Zorin OS 18.1 free tweaks deliver a convincing Windows 11 desktop layout
Transform your Linux desktop to look like Windows 11 without spending a penny.
Zorin OS, a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, has long been praised for its user-friendly approach and customizable GNOME desktop. Out of the box, the free version offers four layouts, none of which fully resemble Windows 11. For $47.99, the Pro version includes a dedicated Windows 11-style layout, but the license doesn't transfer to major releases. However, as Jack Wallen demonstrates, users can achieve a very similar look for free with a few simple tweaks.
Start by selecting the right layout in Zorin Appearance (the one with a bottom taskbar). Then right-click the panel, open Taskbar Settings, and set border radius to zero, panel length to 100%, and reposition the Show Applications, Taskbar, and Desktop buttons to the center. Install the WeatherPanel GNOME extension for a weather icon on the panel (left side). Finally, download a Windows 11 wallpaper and set it as the background. The result is a desktop that closely matches Windows 11 both aesthetically and functionally.
- Free version of Zorin OS 18.1 includes four layouts; a Windows 11-like appearance requires manual tweaking of taskbar settings (border radius, panel length, button alignment).
- Pro version ($47.99) offers a one-click Windows 11 layout but requires a new license for each major release (e.g., version 18 to 19).
- Customization steps: install WeatherPanel GNOME extension, set monitor-centric button positions, and apply a Windows 11 wallpaper.
Why It Matters
For professionals transitioning from Windows, Zorin OS bridges the gap without licensing costs, easing the switch to Linux.