Do you want to try Linux but don’t want to relearn a new interface? Worried that an unfamiliar desktop might slow down your workflow? You’re not alone—and these five Windows-like desktop environments (DEs) are designed to help you feel right at home.
Most people assume switching to Linux means adopting a completely new way of interacting with their system, but that’s simply not true. Several Linux desktop environments deliberately recreate the Windows experience—often referred to as the traditional desktop paradigm. These desktops let you keep the same taskbar-and-window workflow you’re already comfortable with, so you can focus on getting work done instead of learning a new interface.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most Windows-like Linux desktop environments—and often feels like what Windows 7 could have evolved into if Microsoft hadn’t gone down the Metro UI route. You essentially get a traditional Windows layout, with a bottom panel that includes a Start Menu–style launcher on the left, a taskbar for pinned and currently running apps, and a system tray on the right. It also supports desktop icons, right-click context menus, familiar window controls, and classic desktop widgets.
The default apps share a minimal yet familiar Windows 7–like aesthetic. The most notable of these is the Settings app, which looks heavily inspired by the Windows Control Panel—but is far better organized. Also, if you enjoyed customizing your Windows 7 PC, Cinnamon offers excellent theming support, which you’ll likely appreciate.
Now, Cinnamon is the flagship desktop environment of Linux Mint, which is generally the best distro for experiencing it. However, if you prefer a non-Ubuntu base, you can also try Cinnamon on Fedora or openSUSE (DE choice available during installation).
Why a Cinnamon Desktop Environment Is Best for Linux Newcomers
Cinnamon desktop makes switching to Linux painless!
KDE Plasma
KDE Plasma offers a traditional Windows-like experience tailored for power users—people who want access to extensive settings and granular control over their operating system. By default, it follows a familiar Windows layout, slightly modernized with a floating taskbar at the bottom. You still get a Start Menu on the left, pinned and running apps in the center, and a system tray on the right, along with support for desktop icons and widgets.
However, as you start clicking around or browsing through its default apps, menus, and settings, you start to see just how capable the DE truly is. It almost feels like the developers decided to include every imaginable feature, so it never feels limiting. Now, this can be overwhelming at first, but with time, Plasma reveals a level of power and freedom that few desktop environments can match.
Nearly every part of the desktop can be customized or reconfigured. Every application is packed with settings, menus, and options—nothing is hidden or overly simplified. In fact, Plasma is so flexible that you can make it look almost identical to macOS if you want. It’s a DE that fully trusts in its users’ technical competence.
Now, for a stable and reliable KDE Plasma experience, Kubuntu is a solid choice. If you prefer something more cutting-edge, consider CachyOS.
8/10
- Operating System
-
Kubuntu
- CPU
-
Intel Core i5-13500H
- GPU
-
Intel Iris Xe (Integrated)
- RAM
-
Up to 96GB
Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE)
The Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) is arguably one of the most visually polished Linux desktop environments available. It strikes an impressive balance between “class and glass”—delivering a modern, elegant, and highly professional desktop experience. In many ways, it feels like a blend of Windows 10’s Fluent Design language and the Aero aesthetics of Windows 7.
By default, DDE uses a Windows 11–like layout, with a bottom taskbar housing all your pinned and running apps centered in the middle. The app launcher sits on the left, while the system tray is positioned on the right. While you do get some basic theming support, customization options are fairly limited, and it’s nowhere near as flexible as KDE Plasma or Cinnamon. That said, if you want a desktop environment that looks modern, classy, and professional out of the box—and you don’t want to spend time tweaking or customizing—DDE can be an excellent choice.
Ubuntu DDE and EndeavourOS are the best distros for trying out DDE.
Deepin, the official distro behind DDE, was involved in a controversy in 2018 after being accused of including spyware. Because of this, I find it difficult to recommend the distro. That said, at the time of writing, there are no active complaints or ongoing controversies surrounding it.
Budgie
The Budgie desktop environment is what you’d get if you blended the Windows 7-style layout with Windows 11’s flyout Action Center and the material design aesthetics of ChromeOS. The result is a desktop that feels instantly familiar and approachable, while still offering a distinctive mix of design choices.
In terms of functionality, it feels like the desktop is showing a progression from Windows XP to Windows 11 as you move from left to right. You get a classic Windows-style bottom taskbar with a Windows XP–like Start Menu launcher on the left, followed by pinned and currently running app icons reminiscent of Windows 7. On the right sits the system tray, which gives you access to Budgie’s signature Raven sidebar—a unified panel that houses your calendar, volume controls, media playback, notifications, and more, similar in concept to Windows 11’s Action Center.
For the flagship Budgie experience, go with Solus, its official distro.
Xfce
Xfce is one of the most popular lightweight desktop environments, and by default, it looks like an upside-down version of Windows. You get a single panel at the top, with an app menu on the left, an area for currently running apps in the middle, and the system tray—with the time and date—on the right. Because of this, many distros simply move the panel to the bottom to create a lightweight yet familiar Windows-like experience.
Now, like most lightweight desktop environments, Xfce and its default system apps look a bit old and dated, with aesthetics reminiscent of Windows XP. However, this can actually be a positive if you prefer a retro look or value functionality over flashy design trends. That said, Xfce is one of the most customizable lightweight DEs with theming support to make it look more modern and aesthetically pleasing.
Now, Linux Mint Xfce Edition is arguably the most popular distro that ships with the DE in a Windows-like layout. That said, if you’re looking for something more bleeding-edge, Manjaro Xfce edition is also worth trying.
5 Reasons Xfce Is My Favorite Linux Desktop
Somtimes, a simple desktop is better.
There you have it—five desktop environments that prove you can keep your Windows workflow while gaining all the benefits that come with switching to Linux. The real question now is: which one fits your style?
