Can MainstreamOS finally make Linux a household name? I tried it to find out

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• There’s finally a Linux distro that makes Arch and Hyprland easy.
• Mainstream OS is everything you need in a desktop.
• This distro is beautiful, useful, efficient, and free.

Every time I test an Arch-based distribution, I think, “When will Arch be my go-to?” Likewise, when I test the Hyprland tiling window manager/compositor, I think, “When will Hyprland be my go-to?”

And then I run into a Linux distribution that not only combines the two, but does so in a way that leaves me wide-eyed in amazement, thinking, “Why hasn’t someone done this before?”

Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)

That was my immediate reaction to MainstreamOS, a Linux distribution that is as polished as any I’ve ever beheld. The MainstreamOS site says it’s “one open system that feels right whether it’s your first Linux or your tenth. Nothing here needs a terminal, and nothing can’t be undone. Make yourself at home.”

That statement is about as true as they come. This OS feels right; it’s got everything you need to make working with Linux a breeze, all the while making it look good and feel efficient. It’s the best of all possible worlds, making both Arch Linux and Hyprland easy enough for anyone to use and experience what a truly efficient and powerful desktop operating system can be.

When you first install and log in to MainstreamOS, you are greeted by a setup tool that lets you configure Mainstream for whatever purpose you need, such as gaming, video editing, or content creation. And yes, you can add apps to this later via the handy GUI (GNOME Software).

Next, you are treated to a Hyprland GUI configuration tool that not only makes customizing the desktop easy, but also shows you how powerful the UI is.

Simplifying and beautifying Hyprland

The fact that MainstreamOS makes Hyprland beautiful and accessible is the biggest “wow” factor for me. What the developer has done is customize Hyprland so it looks and feels very much like MacOS. And unlike many Hyprland configurations, you get to use your mouse! (IYKYK)

There’s a left sidebar that can be customized in Settings > Interface > Left Sidebar. Currently, the left sidebar is limited to AI, which should come as no surprise. Although it states it can be used with local models, I was unable to set it up successfully. You can use the AI sidebar with Gemini, Claude, Codex, and Mistral. I’ll dig into this at a later date to see if I can get it to function with the likes of Ollama.

Also: I quit ChatGPT for a free, private, and local AI called Ollama – here’s why

As well, there’s a right sidebar that somewhat resembles the one found in MacOS. You get quick settings, multimedia controls, notifications, a calendar, a to-do list, and a timer.

I’ve yet to see a distribution that uses Hyprland configured in such a way that makes it useful for just about any type of user. Even if you’ve never used a tiling window manager, you shouldn’t have any trouble using MainstreamOS.

Bravo!

Also: This new Linux distro is a multimedia powerhouse right out of the box

And then there’s the Overview, which is similar to that of the GNOME desktop environment but offers 10 default virtual desktops and the usual search tool (which also lets you search for files, do web searches, launch apps, and run basic calculations).

The more I dig into MainstreamOS, the more I dig it.

Another nice touch is the media controller in the top bar. Open Spotify, start playing a tune, and you can pause, jump forward or backward. You also get a simple Conky on the desktop that presents the time and date.

As far as the top bar is concerned, the layout goes like this (from left to right):

• Access to the left sidebar
• Media controller
• Virtual desktop selector
• Time/date/uptime pop-up
• Screenshot/screencast controller
• Mic mute/unmute
• Weather
• Sound controls
• Networking
• Access to the right sidebar 

At the bottom, you get a nicely animated dock, where you can add/remove favorite apps and access the overview. To add an app to the dock, open the overview, right-click the app, and select Pin to Dock.

It’s also Arch

Let’s not forget that MainstreamOS is based on Arch Linux — although you’d never know it (unless you attempted to install an app or update the system from the command line, which you don’t need to do).

Also: How to install Arch Linux without losing your mind

One interesting bit is that Mainstream ships with apps like Spotify and GNOME Software. You also get Steam, Chromium, Kitty, and even GNOME Files. That convergence of GNOME and Hyprland makes for as great a combination as peanut butter and chocolate.

Mainstream is also a rolling release distribution, which means it’s always up to date. This makes it a solid gaming platform; just launch Steam, sign in, and start playing your favorite games.

Is MainstreamOS for you?

If you’re looking for something different that won’t be too challenging while still giving you the opportunity to make your desktop OS truly special, MainstreamOS should definitely be on your radar. 

Also: This fun tiling window manager may be rough around the edges – but it has big potential

I haven’t been this impressed by a Linux distribution since the last time a Hyprland-based distro wow’d me. If you’re a fan of Linux or a fan of cool-looking, easy-to-use desktop computing, you’d be remiss if you didn’t give MainstreamOS a try. This Linux distribution could easily make the open-source operating system mainstream.