5 things you can do to make Linux look more like Windows 11

If you’re switching to Linux but miss the clean, modern look of Windows 11, you’re not alone. The good news? Linux is flexible. You can make it look (almost) just like Windows 11—without a ton of effort. Here are five practical ways to get that familiar Windows 11 vibe on your Linux desktop:

1. Switch to KDE Plasma or GNOME With the Right Extensions

Start by picking a desktop environment that’s easy to customize. KDE Plasma is your best bet—it’s flexible, smooth, and supports tons of theming. GNOME works too, but you’ll need a few extensions. If you’re not already running KDE, install it from your distro’s package manager.

Tip: On Ubuntu, try:
sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop

2. Install a Windows 11-Like Theme

Themes change the look of your windows, menus, and panels. There are free Windows 11 themes for KDE and GNOME. Some popular options:

• For KDE: Windows 11 Light Theme
• For GNOME: Windows 11 Theme for GNOME

Download and apply them via your desktop’s settings.

3. Get Windows 11 Icons

Icons are a big part of Windows 11’s feel. There are icon packs designed to mimic Windows 11. Check out:

• Windows 11 Icon Theme for Linux

Apply them in your system settings to replace the default icons.

4. Customize the Taskbar and Start Menu

KDE’s panel can be placed at the bottom and centered, just like the Windows 11 taskbar. You can also add the Latte Dock or use GNOME’s Dash to Panel extension. For the Start menu, look for Windows-style launchers like Kicker (KDE) or Arc Menu (GNOME).

5. Add Windows 11 Wallpapers and Fonts

Download high-resolution Windows 11 wallpapers and set them as your background. For fonts, install Segoe UI (the Windows font), or pick a similar font like Noto Sans for that clean look.

Bonus: For an extra touch, install the WinApps tool to run Windows apps directly from your Linux desktop.

Final Thoughts

Linux doesn’t have to look like a hacker’s terminal unless you want it to. With the right tweaks, you can get the comfort of Windows 11’s appearance, but with the power and freedom of Linux. Try these tips, and let your desktop feel familiar again.

Have a favorite Windows 11 Linux tweak? Drop it in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!