Last updated: January 16, 2023
There are so many Linux distros on the market, but which are the most popular in 2023? We've compiled a list of the top 10 most popular Linux distros this year, based on popularity and downloads data. Indeed, whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, there is something for everyone in this list.
Let's discover together the Linux distributions that have captured the hearts of users this year! But before that, let's first see what Linux is and the elements that mainly differentiate the distributions.
The elements differentiating Linux distributions
A distribution of GNU / Linux is the assembly of a Linux kernel, basic utilities, and higher level software to provide a turnkey system.
There is a very wide variety of distributions, each with its own objectives and philosophy.
The main differentiating elements of the distributions are:
- User-friendliness (ease of implementation).
- Notoriety (informative community to solve problems).
- The desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, ...).
- The type of package used to distribute software (mainly deb and RPM).
- The maintainer of the distribution (usually a company or a community).
The common point is the kernel and a number of commands.
In this computer guide, we are going to learn about the 10 most popular distributions according to DistroWatch website information Linux specialist.
1) MXLinux

MX Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed to be lightweight, fast, and easy to use. It offers XFCE as a desktop environment.
Also, it is very customizable, with many tools and configuration options for power users.
It also includes a number of handy tools such as MX Tools, which makes package management and booting easier, and MX Live USB, which makes it easy to create an installation USB stick.
All in all, MX Linux is a popular, stable, fast, easy-to-use, and customizable Linux distribution that will suit a wide audience, whether you are an experienced user or a beginner.
2) EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS is also very popular, being the second most popular Linux distribution after MX Linux. Indeed, it was designed to be easy to use, even for beginners.
EndeavourOS has a modern look and is based on Arch Linux, which means it's always up to date with the latest technologies.
It's like a castle for computer scientists, full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Indeed, it includes a lot of pre-installed software for users, such as web browsers, email clients, text editors, developer tools, and so on. In addition, it is very customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your specific needs.
So step aboard EndeavourOS and get ready for an incredible adventure in the world of Linux!
3) Linux Mint

Today, Linux Mint is one of best linux distros. It was born in 2006 and it is known for its simplicity of installation and use.
Initially based on the Ubuntu distribution, Linux Mint stands out from the latter by adding codecs (MP3, DivX, win32) and proprietary drivers such as those for Nvidia or ATI graphics cards to the many free software.
4) Manjaro

Manjaro Linux, is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux offering Xfce, KDE, GNOME and Cinnamon as desktop environments.
Manjaro provides user interface tools and scripts to make life easier for beginners. Indeed, it is a free operating system for personal computers. It aims to be easy to use while providing the richness of the Arch Linux community.
5) Distribution Pop! BONE

Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that stands out for its ease of use and friendliness for desktop users. It uses the APT package manager to manage software updates and installations. Also, it uses a Gnome desktop environment.
Pop!_OS includes built-in development tools such as GCC, GDB, and Git. These tools are essential for developers who want to build software on this platform.
In summary, Pop!_OS is ideal for users looking for a modern, stable and easy-to-use Linux distribution.
6) Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the most popular and trusted Linux distributions out there, and for good reason! First of all, this distribution uses the APT package manager, which is incredibly easy to use for installing, updating and managing applications.
Also, Ubuntu comes with a Gnome desktop environment. You can change the look of your desktop, add widgets, and even use themes to personalize your user experience. It's like having a personal designer create a custom office environment for you!
But it's not just about the user experience, Ubuntu is also very secure. It includes regular security updates to protect users.
In summary, Ubuntu is a stable, reliable and fun to use Linux distribution.
7) Fedora

Fedora is a GNU / Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. This distribution aims to be a complete and general operating system, composed only of free and open source software.
Indeed, Fedora derives from the Red Hat Linux distribution and it is intended to replace the client version of Red Hat Linux, which was aimed at end users.
Finally, Fedora's support comes largely from its community, although Red Hat employs many developers for Fedora, the company does not provide official support for ordinary users.
8) Debian
Debian is a Linux distribution that was released in 1993. First and foremost, Debian is a free operating system, which means anyone can use, modify, and distribute it for free. It is also an open-source operating system, which means that the source code is available to anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of Debian.
It offers a choice of several desktop environments, such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, and LXDE. Indeed, users can choose the one they prefer during installation or by installing it later.
Also, in terms of architecture, Debian is designed to be used on a variety of hardware platforms, including desktops, servers, and laptops. It is also available for x86, x86-64, IA-64, armel and armhf architectures.
When it comes to software management, Debian uses a package system to manage installed software, which allows for easy software installation and updating. It uses apt to manage packages.
9) Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux is an Arch Linux based distribution. It is designed to be easy to use for novice users while offering great flexibility for experienced users.
The basic installation includes a package manager, Pacman, for easy software installation and updating. Garuda also uses the Xfce desktop configuration system, which is lightweight and easy to use.
Also, it comes with a variety of pre-installed software for immediate use, such as Firefox, Thunderbird, and LibreOffice. Finally, Garuda has an active community of developers and users to help troubleshoot issues and provide regular updates.
In sum, Garuda Linux is a stable, easy-to-use, and flexible distro suitable for a wide range of users.
10) LiteLinux

Lite Linux is a lightweight distribution based on Ubuntu. It stands out for its use of Xfce as a desktop environment. He is known for his speed and lightness. This makes it a good option for older computers or those with limited hardware specs.
Lite Linux primarily targets Windows users. It aims to provide a complete set of applications to help users with their daily computing needs.
Indeed, it comes with a number of pre-installed software for immediate use, such as Firefox, Thunderbird and LibreOffice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 10 most popular Linux distros in 2023 are those that offer a combination of stability, ease of use, and advanced features. It is therefore important to choose the distribution that best suits your needs.
Finally, for our part, our favorite distro is Kali Linux, a distribution specializing in cybersecurity. It is based on Debian and designed for pentesters and cybersecurity professionals. It includes a large number of pre-installed tools for penetration testing and security analysis such as Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, Aircrack-ng, among others.
And you, what is your favorite linux distro and why ?
I started with Emmabuntu, then Mint (thanks Valombre), and on USB key, without knowing anything about Linux. Never tried to write a command line! I still had a lot of difficulties with the stability of the system.
Today I'm on Zorin, which is suitable for a computer nerd like me who is a little resourceful. I can even install packages! wow! Only criticism: the PC must be muscular for it to be properly responsive... but otherwise No worries with this distro
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your journey with Linux, through Emmabuntu, Mint and finally Zorin, is truly inspiring. I strongly encourage you to continue exploring the world of Linux. Do not hesitate to come back to us if you need more help or advice.
Following several tests in the beginnings of linux graphical interfaces (when we still had to #mount to access the CD 🙂 ), I tested a distro and I fell in love with it then I evolved with it:
Mandrake then Mandriva and now Mageia
I like :
– Its hardware compatibility … apart from problems with dual graphics cards that gave me a hard time on laptops, I've never had a problem with any hardware.
– Its ease of use
– Its power to customize graphical interfaces.
… thanks to its control center.
– Its easily accessible and installable software libraries.
… and its large French support community.
Since the time, I was able to convert linux users (especially unbuntu) to migrate as much as to discover and try the linux world to full windows…. but also installed the distro to older people who had no computer knowledge.
… I may test other distro (because you always have to test everything you can.) but I always come back to the same thing.
Yann
Thank you for your comment, Yann. It's encouraging to see that you've found a Linux distro that suits your needs and that you're so excited about it.
It's true that hardware compatibility is a crucial aspect of any operating system, and it's great to see that the distro you're using works well with your hardware. Ease of use and customization of the GUI are also important aspects for many users.
It's also great to see that you've been able to help other people learn about Linux.
Personally I started sour ubuntu then xubuntu when unity arrived. It didn't tell me anything to change and have to take up new habits 🙂
At one time, I tried every distro I could find (including two years on Ubuntu), and finally settled on Mandriva, then Mageia.
That's where I feel the most comfortable, I'm not a computer scientist, I don't have any work related to computers...
Mageia is really great.
Its very active French-speaking community on the forum is a real plus.
Hello,
Personally, I switched to Manjaro for the conversion of an old laptop and I'm super happy with its stability.
Special dedication for the management of applications via https://snapcraft.io/
I love this distribution customizable to wish.
Claude
2 Distributions that I have liked for years: Zorin OS and ROSA Fresh Linux.
kali linux, I seriously love it, you have everything you need
Distrowatch is not the ranking of the most used distros
and if it was the case Ubuntu is in front of it fat to add to it xu lu ku and many others
Linux Mint
For people who want to leave Windows and not switch to Mac, frankly linux mint is the perfect solution.
Where is manjaro?
Good ???
A correction for mageia: the term means magic in Greek, not French
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magie_%28surnaturel%29
nb: debian, not debian 😉
I think you should have mentioned the fact that the choice of distribution also depends on the use you want to make of it!
Indeed, if you are looking for a distro that is more multimedia-oriented, the choice will be mainly towards Ubuntu or Mint style distros because of their ease of use and their graphical environment.
Personally, my GNU/Linux machines serve as web servers so they run under Debian Wheezy 7.01 without a graphical interface.
My data server is when it has BackTrack linux full encrypted via Tomb for security.
Just to say that Mark Shuttleworth was born here near my home in South Africa. We are proud of him! So Ubuntu is an African Linux distribution!
Yes indeed Osvaldo, we need people like him in Africa!