AnduinOS 1.3: A Windows‑Lookalike Linux Distro Built by a Microsoft Engineer
AnduinOS 1.3, a Ubuntu‑based Linux distribution that mimics Windows 11’s interface, was created by a Microsoft China engineer in his spare time, offering GNOME 48, built‑in software store, clipboard shortcuts, HDR support, and a seamless transition for Windows users seeking a familiar desktop experience.
Background and Release
AnduinOS 1.3 was released recently. It upgrades the base system to Ubuntu 25.04 and adopts GNOME 48 as the default desktop environment, combining Ubuntu’s stability with a more Windows‑like visual layer.
UI Design
The desktop layout intentionally mirrors Windows 11: task‑bar icons are centered, the start menu is positioned on the left side of the panel, and a weather button is added to the panel – a small GNOME extension not present in the upstream desktop.
New Functionalities
GNOME 48 provides stronger graphics performance and faster UI response compared with previous GNOME versions.
GNOME Software is pre‑installed with Flatpak support, allowing users to install graphical applications without manually configuring additional repositories.
A clipboard‑history shortcut (Super + V) offers Windows‑style clipboard history, improving productivity.
HDR support is enabled, which is useful for developers working with graphics or video pipelines.
System Identification
The distribution identifies itself as Ubuntu in /etc/os-release, ensuring compatibility with Ubuntu‑based tools and community resources.
Developer Background
The distro is a solo side project of Anduin Xue, a full‑time Microsoft China engineer. He started from an official Ubuntu ISO, replaced UI assets, added the custom settings described above, and repackaged the image to create AnduinOS.
Community Reception
AnduinOS quickly appeared on Distrowatch’s trending list and generated discussion on Reddit and other Linux forums. Users appreciate the familiar Windows‑like appearance for an easier transition, while some critics view it as merely a visual skin over Ubuntu.
References
Official website: https://www.anduinos.com/
Developer’s blog post: https://news.anduinos.com/post/2025/5/6/story-behind-anduinos-a-letter-from-anduin
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Liangxu, a self‑taught IT professional now working as a Linux development engineer at a Fortune 500 multinational, shares extensive Linux knowledge—fundamentals, applications, tools, plus Git, databases, Raspberry Pi, etc. (Reply “Linux” to receive essential resources.)
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