ReactOS Reviews & Product Details

ReactOS is a free and open-source operating system designed to be compatible with Windows applications and drivers. It aims to provide a familiar user experience by replicating the look and feel of Windows, enabling users to run their favorite Windows software in an open-source environment. ReactOS is developed from scratch, ensuring that it is not a derivative of Linux, but a standalone system with its own architecture. Key Features and Functionality: - Windows Compatibility: ReactOS is capable of running a wide range of Windows applications and drivers, offering users the flexibility to use software they are accustomed to. - Familiar Interface: The operating system mirrors the appearance and functionality of Windows, reducing the learning curve for new users. - Open Source: Being open-source, ReactOS allows users and developers to view, modify, and distribute its source code, fostering a collaborative development environment. - Active Community: The project is supported by a global community, providing opportunities for collaboration, skill enhancement, and contribution to the development of the operating system. Primary Value and User Solutions: ReactOS addresses the need for a free and open-source operating system that maintains compatibility with Windows software and drivers. This is particularly beneficial for users and organizations seeking an alternative to proprietary systems without sacrificing the ability to run essential Windows applications. Additionally, ReactOS serves as an educational platform for those interested in learning about operating system development and Windows internals, offering practical experience in a real-world project.

Seller

ReactOS Foundation

Discussions

ReactOS Community

Value at a Glance

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Perceived Cost

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Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2/22/2024

"Perfect alternative to Windows"

4.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

If you wish Windows was open source, you should look into ReactOS

Even if it is in alpha stage, it is getting more stable every release. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

You can't open MSI installers, which is a very significant problem. Also, Game Maker Studio games don't open for some reason. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Amaury R.

Mechanical and Software Team Member

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

8/28/2023

"Good alternative to windows and Mac OS"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

Its most appealing feature is its commitment to be a free and open-source alternative to Windows, making it a potential solution for older hardware or situations where a Windows license is cost-prohibitive. The familiarity it offers for those used to the Windows environment can also be a considerable advantage. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

While it aims for Windows compatibility, it doesn’t fully support all applications or drivers, which can be limiting. There are also potential security concerns, given its development stage. The progress, albeit steady, has been slow, and it lacks some modern UI features present in newer Windows versions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

rana n.

Software Engineer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/21/2023

"Very cool and fast"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

It's is great combination of windows and opersource. We can freely access this os. The installation is very easy in just few clicks not need other device. No need any license to use this OS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

Data integrity is primary concern. The OS is primarily good but it's didn't work on may machines. Crashed so frequently Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Neha S.

Senior Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

9/21/2023

"Very easy and easy to access"

5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

Easy to integrate.optimized the cost as it's free to use. Easy implementation Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

No comment all good. Happy with product. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Santosh M.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Developer

Information Technology and Services

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5/23/2022

"ReactOs is free and amezing"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS allows us to connect any Windows unit without any special library or program. But the newest thing is the compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 8 apps, compatibility that did not yet exist and that from this version will allow us to install certain applications and typical Windows 10 apps. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

I mean if you Linux then it's good for you to use ReactOS if you do not know Linux commands then you will not like to use ReactOS ,so basically ReactOS is based on Linux Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

problem-solving like trying to practice Reactos and its command because it's necessary to know,There is currently no other operating system that implements the kernel architecture design of MS Windows NT™ so if you are unhappy with the direction or goal of Windows there is little real alternative. ReactOS was started as a “clone” of Windows NT to alleviate this situation. To demonstrate the concept of o/s cloning, GNU/Linux is the best for comparison here: Linux was started as a “clone” of Minix and Unix, eventually going on to be a Unix replacement. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aditya K.

Junior Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5/22/2022

"ReactOS lightweight"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

Its installation is very easy its can be installed with a mouse click and no cd are required for the installation and also configuration is very fast and system is also clean from junk and separately programs and easy to find and delete junk files and virus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

Basically some systems not to capable this os because its suitable new generation system os so its okay and its security issues are faced every time virus are detected and new software instalation not to easy because its showing the warning message. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

John Paul D.

Content Writer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/4/2022

"A Commendable Windows Open-Source Replacement"

3.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

The main distinguishing feature was that it doesn't monitor any of my activities which is the bane of the latest Windows, especially 10 and 11. Plus, it's free! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The UI leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you are coming from Windows OS. Although it lacks the bells and whistles of Windows, it is still able to run most of the common Windows applications. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

Go for it if you are looking for an alternative solution to Windows and it's privacy intrusive practices. By sacrificing a bit of glossly aero UI, you stand to gain a smooth experience even on decade old hardware. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

It has helped me remain worry-free from the activity tracking and the additional ad-related snooping done by Windows. Additionally, it is able to run smoothly on decade old hardware, which helps in giving new life to older laptops, which can be used for Word processing, as I'm a content writer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JAYARAJ J 1.

Developer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

6/29/2021

"Best OS to get the taste of Windows + Open source"

2.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS is all about the porting of Windows applications to a Linux environment which gives the power of open source and freedom to users. Though the OS is not very much user-friendly, it has powerful options for customization, which makes it rather a better option to choose. If you ask me to choose Windows or ReactOS, I will go with ReactOS, since it is extremely developer-friendly, and I like to work in the development of the OS too. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The UI still looks like decades-old Windows XP. Which is very very bad for a better user experience. We could switch to KDE or GNOME for a better User experience. That would bring the power of Linux + Windows together. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

Try to engage in the open-source community of ReactOS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

The problem of using emulators like WinE for using Windows apps on Linux has been solved up to some extend. Still, the UX is very bad, and it's better to go with other major distros. I like open-source contributions hence I like to stick with the Linux environment rather than switching to Windows to build its apps specifically. Hence this gives a better choice to use rather than using Windows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

jim p.

Freelance Photographer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

6/25/2021

"An open source Windows"

3.5/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

If you want to run windows applications, but don't like the close source, privacy issues of windows, this is a good solution.

It is easy to use and install for anyone familiar with windows.

Look and feel similar to older version of windows, which many still prefer.

It's a cool project to check out and even support.

no cost. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

It's not really windows just yet 😀

still in early development stages.

many applications won't run or install properly.

doesn't support all the hardware windows does

old look and feel (pro and a con)

not stable to use as main OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering ReactOS:

Do not use it as the main OS, test it in a virtual machine Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is ReactOS solving and how is that benefiting you?

free, open source, private operating system. good option to anyone who refuse to run windows for those reasons.

Can run in a virtual machine under your main OS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/28/2022

"ReactOS - Open Source Operating System"

4/5

What do you like best about ReactOS?

ReactOS is free to use and has flexibility of opensource. So, we can expect great features in the future. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about ReactOS?

The user interface looks a bit odd and old. It would be nice if we get a feel of future while working on it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.