10 Apr 2025, Thu

When it comes to security, Linux has always had a reputation for being stronger, safer, and more reliable than Windows. But what makes Linux so much more secure? Is it just a myth, or is there a real reason why tech professionals, developers, and even hackers prefer it?

In this blog, I’ll break down why Linux is more secure than Windows and whether you should consider switching!


1. Fewer Viruses & Malware

One of the biggest advantages of Linux is that it hardly gets viruses. Unlike Windows, which is constantly bombarded with malware, Linux is much harder to infect. Here’s why:

Linux is less popular than Windows – Hackers focus on Windows because it has more users.
Linux doesn’t run programs automatically – In Windows, some files (like .exe) can install themselves. In Linux, you must manually give permission.
Most Linux software is installed from official repositories – No shady downloads from random websites.

💡 Fun fact: While Windows users rely on antivirus software, most Linux users don’t even need one!


2. Better User Privileges & Permissions

Windows gives users admin (administrator) access by default, meaning if malware infects your system, it can modify everything without restriction.

🔹 Linux, on the other hand, is built with security in mind. Even the main user doesn’t have full access by default—you need to use sudo (superuser do) to make system changes.

This simple difference makes it much harder for viruses to spread in Linux.


3. Open-Source Code = Fewer Security Flaws

Linux is open-source, which means anyone can inspect its code for vulnerabilities. If a bug is found, the community quickly fixes it.

🔹 Windows is closed-source, meaning only Microsoft can see and fix the code. If there’s a security flaw, hackers might find it before Microsoft does!

With thousands of developers constantly checking and improving Linux, security updates are faster and more reliable than Windows.


4. No Forced Updates & Bloatware

Windows users often get frustrated with forced updates, which sometimes introduce new security risks. Also, Windows comes pre-installed with unnecessary apps and services, making it an easy target for attackers.

Linux gives you complete control—no forced updates, no hidden tracking, and no bloatware. You decide when and what to update.

This makes Linux not only more secure but also more efficient and lightweight than Windows.


5. Linux Servers Power the Internet

Ever wondered why most of the world’s servers run on Linux instead of Windows?

🔹 Websites like Google, Facebook, and Amazon all rely on Linux for security and stability.
🔹 Government agencies, banks, and even NASA prefer Linux because it’s harder to hack.

If Linux is trusted to run critical infrastructure, that’s a big sign that it’s more secure than Windows!


6. Linux Doesn’t Spy on You

Windows collects a lot of user data—even when you disable certain settings.

❌ Windows has built-in telemetry that sends data to Microsoft.
❌ Many Windows apps track your activity in the background.

Linux respects your privacy. No forced tracking, no hidden data collection. You are in control of your system.

For people who value security and privacy, Linux is the best choice.


Final Thoughts: Should You Switch to Linux?

If security, privacy, and control matter to you, Linux is the best operating system to use. It has:

✔️ Fewer viruses
✔️ Stronger user privileges
✔️ Open-source security fixes
✔️ No forced updates or tracking
✔️ More stability and reliability

💡 Should you switch? If you’re tired of constant Windows security issues, Linux is worth trying! You can start with Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora—they are easy for beginners.

💬 What do you think? Would you switch to Linux? Let me know in the comments! 😊

2 thoughts on “Why is Linux More Secure Than Windows?”
  1. A python user will know: Libraries to python is what Distro is to Linux.

    Even if I wanted to switch to Linux, there are more distros than there are strands on my hair. And I have a healthy hairline.
    1. Few doesn’t mean none. Also, if you don’t visit shady sites on your Windows device, you do not get malware infections. Simple. Android offers most customization and side-loading than Apple. But, how many of us actually side-load apps? We know of the risks, right?
    2. “Windows gives users admin (administrator) access by default.” It doesn’t. That’s why when you try to modify system settings or access the Windows folder, you are bombarded with those Access Denied popups. You need to overthrow that TrustedInstaller thing to give yourself admin permissions. It doesn’t end here, though.
    3. For sure, but when something’s broken and you want a solution, you rather get those ROFD messages. [Read the F.. Documentation, I mean!] It’s hurtful. It’s intimidating. You want to get rid of that OS and the community ASAP.
    4. For sure, but when you do get an update, and if something breaks, half of you won’t even know what to do and where do you stand. At least, for Windows, you have more helplines and guides available online.
    5. But that is not a reason I would want to switch to Linux.
    6. You are on Internet. You are the product of the businesses you use for free. Your data is accessed by both Google and Apple. Apple is not 100% transparent about what it collects and what it doesn’t. It is a business. Businesses do not tell everything.

    Windows Defender, staying away from Fitgirl, surfing https:// sites, and keeping an eye on your processes helps the most. I bet, if you are a pro Linux user, you would keep your eye on several more processes.

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