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ZDNET key takeaways
These Linux distributions require zero post-install work.
Each of these options is usable out of the box.
You won't need to install software or tweak the desktop.
Every time I've had to install Windows (which is a nightmare), it seems there's always work to do to get it working as needed. You may need to install drivers and software, remove ads, update the system (which can take a long time), remove bloatware, tweak the UI, disable taskbar and lock screen widgets, disable system notifications, enable system protection, and more.
With many Linux distributions, the list is considerably shorter. If you opt to use the right Linux distribution, you'll find it might be just perfect out of the box.
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But which Linux distributions offer such a post-install nirvana? The list might not be long, but it's enough to give you choices. Each of the distributions below requires little work once the OS is up and running. To make this list even more appealing, all of these distros are not even remotely challenging to install. To achieve this standing, I think a distribution must:
Be simple to install
Include the necessary apps out of the box
Not require any changes before the desktop is useful
Not insist that the user upgrades immediately after installation
Include little to no bloatware
Not include ads (of any sort)
Detect most (if not all) hardware automatically
With those factors sorted, let's look at the list of best out-of-the-box distributions.
1. Linux Mint
It should be no surprise that Linux Mint is on this list. I would go so far as to say that Linux Mint is the single best out-of-the-box experience of any OS on the market. Once you've installed the OS, you are ready to go. Sure, you might have to set up your email accounts in the default mail client, but other than that, you won't have to do much.
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Linux Mint checks all of the above boxes and offers a user interface that is about as simple as it gets. Anyone will feel right at home using the default installation and will be thrilled that they have to do nothing after the OS is installed to be productive, creative, or entertained.
Although Linux Mint is not my distribution of choice, I certainly envy those who use it because of how little work they have to do out of the box. Seriously, it cannot be overstated how easy Linux Mint is to use immediately after the OS installation. If you are looking for the best out-of-the-box experience of any OS on the market, Linux Mint is what you want.
Screenshot by sjvn/ZDNET
2. Manjaro
You might not expect to find an Arch-based Linux distribution on a list related to ease of use. Well, get over the doubt because Manjaro fits this particular bill perfectly.
Manjaro makes Arch incredibly easy to install. The distro defaults to a gorgeous KDE Plasma desktop, includes all the software you need (without bloatware), doesn't require immediate installation, has outstanding hardware detection, and doesn't require any UI changes to make it useful.
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Out of the box, Manjaro is surprisingly useful. You might also think that KDE Plasma is a bit too much for people seeking a simple out-of-the-box experience, but this particular desktop doesn't demand anything from users. Sure, you can customize KDE Plasma to your heart's content, but you don't have to.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
3. ZorinOS
ZorinOS is about as complete an operating system as you'll ever use, and the onboarding experience is great. ZorinOS includes the software you need (and not much more), a simple tool for connecting your mobile phone, an easy installation, and a handy Zorin Appearance app to help users select the desktop layout they want.
The latest release of ZorinOS (18 beta) is also gorgeous, so there'll be no reason to tweak it out of the box. ZorinOS uses the Brave browser by default, so you don't even have to install a more secure browser.
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You also get the Evolution email client, which includes a full groupware suite (Email, Calendar, Contacts, to-dos, and a much more modern UI than you'll find when the app is installed on other distributions). And because ZorinOS has Flatpak support rolled into the app store, you can install proprietary apps like Slack and Spotify out of the box.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
4. Pop!_OS
For a distribution that was created for developers (and similar creators), Pop!_OS is surprisingly user-friendly out of the box. One of the best things about Pop!_OS is that you can download ISOs for either Nvidia or AMD graphics, so you know there will be no reason to install drivers for whatever GPU you have on your machine.
Pop!_OS also only adds the software you need to get to work after installation. With System76 soon to be migrating from GNOME to the COSMIC Desktop, the distribution has even more reasons to be on this list. COSMIC is far easier to use than the GNOME-based desktop, is exponentially faster, has a more logical workflow, and includes a fantastic tiling window manager option.
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And, yes, Pop!_OS includes all the software you need and far more configurations than the GNOME-based option will ever have, which means you won't need to hunt down extensions to make the desktop useful. Pop!_OS has been my default Linux distribution for years, and I've watched it evolve into the spectacular desktop option it is today.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
5. Ubuntu Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie holds a special place in my heart because it's a wonderful desktop to look at and use. This Linux distribution requires almost no work after installation, includes all the software you need (with no added bloat), and offers a delightful out-of-the-box experience.
I've installed Ubuntu Budgie many times over the years, and always look at the default desktop and think it doesn't need anything else. Sure, I might change the panel to a dock, but other than that, I'm good with the default desktop.
Coming from someone who's rather picky about their desktops, that's saying something. Even with Pop!_OS (especially with COSMIC), I tend to do some tweaking after installation is finished. With Ubuntu Budgie, not so much.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You can always find something you want to change with your desktop environment, but if you're looking for a Linux distribution that doesn't need any changes, these are your best places to start.