Windows 11 introduced a modernized user interface, but it is not always unanimous among users, especially those who are used to the aesthetic and functional flexibility of Linux or MacOS environments. For those passionate about customizing and optimizing the office experience, it remains possible to radically transform the appearance and management of windows in Windows 11 in order to find a more refined, fluid design, inspired by open source systems. This transformation, although seeming complex, is today based on robust, free and reliable tools, which make it possible to rediscover the ergonomics and visual atmosphere so popular with Linux Style desktop environments and MacOS Look. The process, where Customization occupies a central place, offers a second life to Windows 11, making it more pleasant for demanding users.
Customize the Windows 11 user interface with Seelen UI: a Linux and MacOS alternative
One of the most effective solutions for transforming the aesthetics of Windows 11 is the use of Seelen UI. This desktop environment for Windows functions as an additional interface layer for deeply customizing the appearance and behavior of the desktop. Designed to offer an experience as flexible as Linux or MacOS environments, Seelen UI constitutes a valuable tool for users wishing to escape the visual rigidity imposed by Microsoft.
Seelen UI integrates directly into the Windows 10 and 11 system and offers:
- Tiling window management inspired by window managers in Linux, making it easier to arrange and organize open applications.
- An integrated media module for easy and quick control of multimedia content.
- Multiple themes and icons based on the visual codes of macOS or Linux desktops like Budgie.
- Taskbar customization reminiscent of the macOS Dock bar and allowing for different layouts depending on your preferences.
Regarding installation, Seelen UI is available for free in the Microsoft Store or via a binary installer downloadable from GitHub, ensuring simple and secure implementation. The environment requires Microsoft Edge and WebView (the latter is preinstalled on Windows 11 but should be checked on Windows 10). During installation, simply enable these components to ensure optimal operation.
Customization then involves a comprehensive options manager, accessible from the Windows launcher. It allows:
- The selection and activation of themes to influence the entire user interface.
- The addition and configuration of add-ons (toolbars, docks, shortcuts).
- The personalized layout of windows and virtual desktops to optimize daily productivity. This solution is particularly suited to those who are stuck on the aesthetics imposed by Windows 11 and don’t want to abandon Microsoft’s OS. It not only promotes productivity but also a user experience comparable to that provided by modern Linux distributions, whose environments often offer advanced features.
Discover how to transform the appearance of Windows 11 into a Linux or macOS style using simple tools, themes, and tips. Give your PC a new, modern look in just a few steps!
Modifying the Windows 11 interface to recreate a Linux or macOS style isn’t just a simple visual improvement. It’s also a process that directly impacts ergonomics and work efficiency. Linux desktop environments, renowned for their power and flexibility, combine aesthetics with advanced features that allow for fine-grained task control.
For example, enabling tiling window management in Seelen UI automatically divides the screen into zones dedicated to each application, eliminating the need to manually resize windows and promoting efficient multitasking. This type of management, well-known in Linux with i3 or Sway, is a revolution in Windows 11, where the default system remains largely based on floating windows, which are not ideal for multi-window work.
Furthermore, the fine-grained customization of themes inspires environments like Budgie or macOS Tahoe:
Rounded icons, translucent sidebars, and understated visual effects. A configurable toolbar with shortcuts to frequently used applications.
- An integrated media module that facilitates the management of audio and video content while running a desktop session.
- This desktop transformation results in a more ergonomic interface that encourages better organization of applications and workspaces. Windows users who dislike rigidity or default visual simplicity will find a new lease on life at their workstation while maintaining full compatibility with office software and files familiar from the Microsoft ecosystem.
- In terms of
licensing and cost
Seelen UI is free software, widely considered secure and stable, making it accessible to a wide audience without financial barriers. For those interested in exploring Linux environments further, dedicated articles on customizing Linux applications for productivity or on how to make Windows 11 and Linux coexist are excellent additions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOo0IJlSUc8Configuring Seelen UI: Practical Steps for a Linux or macOS-Look Windows 11 Desktop To achieve a customized Windows 11 desktop with a Linux or macOS look, a clean installation and careful configuration of Seelen UI are essential. After downloading and installing the application via the Microsoft Store or the official website, here’s a detailed process to follow: Checking prerequisites: Make sure Microsoft Edge is installed, and check for WebView (essential for Seelen UI), especially on Windows 10. Launching Seelen UI:
Choosing themes:
Explore the catalog to select looks similar to macOS (e.g., the “Liquid Glass” theme, imitating the translucent effects of macOS Tahoe) or Linux (the “Round Toolbar” theme inspired by Budgie).
- Configuring modules: Activate additional bars, docks, and menus for more precise management of open applications.
- Advanced customization: Adjust window settings for tiling, keyboard gestures, and shortcuts to quickly access your tools.
- This method allows for a gradual transformation, adjustable at each stage according to the user’s preferences. The key benefit lies in keeping the system stable while maximizing productivity and visual enjoyment. A crucial point is vigilance regarding third-party plugins and themes that abound on the web. Users are encouraged to prefer official or trusted sources, as excessive customization via questionable components can lead to security or operational issues. To further master the Linux terminal, resources on advanced Linux terminal features are highly recommended, especially for those who want to learn how to optimize their workflow between Windows and GNU/Linux tools.
- Discover how to customize Windows 11 to give it a Linux or macOS look and feel with simple tips and tools. Transform your interface and enjoy a new user experience today! Extending the Windows 11 Desktop Transformation with Complementary Open Source Tools Seelen UI isn’t the only option for Windows 11 desktop transformation enthusiasts. Various open source tools enhance this approach, allowing for even more advanced customization that meets the demands of Linux users.
- These solutions include: Rainmeter
: Essential for displaying custom widgets (weather, CPU, tasks, notes) and creating a customized user interface. Open Shell : Allows you to replace the often-criticized Start menu, reverting to behaviors similar to Linux alternatives or previous versions of Windows.
PowerToys : Developed by Microsoft, this open source tool improves productivity with features like FancyZones, which manages windows in a grid, reminiscent of Linux window managers. These tools, combined with Seelen UI, create an environment around a Windows kernel capable of functionally competing with Linux distributions, while benefiting from native software compatibility. This type of configuration is particularly popular with users considering a gradual transition from Windows 10/11, learning, for example, through articles on how to
without losing their desktop habits.
This assortment of free and open source tools advantageously illustrates the possibility of a flexible and aesthetic alternative to the default choices, transforming the user experience and bringing Windows 11 closer to a Linux Style or a MacOS Look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YABEPJW78Pc Thinking of your Windows 11 aesthetic transformation as an opening to the Linux and open source universe
Adopting a Linux or MacOS aesthetic on Windows 11 often goes beyond mere appearance. This is a tremendous lever for gradually integrating productivity and technical proficiency reflexes from the open source world. Curious users and system administrators benefit from this transformation to familiarize themselves with concepts naturally present in Linux: interface modularity, advanced window management, frequent use of themes, and community tools.
- This approach can also be a preparatory step toward a more complete transition to Linux, particularly for those who are hesitant to leave their Windows environment due to habit or software constraints. A close connection is thus established between advanced customization of the Windows desktop and the enriching discovery of Linux distributions, which promote total control over the system and unparalleled software freedom. To support this smooth transition, content dedicated to the democratization of Linux in the French-speaking community exists, helping to deconstruct certain myths and preconceived ideas about open source: issues with network protocols, controls for peripherals such as Flydigi controllers, and Steam compatibility for gamers.
- This combination of aesthetic transformation and technical openness generates a motivating effect that goes beyond simple customization: it allows Windows users to immerse themselves in free and open software, with lasting benefits in terms of learning and efficiency. Discover how to personalize your PC by transforming Windows 11 with a visual style inspired by Linux or macOS. Follow our easy tips to give your computer a new, modern look.
