Winux OS – Why I like it?

Winux OS is a Linux-based operating system designed to deliver a familiar Windows-like experience while remaining simple to install and use. It is available in three different ISO editions—Light, Standard, and Full—each tailored for different needs, yet all built on a solid Ubuntu base with consistent theming and usability.

The project primarily targets users with older hardware that doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11. Instead of discarding perfectly functional machines, Winux OS offers a practical alternative that can still handle everyday tasks efficiently. It highlights how capable older systems can be when paired with a lightweight operating system.

This also raises an important question: why not optimize modern operating systems to run better on lower-end hardware? Many users feel that improving efficiency would reduce unnecessary hardware waste and extend the lifespan of existing devices.

Why Winux?

Rafael Rachid, a Brazilian software engineer, is the creator behind Winux OS. The project traces its roots back to January 2007, when he introduced its first iteration under the name LinuxFX as a personal initiative. What began as a small experiment quickly attracted attention and grew with community support.

Initially, the goal was quite practical—Rachid wanted a reliable platform to run and distribute his company’s proprietary software, including computer vision solutions and an AI-based assistant called Helloa, designed to help users with tasks like driver installation and system setup. However, the project soon evolved with a broader purpose: lowering the barrier to entry for Linux.

One of the biggest challenges for new users—especially those coming from Windows—has always been the unfamiliar interface and workflow of traditional Linux distributions. To address this, Rachid focused on creating an environment that closely resembles Windows, starting with a Windows 10-style design and later adopting elements inspired by Windows 11. This approach makes the transition much smoother, particularly for beginners and users with older hardware.

As he has highlighted in interviews, the system was built for individuals using low-spec machines who still want a familiar and user-friendly experience. To support this, the OS includes tools like Wine for running .exe applications, along with commonly used software such as Skype and Zoom available out of the box.

Over time, the project has continued to evolve with contributions from its community. It has also undergone several name changes—moving from LinuxFX to Wubuntu, and more recently to Winux—to avoid trademark conflicts while maintaining its core vision.

What is PowerTools?

Part of the project is PowerTools, which  is a professional suite of tools that expand the power of the Winux operating system (and that’s where from Rafael can make a living. Normal if you ask me). Every work merits its salary, right? Imagine that for $35 lifetime (which is the price of the Key for PowerTools) you have the best tools integration for advanced customization, compatibility handeling or driver manager. Here are the full specs:

• Appearance and control of Windows-inspired themes
• Windows-style Control Panel and Settings
• Improved support for .exe and .msi applications
• Active Directory graphical support
• Native graphics support for OneDrive
• Native OneDrive in File Explorer
• Android Subsystem (with graphics acceleration)
• PowerTools security and enhancement updates
• Improvements to the Copilot and ChatGPT subsystem
• The Professional Key is lifetime for only $35

PowerTools is developed by Cyber ​​Technology and is not directly part of the Winux operating system. The complete PowerTools system is part of the Professional version of Winux, and you can learn more by clicking here.

The installation

The installation ISO, when boot up, let’s you pick your langue immediately. Then it boots up into a Live environment where you can click on the installer and start the installation, the settings, local user creation, partitionnning etc…

• Based on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS with Kernel 6.14
• Legacy and EFI support
• No need TPM, POPCNT or other absurd hardware requiriments
• Advanced Active Directory Group Policy Object support for PowerTools Pro users
• WinBoat compatibility for native Windows applications (FAT Edition only)
• 30 days free trial to use PowerTools Pro with all features activated
• After the 30-day trial period, your system will continue to function normally with PowerTools Free

Testing it currently within a VMware Workstation, but perhaps I’ll convert my aging laptop to it. My laptop is getting old and W11 while it runs on it, it’s getting pretty damn slow.

From the latest release notes:

• [11.25.10 – LIGHT ISO] – Based on (K)Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS “Noble” – KDE Plasma 5 Environment Platform – Themes inspired by Windows 10 and 11 for PowerTools – New theme “Redsand” w10 and w11 for PowerTools – Kernel 6.14 (with advanced hardware support) – Repositories for nvidia with the latest drivers versions – New lastest mesa driver with Kisak-mesa PPA – Legacy and EFI support – Support for Android with PlayStore and OpenGL for PowerTools – Native support for Onedrive with graphical interface – Native Live Wallpaper for Winux Desktop – Microsoft Edge (Last Version) – Mozzila ThunderBird Emal Client (Last Version) – Hardinfo 2.2.13 – OnlyOffice 9 – New Login Screen for Active Directory users – MissionCenter 1.0.2 – PowerTools 1.8.3 Free and Pro – Microsoft Teams Preview for Linux – Wallpapers Content [NEW FEATURE] – Over 1GB of package updates
• [11.25.10 – NORMAL ISO] + LIGHT CONTENT – Wine Stable shipped with improvements for PowerTools – Google Chrome (Last Version) – 4K Video Download+ pre-installed – Oracle Java 24 shipped – Heroic Launcher (Epic Games, GOG and Amazon games) – MangoHud and Feral Game Mode pre-installed – Steam completely pre-installed
• [11.25.10 – FAT ISO] + LIGHT CONTENT + NORMAL CONTENT – WinBoat 0.8.7 for run native Windows App – Docker 28 (need by WinBoat)

Rafael Rachid continues to lead active development on Winux, with a focus on long-term stability, performance on older devices, and enhanced AI integration—especially timely after Microsoft’s end-of-support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which has spotlighted Winux as a lightweight alternative for legacy hardware. The latest release is Winux 11.25.10 LTS “NOBLE” (based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS), offering five years of free updates and emphasizing speed, security, and no hardware restrictions.

Source: WinuxOS.org