AnduinOS: A Microsoft Engineer's Take on Ubuntu

In the diverse world of Linux distributions, remixes and custom spins are commonplace. They often aim to tailor the user experience, software selection, or underlying architecture for specific purposes or user preferences. Among these, projects that seek to bridge the gap between Linux and other operating systems, particularly Windows, hold a unique appeal. This is especially true as major operating systems evolve, sometimes leaving older hardware behind or introducing interface changes that users find disruptive. Enter AnduinOS, a relatively new player in the Ubuntu remix scene, notable for its creator's background and its distinct visual identity.

AnduinOS is the brainchild of Anduin Xue, a developer whose day job is at Microsoft. This origin story immediately sets AnduinOS apart. While Microsoft's relationship with Linux has evolved dramatically over the past decade, seeing one of their own engineers contribute a personal project like an Ubuntu remix is intriguing. It speaks to the open nature of the Linux ecosystem and perhaps the growing acceptance of Linux within traditionally Windows-centric environments.

Currently on its fourth iteration, AnduinOS version 1.3 is built upon the foundation of Ubuntu 25.04. While based on an interim Ubuntu release, the project has already demonstrated a commitment to providing Long Term Support (LTS) options, with versions 1.0 and 1.1 based on Ubuntu 22.04 ("Jammy") and 24.04 ("Noble") respectively. The roadmap indicates that version 1.5 will align with the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, offering users stability and extended support – a crucial factor for those seeking a reliable daily driver operating system.

Reshaping GNOME in the Image of Windows 11

The most immediately striking aspect of AnduinOS is its desktop environment. Unlike many remixes that opt for alternative desktops like KDE Plasma, XFCE, or Cinnamon, AnduinOS sticks with Ubuntu's default: GNOME. However, it doesn't present the standard GNOME experience. Instead, it employs a comprehensive set of themes and extensions to transform the GNOME desktop into something remarkably similar to Windows 11.

This visual transformation is achieved through a collection of 18 preloaded GNOME extensions. These extensions modify various aspects of the desktop, from the appearance of the panel (taskbar) and the application menu (Start menu) to window decorations and overall theme. The goal is clearly to provide a "soft landing" for users migrating from Windows, particularly those familiar with the modern interface of Windows 11. The resemblance is strong, even extending to the choice of default wallpaper, which echoes the aesthetic of Microsoft's latest desktop OS.

While effective in achieving the desired look, relying heavily on GNOME extensions comes with potential drawbacks. GNOME extensions are known for their susceptibility to breaking with updates to the core GNOME shell. As GNOME evolves, extensions often require updates to remain compatible. This dependency could potentially complicate future OS upgrades for AnduinOS users. However, the GNOME project itself has been working on improving the stability and compatibility of extensions, which could mitigate this risk over time.

This approach contrasts slightly with other Windows-friendly Linux distributions like Zorin OS. Zorin OS also aims to provide a familiar interface for Windows users, offering different layouts that mimic Windows 7, 10, and 11. While Zorin OS utilizes GNOME (or XFCE for its Lite version), it often employs its own customized versions of extensions or desktop components rather than relying solely on upstream ones. Zorin OS also actively sponsors the development of popular GNOME extensions like Dash to Panel, contributing back to the ecosystem while ensuring their compatibility. AnduinOS, being a one-man project, relies on the existing extension landscape, which is a pragmatic approach but carries the aforementioned compatibility risks.

Packaging Philosophy: Flatpak Over Snap

Beyond the visual layer, AnduinOS implements a significant philosophical shift away from Canonical's default choices. One of the most notable changes is the complete removal of the Snap packaging format and its associated tools. Canonical has increasingly pushed Snap as the default application packaging system for Ubuntu, integrating it deeply into the distribution and even shipping core applications like Firefox as Snap packages by default in recent releases.

However, Snap has faced criticism from parts of the Linux community regarding its performance, integration with the desktop, and Canonical's centralized control over the Snap Store. Many users and other distributions prefer alternative universal packaging formats like Flatpak or stick to traditional distribution-specific package managers (like Debian's APT, which Ubuntu uses for its core system).

AnduinOS firmly aligns itself with the Flatpak camp. It removes Snap support entirely and configures the GNOME Software application store to exclusively list and manage Flatpak applications. While the default installation of AnduinOS comes with no Flatpaks pre-installed (it uses native .deb packages for included software like Firefox), the clear intention is that users will install additional applications primarily via Flatpak. This strategy offers several advantages:

• **Access to Newer Software:** Flatpak often provides more up-to-date versions of applications compared to the versions available in distribution repositories, which can sometimes lag behind.
• **Sandboxing:** Flatpak applications run in sandboxed environments, which can enhance security by isolating applications from the rest of the system.
• **Distribution Agnosticism:** Flatpak aims to be distribution-agnostic, meaning a Flatpak package should theoretically run on any Linux distribution with Flatpak support, simplifying software distribution for developers.
• **User Control:** For users who dislike Snap, providing Flatpak as the primary universal format offers a preferred alternative.

The trade-off, as the article notes, is increased disk space usage. Flatpak packages bundle most of their dependencies, leading to larger file sizes compared to traditional package formats that rely on shared system libraries. However, for many modern systems, the benefits of newer software, sandboxing, and a consistent installation experience outweigh the increased storage footprint.

A Minimalist Core

Following a trend seen in recent Ubuntu releases, AnduinOS adopts a minimal default installation. Since Ubuntu 23.10, the "minimal installation" option has become the default, providing a base system with essential utilities and a web browser, but omitting a full suite of productivity and accessory applications. AnduinOS takes a similar approach.

The default installation includes core GNOME accessories like an image viewer, document viewer, media players, calculator, and a BitTorrent client. However, it notably lacks a pre-installed office suite, email client, or messaging applications. This lean setup contributes to a smaller initial download size (around 2 GB for AnduinOS 1.3, significantly smaller than the full 6.25 GB Ubuntu GNOME image) and a reduced disk footprint after installation (approximately 6.9 GB, including a 2 GB swap file, which is quite reasonable for a modern OS).

This minimalist approach is well-suited for users whose primary computer activities revolve around web browsing and basic tasks. For users needing a full productivity suite or other specific applications, these must be installed separately, presumably via the Flatpak-configured software center. While this adds an extra step during initial setup for some, it also means the user's system isn't cluttered with applications they don't intend to use, contributing to a cleaner and potentially faster experience.

Performance and Resource Usage

Despite using GNOME, which has historically been perceived as more resource-intensive than some alternative desktop environments, AnduinOS appears to manage resources reasonably well. The article reports idle RAM usage of 1.3 GB. For a 2025 Linux distribution running a modern GNOME desktop, this is a respectable figure, suggesting that the minimalist installation and perhaps underlying optimizations contribute to a lighter load than a full-featured GNOME setup might otherwise entail.

It's worth noting that recent versions of GNOME, such as GNOME 48 (which would be relevant for a distribution based on Ubuntu 25.04), have seen performance tuning efforts aimed at improving responsiveness and reducing resource consumption, particularly on lower-end hardware. This work within the upstream GNOME project likely benefits AnduinOS as well, helping it to run smoothly even on systems that might struggle with more demanding operating environments.

The "less is more" principle championed by some in the FOSS community seems to be at play here. By starting with a minimal base and allowing users to build up their application set using Flatpaks, AnduinOS offers a balance between a modern, visually appealing desktop and relatively modest resource requirements. This makes it a potentially viable option for repurposing older PCs that may not meet the stringent hardware requirements of Windows 11.

Context: The "End of 10" and Windows Alternatives

The timing of AnduinOS's emergence is particularly relevant given the impending "End of 10" – referring to the approaching end of support for Windows 10. As this deadline looms, many users with older hardware that doesn't officially support Windows 11 are beginning to explore alternative operating systems. Linux distributions, with their reputation for flexibility, lower hardware requirements, and cost-free nature, are often at the top of this list.

This trend has fueled interest in Linux distributions that offer a familiar user experience, minimizing the learning curve for Windows expatriates. Distributions like Zorin OS have long catered to this audience, providing polished, user-friendly environments that resemble Windows. The attention AnduinOS has garnered, despite being a relatively new and small project, is likely a direct result of this increased demand for Windows-replacement options.

The creator, Anduin Xue, has expressed surprise at the level of interest his side project has attracted. However, in the current climate, a well-executed Ubuntu remix that offers a Windows 11 aesthetic and addresses common Linux pain points (like application availability via Flatpak) is bound to attract attention from users seeking a comfortable transition.

Documentation and Development

One area where AnduinOS punches above its weight for a hobby project is its documentation. The project provides good documentation, including a clear version history and a future roadmap. This level of transparency and support is often lacking in smaller, volunteer-driven projects and is a significant positive for potential users. Knowing the project's history, current status (like the base Ubuntu version and its support lifecycle), and future plans instills confidence and helps users make informed decisions.

The roadmap outlining future LTS releases based on Ubuntu 26.04 demonstrates a commitment to providing a stable, long-term platform for users. This is crucial for attracting users looking for a reliable operating system for their primary computer, rather than just a temporary experiment.

As a one-man project, the pace of development and the breadth of features might be more limited compared to larger, commercially backed distributions or those with vast community contributions. However, the focused approach on delivering a polished Windows 11-like GNOME experience with Flatpak support and a minimal base seems achievable and well-executed so far.

Comparison to Other Ubuntu-Based Distros

Comparing AnduinOS to other popular Ubuntu-based distributions highlights its unique position:

• **Standard Ubuntu:** AnduinOS offers a significantly different desktop aesthetic and packaging philosophy (Flatpak instead of Snap) while retaining the Ubuntu core. It's also notably smaller in download size and initial installation footprint compared to the full Ubuntu GNOME.
• **Zorin OS:** Both aim for a Windows-like experience. Zorin OS offers more layout options (mimicking older Windows versions too) and has a paid Ultimate version with extra software and support. AnduinOS focuses specifically on the Windows 11 look and uses upstream GNOME extensions, whereas Zorin OS uses more customized components and sponsors extension development.
• **Linux Mint (Cinnamon):** Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop is a fork of GNOME 3, designed to provide a more traditional desktop layout familiar to Windows users. It uses APT and Flatpak but avoids Snap. While Cinnamon is a mature and popular desktop, its Wayland support is still experimental, whereas AnduinOS, by sticking closer to upstream GNOME, reportedly works well with both X.org and Wayland.
• **Xubuntu (Minimal):** The article mentions the minimal version of Xubuntu 25.04. Xubuntu uses the lightweight XFCE desktop and also offers a Snap-free experience. While Xubuntu is lighter in terms of desktop environment resources, the minimal AnduinOS installation seems competitive in terms of disk space and RAM usage for a GNOME-based system, and provides the specific Windows 11 visual theme that Xubuntu does not.

AnduinOS carves out its niche by specifically targeting the Windows 11 aesthetic on top of a minimal, Snap-free Ubuntu base, leveraging upstream GNOME and Flatpak. Its lightweight nature and focus on a modern Windows look make it a compelling option for a specific segment of users.

Conclusion

AnduinOS is a fascinating project, demonstrating what a single developer with a clear vision can achieve within the flexible Linux ecosystem. The choice to base it on Ubuntu provides a solid, well-supported core, while the modifications to the GNOME desktop offer a highly familiar interface for Windows 11 users. The decision to replace Snap with Flatpak aligns with the preferences of many in the Linux community and provides access to a wide range of up-to-date applications.

While relying heavily on GNOME extensions presents potential challenges for future stability, the current execution is polished and effective. The minimal installation keeps the initial footprint small, making it suitable for older hardware, and the commitment to documentation and LTS releases is commendable for a project of this scale.

As the "End of 10" approaches and more users seek alternatives, distributions like AnduinOS are likely to become increasingly popular. It offers a compelling blend of familiarity, modern aesthetics, and a user-friendly approach to software management via Flatpak, all built on the robust foundation of Ubuntu. Developers of larger, more established distributions could indeed learn from the focused approach and attention to detail demonstrated by this promising Ubuntu remix from a Microsoft engineer.

Bootnote

As a final thought, one can't help but notice the project creator's first name, Anduin. This is famously the name of a major river in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Whether this is a deliberate nod from the developer or a mere coincidence, it adds a touch of fantasy to this very real-world operating system project.