What is the Difference Between Microsoft Windows and Linux?

06/23/2025 • Giovanni Medeiros

The main differences between Microsoft Windows and Linux are:

  1. Source and Licensing: Linux is an open-source operating system, allowing users to access and modify the source code as needed. Windows, on the other hand, is a commercial operating system with a license.
  2. Cost: Linux is generally free of cost, while Windows is costly and requires a paid license.
  3. File System: Linux has a case-sensitive file system, whereas Windows has a case-insensitive file system.
  4. Kernel: Linux uses a monolithic kernel, while Windows uses a microkernel.
  5. Efficiency: Linux is considered more efficient compared to Windows.
  6. Security: Linux is known for its strong security and ease of bug fixing due to its open-source nature. Windows, with its large user base, is more vulnerable to attacks.
  7. User Interface: Windows is known for its user-friendly interface, while Linux's interface may be less intuitive for some users.
  8. Gaming: Windows has a larger gaming market share, as most developers create games for Windows. Linux has a smaller gaming community.
  9. Customization: Linux is preferred for its customizability and community support, while Windows is more focused on ease of use for non-technical users.
  10. Hardware Compatibility: Linux can run faster even with older hardware, while Windows may require more resources.

In summary, Linux is an open-source, efficient, and secure operating system with a strong focus on customization and community support. Windows is a commercial, user-friendly operating system with a larger gaming market share and more resources required. The choice between the two depends on the user's preferences and needs.

Comparative Table: Microsoft Windows vs Linux

Here is a table comparing the differences between Microsoft Windows and Linux:

Feature Windows Linux
Source code Closed source, proprietary software Open source with community support
Cost Costly, with licensing fees Free of cost
File naming Case-insensitive Case-sensitive
Kernel type Microkernel Monolithic kernel
Performance May be slower with certain configurations Faster and more efficient, even on older hardware
Security More vulnerable to attacks due to large user base Less vulnerable to attacks and easier to fix bugs
File system Hierarchical structure with different drives Tree-like, hierarchical file system
Peripherals Devices (hard drives, CD-ROMs, printers) Files (hard drives, CD-ROMs, printers)
User account types 4 types (Administrator, Standard, Child, Guest) 3 types (Regular, Root, Service)
Design philosophy User-friendly, easy to use for non-programmers Developer-friendly, customizable, and versatile

Please note that these are general comparisons, and specific variations may exist depending on the version and distribution of Windows and Linux being compared.

Read more