How to Make Linux Look Like Windows 11

Windows 11 is making headlines out there and you might want to try out its look and feel without leaving Linux. You can theme Linux to look like Windows 11, rather than run Windows 11 on top of Linux. If you’re looking to make Linux look like Windows 11, you’re in the right place.

Let’s begin.

Make Linux Look Like Windows 11

If you want your Linux PC or the Ubuntu system to look and feel like Windows 11, there are some tools you need. KDE Plasma is one of such tools and that is what we are using here today. Let’s begin with the step-by-step guide to convert Linux into Windows 11.

Step 1: Install KDE Plasma on Linux

While most Linux desktop environments are pretty customizable, some are more customizable than others. KDE Plasma gives you the freedom to customize the look and feel of your computer, especially if you are a Linux user.

For this tutorial, we’ll be using the Plasma desktop. Plasma desktop is available on all Linux distros. Ubuntu even has an official flavor called Kubuntu, which ships with KDE Plasma desktop instead of GNOME.

If you’re not familiar with KDE Plasma, you can follow the link below to learn more about it and how to install it on Ubuntu.

• Install KDE Plasma Desktop on Ubuntu Linux: Complete Guide

Step 2: Install KDE Windows 11 Theme

KDE Plasma is not just about some themes. You can get complete control over the look and feel of the operating system the way you want. However, it does also give you the option to simply install a KDE theme that takes care of everything.

The global theme changes your desktop shell’s theme, layout, font, cursor, icons, etc. Let’s see how you can install Windows 11 theme in KDE.

1. Open the System Settings app.
2. Click Appearance from the left column.
3. On the bottom right, click on the button that says Get New Global Themes…
4. Use the search bar at the top to look for the Fluent round theme.
5. Click on the Install button that appears when you bring the cursor over the search result.
6. Select from Dark or Light theme options.
7. During installation, enter your password when asked.
8. Once the theme is installed, click on the Use button on the theme.

As soon as you click the button, you’ll notice your entire desktop will change its looks and layout to mimic Windows 10. To make it look like Windows 11, we simply need to bring the taskbar icons to the center and make sure the only visible system tray icons are Wi-Fi, Battery, and Sound.

The Fluent round Global theme is a great choice to create a Windows 11 theme, but it uses its own fluent design-inspired icons. They are, in my opinion, much better than even the original Windows 11 icons. However, if you like the yellow folders and more Windows-like icons, they’re also easy to get.

You can find the Cursors and Icons section on the left column. Once you select any, you can download new cursors or Icons by clicking the button in the bottom right.

There are quite a few options to choose from, but the PlasmaXLight icon theme and Win 10 cursor theme come closest to mimicking Windows 11.

Related: How to Share Clipboard Data Between Android and Ubuntu (Linux)

Step 3: Create Windows 11 Taskbar on Linux (KDE Plasma)

Now that your system has the Windows theme and icons, all that remains is to recreate the Windows 11 taskbar on Linux. Well, technically, we will only be recreating the look and feel of the Windows 11 Taskbar.

1. Right-click on the KDE Panel at the bottom of the desktop.
2. Select Edit panel… from the context menu.
3. Next, click on the Add spacer button twice.
4. Click and drag the spacers to each side of the icons.

Related: Move Windows 11 Taskbar Icons to Left or Center

Step 4: Create Windows 11 Tray Icons on Linux

As you’ll notice, the above step brings the icons to the center of the taskbar. Next, we need to take care of the System tray.

1. Right-click on the chevron (up) icon at the start of the system tray.
2. Select Configure System tray…
   
3. Select Entries on the left.
4. On the right, click on the drop-down menu next to each system tray icon that you want to hide and select Always hidden.
5. Click OK when done.

When you’re done, you should have a Windows 11 Taskbar look-alike, that is in fact a lot more customizable than anything on Windows will ever be. I like to keep the clipboard icon always visible for easy access, apart from the Wi-Fi, Battery, and Sound icons. You can access all hidden icons by clicking on the chevron (up) icon on the System tray.

Related: How to Switch Between Speakers and Headphones in Windows 11

Step 5: Get Windows 11 Start Menu on Linux (KDE Plasma)

The Taskbar is complete, but Windows is also known for the Start menu. While the Start menu has undergone many changes, it has been there for a very long time. Windows 11 brings a new Start menu as well. Getting it on KDE Plasma is rather easy.

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop.
2. Select + Add widgets…
3. On the Widgets panel, click Get new widgets.
4. Search for OnzeMenu or Menu 11.
5. Install either of the two by clicking on the Install button on them.
6. Once installed, you now have to place the widget.
7. Right-click on the Start menu button on the Taskbar.
8. Select Show alternatives.
9. From the alternatives list, select the widget you installed.
10. Click on the Switch button.

If you’re wondering about the differences between the two widgets, there aren’t many obvious ones. Menu 11 has smaller app icons but is more customizable, while Onzemenu gives you bigger icons and a better out-of-the-box experience.

The Taskbar and Start Menu are basically all there is on a Windows 11 Desktop. So, now that you have a Windows 11 Taskbar on Linux and the Start Menu, your Windows 11 desktop setup is complete. Just put up the default Windows 11 wallpaper, and you can make Linux look like Windows 11 even more. 

Related: Missing the Windows 10 Start Menu in Windows 11? Here’s How to Get Classic Windows 10 Start Menu

If you are new to KDE Plasma, it might be a good idea to explore the Appearance section of the Settings more, and you can further enhance this KDE Windows 11 theme. You can get such Windows 11 like the look and feel in your Linux computer with KDE Plasma.