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Rocky Linux vs Windows 11 comparison

Rocky Linux and Microsoft are both solutions in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category. Rocky Linux is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.6, while Microsoft is ranked #7 with an average rating of 8.5. Rocky Linux holds a 14.3% mindshare in OSB, compared to Microsoft’s 8.0% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Rocky Linux users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 93% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.
Rocky Linux
Read 17 Rocky Linux reviews
  • 12,000 Views
  • 12,000 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Windows 11
Read 48 Windows 11 reviews
  • 4,916 Views
  • 4,867 Comparison Views
93% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Rocky Linux and Windows 11 compete in the operating systems category. Windows 11 seems to have the upper hand due to its advanced features and wider native application compatibility.

Features: Rocky Linux offers stability, security, and customization. Server administrators and developers favor it for its flexibility. Rocky Linux allows for extensive system modification to fit specific needs. Windows 11 offers a polished experience with a variety of pre-installed applications. It has robust gaming support and integration with Microsoft's ecosystem. Windows 11 provides a user-friendly interface and versatility in handling different user needs.

Room for Improvement: Rocky Linux can improve in hardware compatibility and user-friendly guides for new users. It also needs better support for third-party applications. Windows 11 requires better resource efficiency and a less intrusive update process. Users also seek faster performance on older hardware and more control over privacy settings.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Rocky Linux offers straightforward deployment, especially for users with prior Linux experience. However, it lacks comprehensive customer support. Windows 11 provides a guided setup process with extensive customer support. The setup is accessible for a wider audience, but the heavy system requirements can be a barrier.

Pricing and ROI: Rocky Linux is a cost-effective solution with a strong ROI due to its lack of substantial licensing fees. It is suited for businesses needing a reliable and secure OS. Windows 11 has higher initial costs but offers extensive features and strong user support, providing solid ROI for power users and those integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.

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To learn more, read our detailed Rocky Linux vs. Windows 11 Report (Updated: September 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Rocky Linux vs. Windows 11
September 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
3.9
Switching to Rocky Linux saved costs and time, enhanced problem resolution, and supported increased employee onboarding and organizational growth.
Sentiment score
5.4
Windows 11 offers 30%-90% ROI, praised for stability and efficiency; however, pricing and incentives need improvement for some users.
When it comes to return on investment, a lot of money is saved since we moved from a purchased license to the open source provided by Rocky Linux.
ROI has been good as we have significant open source community involvement.
I have seen a return on investment since there was definitely money saved at the time due to the lack of need for licensing since Rocky is available openly.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
Windows 11 is more stable compared to its earlier versions.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
Basil Jiji - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2758263 - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2772054 - PeerSpot reviewer
PK
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
4.1
Rocky Linux customer service is reliable, with quick responses, good documentation, and high user satisfaction despite limited official reliance.
Sentiment score
5.4
Windows 11 technical support varies, with mixed reviews on Microsoft's access and effectiveness, but enterprise users often resolve issues independently.
The support level is extraordinary, providing on-time assistance.
We have not yet needed to contact a vendor regarding Rocky Linux.
Even if we raise a support ticket, we receive a resolution or a reply from the team within two business days.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
Everything should work perfectly if you have new hardware that matches the Windows 11 requirements.
For issues that require level three or level four support, they initiate a process with Microsoft to address the problem.
The technical support team’s response time is very slow.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
DILIP BHARADWAJ - PeerSpot reviewerKRISTOF Laenen - PeerSpot reviewerBasil Jiji - PeerSpot reviewer
AI
MA
Anand_Kulkarni - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
5.3
Rocky Linux is scalable and user-friendly, with organizations recommending automation tools for efficient setup and expansion.
Sentiment score
5.3
Windows 11 is praised for scalability and ease of installation, despite some hardware integration challenges.
Even if the server is not responding and we want to attach the volume on another instance or a temporary instance, it is very easy and straightforward with no hiccups.
It has handled growth or changing needs well.
The scalability is quite good, though there are some issues with Rocky Linux.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
The system is used to control the whole site and the air traffic in every city.
We faced challenges integrating it in multi-app environments, requiring complex API setups.
The solution's scalability is good because it allows you to run a large number of virtual machines.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
reviewer2758479 - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2772054 - PeerSpot reviewerJetsada Malaisirirat - PeerSpot reviewerYantao Zhao - PeerSpot reviewerDeepak Kumar Software - PeerSpot reviewerAnand_Kulkarni - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.1
Rocky Linux is praised for its stability, ease of use, scalability, and reliable performance on low-resource systems and hardware.
Sentiment score
5.9
Windows 11 is stable for basic applications but has performance issues, with some users preferring Windows 10 for reliability.
Rocky Linux is stable, scalable, and it is very much easier to use.
Rocky Linux is stable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
With the tool, we are able to control airplane traffic.
The solution's high level of stability ensures that the machine doesn't go down multiple times.
The stability can be influenced by the status and specifications of our company PCs.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
Basil Jiji - PeerSpot reviewerreviewer2764758 - PeerSpot reviewerYantao Zhao - PeerSpot reviewerAnand_Kulkarni - PeerSpot reviewer
GS
 

Room For Improvement

Rocky Linux needs identity clarity, better integrations, faster updates, improved security, API tools, documentation, and enhanced community support.
Windows 11 needs improvements in stability, compatibility, performance, security, personalization, integration, and user interface for optimal user experience.
It is based on customer requirements, as they might want to use Rocky Linux or Ubuntu, depending on their needs.
Rocky Linux could be improved by having more integration with Kubernetes.
Currently, it takes more than one month to release a new package or kernel, so speeding that up would help reduce reported vulnerability remediations.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
For a better experience, Windows 11 should be improved to take fewer resources.
Enhancements in the firewall's capabilities would elevate the overall security of the system.
The product should focus more on security, particularly Outlook.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
Jetsada Malaisirirat - PeerSpot reviewerMassimiliano Adamo - PeerSpot reviewerBasil Jiji - PeerSpot reviewer
MG
Akram Zaki Hussein - PeerSpot reviewerAhmad_Ali - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Setup Cost

Rocky Linux is praised for its affordability and streamlined licensing, appealing to cost-conscious enterprises and AWS users.
Enterprise buyers have mixed views on Windows 11 pricing, with costs mitigated by flexible licensing and free upgrades.
We switched to Rocky Linux because of the license price, and in our business, we don't need to have a higher cost as that is not a good idea.
There is no extra cost for a license if we are purchasing Rocky Linux from the AWS Marketplace.
Rocky Linux is free, and I can download it and deploy it in whatever environment I have, whether it be H3C, VMware, or Hyper-V.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a nine out of ten.
The tool is expensive.
I have a university license, so I do not pay anything for Windows 11.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
WA
reviewer2758479 - PeerSpot reviewerBakang Khunou - PeerSpot reviewer
PK
MukeshKumar5 - PeerSpot reviewerMilos Maryska - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Valuable Features

Rocky Linux offers stability, cost savings, easy integration, and strong community support, making it ideal for critical systems management.
Windows 11 is praised for its user-friendly design, robust performance, seamless integration with Microsoft services, and AI support.
Rocky Linux has positively impacted my organization, specifically through cost savings, because we did not have to buy any licenses or extra licenses of other distros, such as Oracle or Red Hat.
For production deployment, Rocky Linux is a great choice because it offers full RHEL compatibility without licensing costs, along with strong community support.
Since migrating to Rocky Linux, I've seen specific outcomes such as improved security because CentOS stopped the project, and security patches aren't being released.
For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report
The standout feature, known as the Linux App System Forwarded, enables the use of Linux commands within the Windows environment.
The tool's most valuable feature is its stability.
Windows is one of the best operating systems an enterprise or user can use.
For more quotes and insights, download the Windows 11 report
RD
reviewer2758479 - PeerSpot reviewerMassimiliano Adamo - PeerSpot reviewerAkram Zaki Hussein - PeerSpot reviewer
MA
MukeshKumar5 - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Categories and Ranking

Rocky Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
4th
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
5.3
Number of Reviews
17
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Windows 11
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.3
Number of Reviews
48
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Rocky Linux is 14.3%, up from 12.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows 11 is 8.0%, up from 2.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Rocky Linux14.3%
Windows 118.0%
Other77.7%
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Massimiliano Adamo - PeerSpot reviewer
Has supported seamless migrations and enabled running complex data workloads securely
The best features Rocky Linux offers include clustering and all the packages from Red Hat.Rocky Linux has impacted my organization very positively because we migrated everything from CentOS and Windows servers to Rocky Linux. Everything is clear, with good packaging, and now it's version 9.6, which is very important for us due to security problems since we are in Europe. Rocky Linux is very good for security and other aspects. Since migrating to Rocky Linux, I've seen specific outcomes such as improved security because CentOS stopped the project, and security patches aren't being released. We need to maintain a system similar to Red Hat, which is very stable and has many features such as file system, topology, and containers.
Read full review
Pmurki@Micron.Com Praveen - PeerSpot reviewer
Easy to use, stable product and improve productivity
We use our laptops with Windows only. We use it for everything. For the last 20 years, my entire career, I've been using Windows only. Office 365 will be extensively used, along with other tools from Office 365 Everything is good. It's easy to use. It supports AI initiatives. Like we use…
Read full review
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Comms Service Provider
12%
University
11%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
12%
Computer Software Company
11%
University
9%
Manufacturing Company
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business5
Large Enterprise13
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business12
Midsize Enterprise12
Large Enterprise24
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Rocky Linux?
It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Rocky Linux?
Currently, I have nothing to say about how Rocky Linux can be improved. The rolling update for Rocky Linux is very limited and focused on stability, so the software may not always be the latest ver...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Rocky Linux?
For the last two years, I have been using Rocky Linux for our project. I do all the things: installations of Rocky Linux, coding in Rocky Linux, and using Rocky Linux as a platform. We use Rocky Li...
See all answers
What do you like most about Windows 11?
We use Windows 11 for our workstation’s daily operations.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Windows 11?
It is very difficult to say the price for Windows 11. I mean, what do you say about the Windows price? Everybody wants it cheaper, and if you get it cheap, then you still want it cheaper.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Windows 11?
I wouldn't say I particularly enjoy Windows 11 because I've been so used to using it, I'm fine with using Windows 11. Comparing Windows 11 with a Mac, it's smoother to operate on the Mac OS. The Ma...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Fedora Linux vs Rocky Linux Logo
Fedora Linux vs Rocky Linux
Compared 26% of the time
Debian vs Rocky Linux Logo
Debian vs Rocky Linux
Compared 18% of the time
Ubuntu Linux vs Rocky Linux Logo
Ubuntu Linux vs Rocky Linux
Compared 17% of the time
Oracle Linux vs Rocky Linux Logo
Oracle Linux vs Rocky Linux
Compared 10% of the time
Windows Server vs Rocky Linux Logo
Windows Server vs Rocky Linux
Compared 1% of the time
More Rocky Linux Competitors
Windows Server vs Windows 11 Logo
Windows Server vs Windows 11
Compared 73% of the time
Ubuntu Linux vs Windows 11 Logo
Ubuntu Linux vs Windows 11
Compared 6% of the time
Kali Linux vs Windows 11 Logo
Kali Linux vs Windows 11
Compared 5% of the time
Fedora Linux vs Windows 11 Logo
Fedora Linux vs Windows 11
Compared 3% of the time
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 Logo
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
Compared 1% of the time
More Windows 11 Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Rocky Linux
October 2025
Rocky Linux reportDownload Rocky Linux product report
Buyer's Guide
Windows 11
October 2025
Windows 11 reportDownload Windows 11 product report
 

Overview

Rocky Linux is a robust and secure enterprise-grade operating system designed as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. Its primary use case is to provide a stable and reliable platform for organizations to run their critical workloads and applications.


The most valuable functionality of Rocky Linux lies in its compatibility with CentOS, ensuring a seamless transition for organizations already using CentOS. It offers long-term support, regular security updates, and a predictable release cycle, providing stability and reliability for mission-critical systems.

Rocky Linux helps organizations by offering a free and open-source alternative to CentOS, which was discontinued by Red Hat. It allows businesses to continue using their existing CentOS-based infrastructure without the need for costly migrations or vendor lock-in. With its strong community support and active development, Rocky Linux ensures a sustainable and community-driven future for CentOS users.

Moreover, Rocky Linux is built with security in mind, providing robust features like SELinux and secure defaults. This helps organizations protect their data and systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Rocky Linux

Windows 11 provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience combining enhanced graphics and superior performance. It supports a wide array of tasks from professional work activities to gaming and supports Microsoft Office applications seamlessly.

Windows 11 stands out with its intuitive setup, comprehensive network analytics, and robust security features. It is adopted in production, educational, and development environments for tasks like front-end automation and business processes. Users benefit from improved multitasking capabilities with screen snapping and seamless application integration. The operating system also supports AI initiatives, offering automatic screen recording and advanced animation features.

What key features does Windows 11 offer?
  • User-friendly interface with updated design and stability
  • Seamless Microsoft Office integration
  • Enhanced multitasking support with screen snapping
  • Comprehensive security with Windows Defender
  • AI and animation support including automatic screen recording
  • Improved taskbar and icon grouping for better efficiency
What benefits can users expect from Windows 11?
  • Enhanced productivity through efficient booting
  • Robust security measures to protect sensitive data
  • Valuable performance insights and statistics
  • Intuitive setup process minimizing downtime
  • Strong compatibility with Microsoft Office boosting versatility

Organizations implement Windows 11 in production environments to optimize workflows while educational institutions leverage its features for collaborative learning. Developers use it to streamline coding and testing, benefiting from its automation and multitasking capabilities.

Microsoft
Buyer's Guide
Rocky Linux vs. Windows 11
September 2025
Free Report: Rocky Linux vs. Windows 11
Find out what your peers are saying about Rocky Linux vs. Windows 11 and other solutions. Updated: September 2025.
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