7 Features Windows Needs to Steal from Linux
Microsoft Windows dominates the desktop operating system market, but Linux has long been a playground for innovation. While Windows has adopted some Linux-inspired features—like the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)—there are still several areas where Linux outshines it. Here are seven features Windows should steal from Linux to improve user experience, security, and performance.
1. Native Package Management System
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux distributions use powerful package managers like APT (Debian/Ubuntu), DNF (Fedora), and Pacman (Arch Linux) to install, update, and remove software.
Windows’ Problem: Windows still relies on EXE and MSI installers, leading to security risks and dependency issues.
How Windows Can Improve: Microsoft should expand WinGet into a full-fledged package manager, integrating it into the Microsoft Store and supporting third-party repositories.
2. A True System-Wide Dark Mode
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux desktop environments support a true system-wide dark mode, applying it to both system UI and third-party applications.
Windows’ Problem: Windows' dark mode is incomplete—many legacy apps remain unaffected.
How Windows Can Improve: Microsoft needs to enforce a unified dark mode API and allow users to customize themes more extensively.
3. Proper Virtual Desktops with Persistent Sessions
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux has had multiple workspaces for decades, and they persist after a reboot.
Windows’ Problem: Windows’ virtual desktops reset after restart and lack efficient keyboard shortcuts.
How Windows Can Improve: Make virtual desktops persistent and add better keyboard shortcuts.
4. A More Secure Permission System
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux enforces strict user permissions using a root and sudo model.
Windows’ Problem: Windows UAC is inconsistent, and users often disable it due to frequent pop-ups.
How Windows Can Improve: Implement per-app permission control and require authentication for system-level changes.
5. No Forced Updates & Better Rolling Release Model
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux allows full control over updates and supports rolling release models.
Windows’ Problem: Windows forces updates unpredictably, sometimes causing disruptions.
How Windows Can Improve: Allow users to fully control updates and introduce an optional rolling release channel.
6. A More Lightweight & Modular System
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux lets users remove unnecessary components, improving performance.
Windows’ Problem: Windows is bloated with background processes and pre-installed apps.
How Windows Can Improve: Offer a lightweight Windows version and allow users to remove system components.
7. Better Default Terminal & Shell Integration
Why Linux Does It Better: Linux terminals (Bash, Zsh, Fish) are deeply integrated and highly customizable.
Windows’ Problem: Windows Terminal is improving but still feels secondary to the OS.
How Windows Can Improve: Make Windows Terminal the default and enhance PowerShell’s functionality.
Conclusion
While Windows is a powerful OS, it lags behind Linux in several key areas. By adopting native package management, improved dark mode, better virtual desktops, stronger permissions, flexible updates, a lightweight system, and a modern terminal, Windows could greatly enhance its usability and security.
With Microsoft's growing interest in Linux (WSL, open-source projects), it's possible we might see some of these features in future Windows updates. Until then, Linux users will continue enjoying these benefits while Windows users wait for Microsoft to catch up.
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