Fedora 42 is a strong choice for users who value open-source software, customizability, and the latest Linux kernel features. It's particularly appealing for developers and users who need to run x86 applications on ARM systems or want excellent Apple Silicon support. Windows 12 aims to attract users with its modern UI, enhanced security features, and gaming optimizations, but potential subscription costs and higher system requirements may be deterrents. The choice depends on user priorities: open-source flexibility versus proprietary convenience and gaming enhancements.
| Attribute | Fedora 42 | Windows 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Fedora 42 | Windows 12 |
| Kernel Type | Monolithic (Linux kernel 6.14) | Speculated to use Linux kernel, but likely to retain NT kernel |
| Default Desktop Environment | GNOME 48 (Workstation edition, default). KDE Plasma available as a full-fledged edition. Other spins include XFCE, LXQt, MATE, Cinnamon, LXDE, i3, Budgie, Sway, and COSMIC. | Not available |
| Package Management System | RPM Package Manager (RPM) with DNF. Flatpak is also enabled by default. | Windows Package Manager (winget) |
| System Requirements (Minimum RAM) | 2 GB | Minimum 8 GB of RAM, some sources suggest 16 GB |
| Security Features | Automatic removal of expired and obsolete repository keys. Firewalld, which defaults to loose IPv6 settings on the Workstation edition. | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, hardware-based security, AI-driven threat detection, enhanced biometric authentication, Microsoft Pluton security chip integration |
| Hardware Compatibility | Supports a wide range of hardware. Fedora Asahi Remix provides excellent support for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and M2 chips). Older Intel graphics hardware support may be dropped in favor of newer hardware support. | 64-bit processor with 2 cores and 1 GHz, DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, SSD with 64 GB storage |
| Software Compatibility | Includes FEX emulator for running x86/x86-64 programs on ARM systems. Offers a Fedora image for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). | Backward compatibility with Windows 11 applications, potential issues with older 32-bit software |
| Gaming Support | Steam is easily installable, with Proton compatibility for running Windows games. HDR support is available, with KDE Plasma recommended for HDR gaming. | DirectX 13 support, optimized system resources, enhancements for DirectStorage, Auto HDR, faster game loading, AI-powered game optimization |
| User Interface Customization | Highly customizable, especially with KDE Plasma. GNOME can be customized using GNOME Tweaks and extensions. | Sleeker UI, customizable widgets, improved taskbar functionality, potential floating taskbar |
| Privacy Features | Offers offline voice recognition via IBus speech-to-text. Includes privacy settings during initial setup. | Advanced privacy options, control over personal data, transparency about data collection, privacy features in Edge browser |
| Update Frequency and Support Lifecycle | New versions are released approximately every six months, with each release supported for around 13 months. | New versions yearly, monthly quality updates |
| Cost (License Fee) | Free and open-source | Free upgrade for Windows 11 users possible, new licenses may follow Windows 11 pricing, speculation of subscription requirement |
| Price | Free and open-source | Windows 12 Home might cost $139.99, and Windows 12 Pro might cost $199.99 |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |