing costs as considerations for small businesses. ### Which Operating System platform has better integrations? Windows 11 is favored by reviewers for integrations, especially with Microsoft 365 and related productivity tools. - **Linux Mint:** Reviewers mention integration with Windows 7 (5 all-time mentions) and Arduino IDE (recent reviews), with a focus on compatibility with open-source and legacy tools. - **Windows 11:** Microsoft 365 is cited in 40 all-time reviews, with additional mentions for Microsoft Outlook (5 all-time mentions); reviewers highlight deep integration with Microsoft productivity and collaboration tools. ### How do Linux Mint and Windows 11 compare on customer support? Linux Mint and Windows 11 are rated nearly identically on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.3 and 8.5 respectively, indicating parity by the materiality threshold. - **Linux Mint:** Reviewers frequently mention strong community support and helpful documentation, though some note reliance on community forums rather than official support channels. - **Windows 11:** Reviewers describe helpful documentation, built-in guidance, and consistent support experiences, with some noting the benefit of official Microsoft support resources. ### Which is easier to implement, Linux Mint or Windows 11? Linux Mint and Windows 11 are rated equally on Ease of Setup, both scoring 9.2, indicating parity by the materiality threshold. - **Linux Mint:** Reviewers consistently describe the setup process as quick and straightforward, with many highlighting the ease of installation even for users new to Linux. - **Windows 11:** Reviewers report that initial setup is simple and user-friendly, often completed in under an hour, with clear prompts and guidance throughout the process.