Making Linux Look and Feel Like What You’re Used To

Switching to Linux does not mean you have to accept an unfamiliar desktop, awkward shortcuts or a completely different workflow.

Linux is highly customisable. You can make it behave more like Windows, macOS or even an older version of Linux you already know. The key is choosing the right desktop environment and changing a few settings without turning the system into a fragile collection of themes and extensions.

This guide explains how to make a Linux desktop feel familiar while keeping it stable, secure and easy to maintain.

Start With the Desktop Environment

The biggest factor in how Linux looks and behaves is the desktop environment.

A desktop environment controls:

• The taskbar or dock
• The application menu
• Window controls
• File manager
• Settings panels
• Notifications
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Virtual desktops
• Themes and icons

Different Linux distributions may use different desktop environments by default, but many allow you to install alternatives.

Common choices include:

• KDE Plasma
• GNOME
• Cinnamon
• Xfce
• MATE
• LXQt

The best choice depends less on which one is considered “best” and more on which one matches the way you already work.

KDE Plasma: The Most Flexible Option

KDE Plasma is one of the easiest desktops to customise.

It is a strong choice if you want something that resembles Windows because it commonly includes:

• A bottom panel
• An application launcher
• A system tray
• A task manager
• Familiar window controls
• Extensive appearance settings

You can move panels, resize them, add widgets and change almost every visual detail.

KDE can also be configured to feel more like macOS by adding a top panel and a dock.

Its flexibility is powerful, but it can also be tempting to change too much. Start with small adjustments and keep a note of what you alter.

Cinnamon: Familiar and Straightforward

Cinnamon is commonly associated with Linux Mint.

It offers a traditional desktop layout with:

• A bottom panel
• A menu button
• A task list
• A notification area
• Desktop icons
• Familiar settings

For someone moving from Windows 7, Windows 10 or a conventional office desktop, Cinnamon often feels comfortable immediately.

It provides useful customisation without exposing quite as many options as KDE Plasma.

GNOME: Simple but Different

GNOME is clean, modern and deliberately minimal.

By default, it uses:

• An Activities overview
• Dynamic workspaces
• A top bar
• Full-screen application launching
• Fewer visible desktop controls

Some users love this approach. Others find it unfamiliar after Windows or macOS.

GNOME can be changed substantially using extensions, but each additional extension introduces another component that may need updating after a major desktop upgrade.

Use extensions selectively rather than installing a large collection.

Xfce: Lightweight and Traditional

Xfce is a good option for older computers or users who prefer a simple traditional layout.

It is:

• Lightweight
• Fast
• Stable
• Easy to rearrange
• Suitable for low-memory systems

Xfce can resemble older Windows desktops with a bottom panel and menu, or it can be configured with a top panel and dock.

Its visual effects are more restrained, but that often makes it feel quick and dependable.

MATE: A Classic Desktop Experience

MATE continues the traditional style of earlier GNOME desktops.

It works well for users who prefer:

• Conventional menus
• Multiple panels
• Desktop icons
• Simple settings
• Predictable behaviour

MATE is often a good fit for people who dislike heavily animated or touch-focused interfaces.

Make Linux Feel More Like Windows

A Windows-style Linux desktop usually includes:

• One bottom panel
• An application menu on the left
• Open applications in the middle
• Notifications and clock on the right
• Desktop shortcuts
• Minimise, maximise and close buttons
• Familiar keyboard shortcuts

KDE Plasma, Cinnamon and Xfce can all provide this layout.

Adjust the Panel

Most desktops allow you to:

• Move the panel to the bottom
• Increase or reduce its height
• Centre or left-align the task buttons
• Add a clock
• Add a network indicator
• Add volume controls
• Add a workspace switcher
• Pin applications

Keep the layout practical. A heavily customised panel may look impressive but become difficult to troubleshoot later.

Pin Frequently Used Applications

Pin the programs you use every day, such as:

• Web browser
• Email client
• File manager
• Terminal
• Office applications
• Password manager

On most desktops, right-click the application icon and choose an option such as:

Pin to Task Manager

Add to Favourites

Keep in Dock

Add to Panel

The wording depends on the desktop environment.

Enable Desktop Icons

Some desktop environments hide icons by default.

You may be able to enable:

• Home folder
• Trash
• Mounted drives
• Network locations
• Custom shortcuts

For many former Windows users, seeing drives and folders directly on the desktop makes the system feel more familiar.

Avoid filling the desktop with hundreds of files. Use it for shortcuts and active work rather than permanent storage.

Use Familiar Keyboard Shortcuts

Many standard shortcuts already work:

Ctrl+C    Copy

Ctrl+V    Paste

Ctrl+X    Cut

Ctrl+Z    Undo

Alt+Tab   Switch applications

Alt+F4    Close the current window

Super     Open the application menu or overview

The Super key is usually the key with the Windows logo.

You can normally customise shortcuts in:

Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts

Useful custom shortcuts might include:

Super+E        Open the file manager

Super+L        Lock the screen

Ctrl+Alt+T     Open a terminal

Super+D        Show the desktop

Check whether a shortcut is already assigned before replacing it.

Make Linux Feel More Like macOS

A macOS-style setup often includes:

• A top panel
• A dock at the bottom
• Global-style menus
• Rounded visual themes
• Touchpad gestures
• Workspaces
• Familiar Command-like shortcuts

GNOME and KDE Plasma are usually the easiest choices for this style.

Add a Dock

Depending on the desktop environment, you may use:

• A built-in dock
• A panel configured as a dock
• A GNOME extension
• A separate dock application

A dock can hold frequently used applications and display running programs.

Keep it simple. Excessive animation and transparency can make older hardware feel slower.

Move Window Buttons

macOS places window buttons on the left.

Some Linux desktops allow you to change the position of:

• Close
• Minimise
• Maximise

Look under settings such as:

Window Management

Window Decorations

Titlebar Buttons

Appearance

The exact location varies.

Change Keyboard Behaviour Carefully

On macOS, the Command key performs many actions that use Control on Linux and Windows.

You can remap keys, but doing so globally may create confusion in:

• Terminal applications
• Remote desktop sessions
• Games
• Virtual machines
• Cross-platform documentation

A safer option is to keep standard Linux shortcuts and customise only the few you use most often.

Use Touchpad Gestures

Modern Linux desktops may support gestures such as:

• Three-finger workspace switching
• Three-finger overview
• Pinch to zoom
• Two-finger scrolling

Check:

Settings → Mouse and Touchpad

Gesture support depends on:

• Desktop environment
• Display system
• Touchpad hardware
• Drivers
• Distribution version

Third-party gesture tools are available, but use built-in support first where possible.

Choose a Familiar File Manager

The file manager is one of the applications you use most often.

Common Linux file managers include:

• Dolphin with KDE Plasma
• Files, also called Nautilus, with GNOME
• Nemo with Cinnamon
• Thunar with Xfce
• Caja with MATE

Make the File Manager Easier to Use

Useful settings include:

• Single-click or double-click opening
• Show hidden files
• Display file extensions
• Show full paths
• Use detailed list view
• Show storage devices in the sidebar
• Remember folder view settings
• Enable file previews
• Confirm before permanent deletion

To show hidden files, many file managers use:

Ctrl+H

Hidden files begin with a dot, such as:

.config

.ssh

.local

Do not delete hidden folders just because you do not recognise them. They often contain application settings and user data.

Double-Click Versus Single-Click

Some Linux desktops use single-click activation by default.

Users coming from Windows or macOS may prefer double-click.

Look for a setting such as:

Open files and folders with a single click

Open files and folders with a double click

This small change can make the desktop feel immediately more natural.

Show File Extensions

Linux does not normally hide file extensions in the same way some Windows configurations do.

Extensions help identify files such as:

report.pdf

archive.zip

script.sh

photo.jpg

They do not fully determine file type on Linux, but they remain useful.

Avoid renaming extensions blindly. Changing document.txt to document.pdf does not convert the file.

Change Themes Safely

Themes can alter:

• Window colours
• Buttons
• Panel appearance
• Icons
• Cursors
• Fonts
• Application styling

Most desktop environments include built-in light and dark themes.

Start with those before downloading third-party themes.

Built-in themes are more likely to:

• Receive updates
• Work across all applications
• Support accessibility
• Remain compatible after upgrades
• Avoid broken visual elements

Use Third-Party Themes Carefully

A theme from the internet may look excellent in a screenshot but behave poorly in daily use.

Possible problems include:

• Unreadable text
• Invisible buttons
• Broken menus
• Inconsistent applications
• Poor high-DPI scaling
• Missing updates
• Compatibility problems after upgrades

Install themes only from sources you trust.

Avoid installation commands that require root access unless you understand exactly what they change.

Keep a Working Theme Available

Before applying a large visual change:

1. Note the current theme.
2. Keep the settings window open.
3. Change one item at a time.
4. Check menus, dialogs and applications.
5. Revert immediately if text becomes unreadable.

Do not change the window theme, icon set, cursor and fonts all at once. If something breaks, you will not know which change caused it.

Choosing Icons

Icon themes can make Linux resemble another operating system without changing how the desktop works.

You can select:

• Colourful modern icons
• Minimal monochrome icons
• Windows-like folder icons
• macOS-style icons
• Distribution-branded icons

Clarity matters more than imitation.

Make sure warning, delete, save and security icons remain easy to distinguish.

Change Fonts

Fonts strongly affect how a desktop feels.

You can usually configure:

• Interface font
• Document font
• Monospace font
• Titlebar font
• Font size
• Anti-aliasing
• Hinting
• Scaling

A readable setup is more important than matching another operating system exactly.

Choose a clear monospace font for terminal windows and code editors.

Avoid very small text, particularly on high-resolution screens.

High-DPI and Display Scaling

On high-resolution displays, Linux may initially appear too small or too large.

Look for:

Display Scaling

Fractional Scaling

Scale Factor

Text Scaling

Common values include:

100%

125%

150%

200%

Integer scaling such as 100% or 200% is generally the most predictable.

Fractional scaling can work well but may cause:

• Slightly blurred applications
• Increased graphics usage
• Uneven scaling between programs
• Problems with older software

Test the applications you use before settling on a value.

Match Your Preferred Task Switching

Different desktops present open windows differently.

You may prefer:

• Traditional Alt+Tab
• Window previews
• Grouping by application
• Separate entries for each window
• Workspace-based switching
• A full-screen overview

Check the window-management settings and experiment with the available layouts.

For productivity, consistent behaviour is more useful than elaborate animation.

Configure Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops, also called workspaces, allow you to separate groups of applications.

For example:

• Workspace 1: Email and communication
• Workspace 2: Web browser
• Workspace 3: Documents
• Workspace 4: Administration tools

Some people find this more efficient than keeping every window on one desktop.

Others prefer a single workspace.

Use whichever approach matches your existing habits. Linux does not require you to use multiple workspaces.

Set the Default Applications

After installing alternative applications, set the defaults for:

• Web browsing
• Email
• PDF files
• Images
• Videos
• Music
• Text files
• Archives
• Calendar links

Look under:

Settings → Default Applications

You can also right-click a file and select:

Open With

Set as Default

This prevents the system from repeatedly opening files in an unfamiliar application.

Replace Applications With Familiar Alternatives

Linux applications do not need to look identical to their Windows or macOS equivalents, but choosing similar workflows can make migration easier.

Examples include:

For important business files, test formatting and compatibility before changing the organisation’s standard workflow.

Office Document Compatibility

LibreOffice and OnlyOffice can open many Microsoft Office files, but complex documents may not always appear exactly the same.

Possible issues include:

• Fonts
• Page breaks
• Macros
• Charts
• Complex formatting
• Comments and tracked changes
• Embedded content

Install the fonts used by your organisation where licensing permits.

For documents that must remain pixel-perfect, consider using Microsoft 365 in a supported web browser or accessing a Windows environment remotely.

Set Up the Start Menu or Application Launcher

A familiar application menu can reduce the learning curve.

You may prefer:

• A searchable launcher
• Category-based menus
• A full-screen application grid
• A traditional list
• Pinned favourites
• Recently used applications

KDE Plasma and Cinnamon offer particularly familiar menu styles.

You can often replace one launcher with another without changing the rest of the desktop.

Configure the System Tray

The system tray usually contains:

• Network status
• Volume
• Battery
• Bluetooth
• Updates
• Clipboard
• Background applications
• Clock

Hide indicators you never use, but avoid removing important security or update notifications.

A clean tray is useful. A tray that conceals failed updates or disconnected backup software is not.

Set the Clock and Date Format

Linux can use:

• 12-hour or 24-hour time
• Different date formats
• Week numbers
• Multiple time zones
• Seconds
• Calendar events

For UK users, a common setup is:

24-hour time

DD/MM/YYYY

Monday as the first day of the week

Check both:

• Desktop clock settings
• Region and language settings

These may be controlled separately.

Configure Notifications

Desktop notifications can become distracting if every application is allowed to interrupt you.

Review notification permissions for:

• Browsers
• Chat applications
• Email
• Calendar
• Software updates
• Backup tools
• Security alerts

Keep important alerts enabled, particularly for:

• Failed backups
• Low disk space
• Battery problems
• Software updates
• Security tools

Disable low-value marketing or website notifications.

Configure Login and Startup Applications

Applications that start automatically can make Linux feel familiar, but too many can slow the desktop and consume memory.

Review startup items for:

• Cloud synchronisation
• Password managers
• Clipboard tools
• Communication applications
• VPN clients
• Backup agents

Disable only applications you understand.

On many desktops, startup settings appear under:

Startup Applications

Autostart

Session and Startup

Background Applications

Make Window Behaviour Familiar

You can often change:

• Focus follows mouse
• Click to focus
• Double-click titlebar action
• Edge snapping
• Window tiling
• Raise-on-hover
• Minimise behaviour
• Workspace placement
• Animations

Users coming from Windows usually prefer click-to-focus and edge snapping.

Users accustomed to Unix workstations may prefer focus-follows-mouse.

Choose what reduces friction for you.

Configure Window Snapping

Window snapping lets you drag a window to an edge to fill half or part of the screen.

Common layouts include:

• Left half
• Right half
• Four corners
• Full-screen maximisation
• Custom tiling zones

Modern KDE, GNOME, Cinnamon and other desktops offer some form of snapping.

Advanced tiling extensions and scripts are available, but built-in functionality is usually more reliable.

Adjust Mouse Behaviour

Useful settings include:

• Pointer speed
• Acceleration
• Natural scrolling
• Double-click speed
• Left-handed mode
• Middle-click pasting
• Scroll speed

Linux systems often support middle-click paste, where selected text can be pasted with the middle mouse button.

This is useful for experienced Linux users but may surprise new users.

Some desktops allow it to be disabled.

Make the Terminal Less Intimidating

You do not need to live in a terminal to use Linux, but it remains useful for troubleshooting and administration.

Make it comfortable by changing:

• Font size
• Colour scheme
• Scrollback history
• Cursor shape
• Copy-and-paste shortcuts
• Window transparency
• Tab behaviour

A clear dark or light theme with strong contrast is more useful than a highly decorative one.

Common terminal shortcuts include:

Ctrl+Shift+C    Copy

Ctrl+Shift+V    Paste

Ctrl+Shift+T    New tab

Ctrl+Shift+W    Close tab

Standard Ctrl+C is normally reserved for stopping a running command, which is why terminal copy uses Ctrl+Shift+C.

Recreate Familiar Folder Locations

Linux uses folders such as:

Documents

Downloads

Pictures

Videos

Music

Desktop

You can pin these in the file manager sidebar and create shortcuts to:

• Network shares
• External drives
• Shared team folders
• Cloud storage
• Project directories

Use bookmarks instead of moving system folders to unusual locations unless there is a clear reason.

Connect Network Drives

Business users may need access to Windows or NAS shares.

Many file managers support addresses such as:

smb://server/share

You can usually enter this in the location bar or choose:

Connect to Server

Network

Other Locations

For permanent mounts, use an appropriate /etc/fstab or systemd mount configuration rather than relying solely on clicking the share after login.

Do not store passwords directly in a broadly readable configuration file.

Integrate Cloud Storage

Cloud services may be available through:

• Official Linux clients
• Browser access
• Desktop account integration
• WebDAV
• Third-party synchronisation tools
• Network mounts

Be cautious with unofficial clients that require full account access.

Remember that synchronisation is not the same as backup. Deleted or corrupted files may still synchronise across devices.

Use Web Applications Where Appropriate

Many services work well in a browser, including:

• Microsoft 365
• Google Workspace
• Teams
• Slack
• Project-management platforms
• Accounting tools
• CRM systems

Some browsers allow a website to be installed as an app-like shortcut.

This can provide:

• A separate window
• A launcher icon
• Notifications
• Less visible browser interface

Web applications can reduce the need to find a native Linux replacement for every service.

Running Windows Applications

Some Windows applications can run through compatibility tools such as Wine, but success varies.

Consider this order:

1. Use a native Linux application.
2. Use the web version.
3. Use remote access to a Windows machine.
4. Use a virtual machine.
5. Test Wine or another compatibility layer.

Do not build an important business workflow around an unsupported compatibility setup without testing updates, printing, file access and recovery.

Use a Virtual Machine for Critical Windows Software

A Windows virtual machine may be appropriate for:

• Specialist accounting tools
• Legacy business applications
• Old hardware utilities
• Software with complex Office integration
• Applications that do not work reliably through Wine

A virtual machine needs sufficient:

• RAM
• Storage
• Processor capacity
• Licensing
• Backup coverage

On a low-spec Linux machine, remote access to a separate Windows system may perform better.

Avoid Copying Another Operating System Too Closely

Making Linux familiar is useful. Trying to make every detail exactly match Windows or macOS can create problems.

Heavy imitation may require:

• Multiple themes
• Unsupported extensions
• Custom scripts
• Third-party launchers
• Modified system files
• Constant maintenance after updates

Aim for familiar workflows rather than a perfect visual copy.

For example:

• Put the panel where you expect it.
• Use familiar shortcuts.
• Pin your main applications.
• Set the correct defaults.
• Choose readable icons and fonts.

Those changes matter more than copying every shadow, animation and button.

Back Up Your Desktop Configuration

After spending time customising the desktop, record what you changed.

Back up relevant user configuration folders such as:

~/.config

~/.local/share

However, restoring the entire configuration folder onto a different desktop version can cause problems.

A safer approach is to keep:

• Screenshots
• A list of installed themes
• A list of extensions
• Notes on panel layout
• Exported shortcut settings
• A package list
• Selected application configuration folders

This makes it easier to rebuild the desktop without restoring obsolete settings blindly.

Test Changes in a Separate User Account

Before applying major customisations to your main account, create a test user:

sudo adduser desktop-test

Log in as that user and test:

• Themes
• Extensions
• Docks
• Panel layouts
• Keyboard shortcuts
• Scaling
• Startup applications

This keeps your main profile safe if a change makes the desktop unusable.

Remove the test account later when it is no longer required.

Installing Multiple Desktop Environments

Linux allows multiple desktop environments to be installed on one system.

At the login screen, you can often choose which session to start.

However, installing several full desktops can also create:

• Duplicate applications
• Conflicting default programs
• Multiple settings tools
• Repeated notification services
• Confusing login options
• Inconsistent themes

Testing another desktop is reasonable, but avoid installing every available environment on an important work machine.

A live USB or virtual machine can provide a cleaner way to compare them.

Use a Live USB Before Committing

Many distributions allow you to boot a complete desktop from a USB drive without installing it.

This lets you test:

• Panel layout
• Display scaling
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Sound
• Touchpad behaviour
• File manager
• Overall performance

Performance from a USB drive may be slower than an installed system, but the general workflow remains visible.

Common Customisation Mistakes

Installing Too Many Extensions

Each extension adds another dependency and potential compatibility problem.

Keep only the extensions that materially improve your workflow.

Running Theme Installers as Root

A visual theme should not normally need unrestricted control over the system.

Review scripts before running them.

Replacing Stable Components Without a Recovery Plan

Keep a way to return to the default panel, theme or desktop session.

Copying Old Configuration Files Into a New Desktop Version

Outdated settings can cause crashes, missing panels or visual corruption.

Making Everything Transparent

Transparency can reduce readability and increase graphics load.

Using Tiny Fonts to Gain Screen Space

This often causes eye strain and makes touch targets harder to use.

Installing Several Docks and Panel Tools

They may start together and overlap.

Ignoring Accessibility

High contrast, sensible font size and clear focus indicators are more important than visual similarity.

Changing Too Much at Once

Make one change, test it and then continue.

A Practical Windows-Like Setup

For a familiar office-style Linux desktop:

1. Choose KDE Plasma, Cinnamon or Xfce.
2. Place one panel at the bottom.
3. Put the application menu on the left.
4. Add pinned applications.
5. Keep the system tray and clock on the right.
6. Enable double-click file opening.
7. Set Super+E to open the file manager.
8. Enable window snapping.
9. Use a clear light or dark theme.
10. Set suitable default applications.
11. Add network and cloud locations to the file manager.
12. Keep custom extensions to a minimum.

A Practical macOS-Like Setup

For a macOS-inspired workflow:

1. Choose GNOME or KDE Plasma.
2. Use a top panel.
3. Add a simple bottom dock.
4. Enable touchpad gestures.
5. Use dynamic or organised workspaces.
6. Move window controls if desired.
7. Use a clean icon theme.
8. Configure a searchable application launcher.
9. Set readable font scaling.
10. Keep standard Linux shortcuts unless a remap provides a clear benefit.

A Practical Setup for an Older Computer

For lower-spec hardware:

1. Choose Xfce, MATE or LXQt.
2. Disable heavy animations.
3. Avoid transparent panels and blurred backgrounds.
4. Use one panel rather than several.
5. Limit startup applications.
6. Choose a lightweight file manager.
7. Use a simple theme.
8. Reduce browser extensions and open tabs.
9. Keep visual effects modest.
10. Monitor memory usage.

A lighter desktop often feels more polished than a heavily customised one that responds slowly.

Final Thoughts

Linux does not have to feel alien.

You can make it familiar by choosing a desktop environment that matches your habits, placing the panel where you expect it, using known shortcuts and setting up applications that fit your existing workflow.

The most effective customisations are usually the simplest:

• A familiar panel
• A clear application menu
• Sensible shortcuts
• Correct default applications
• Readable fonts
• Reliable network and cloud access
• A small number of carefully chosen extensions

The goal is not to disguise Linux completely. It is to remove unnecessary friction while keeping the strengths that made you choose Linux in the first place.

Need Help Setting Up a Linux Desktop?

Hamilton Group can help configure Linux desktops for business or personal use, including familiar layouts, application setup, network access, Microsoft 365 workflows, backups and security.

We can make the transition easier without leaving you with an unstable collection of unsupported themes and extensions.

Call 0330 043 0069 or visit hgmssp.com to speak with one of our IT specialists.