How to make Linux install run like Windows.

How to make a Linux install run like Windows

Why so many new Linux users want a Windows-like experience

For many people migrating from Windows 10, the biggest concern is not performance or security. It is familiarity. Years of muscle memory shape how people open programs, manage files, multitask, and even shut down their computer.

Linux does not need to look or behave like Windows to be powerful, but making it feel familiar removes friction and shortens the learning curve. The good news is that Linux is uniquely suited to this task. With the right choices, a Linux install can look, feel, and operate so much like Windows that most everyday users barely notice the difference.

Linux was designed around flexibility. Unlike Windows, where the interface and workflow are tightly controlled by the vendor, Linux allows the user to shape the system to their preferences. This flexibility is what makes it possible to replicate the Windows experience while keeping the advantages of Linux such as speed, stability, and freedom from forced upgrades.

Low Ping. No Lag. No Packet Loss.

All-Game Booster | Reduce Ping on Any Device

GearUP is a game booster to reduce ping and lag, optimize network stability, and elevate the gaming experience for gamers.

Choosing the right Linux distribution and desktop environment

The foundation of a Windows-like Linux experience begins with the right distribution. Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop environment is widely regarded as the closest match to Windows out of the box. The menu layout, taskbar positioning, system tray, and file manager all feel familiar to Windows users. Cinnamon was designed with traditional desktop users in mind, not touchscreens or mobile devices.

Other strong options include Kubuntu, which uses the KDE Plasma desktop, and Zorin OS, which explicitly targets Windows migrants. KDE Plasma is highly customisable and can be adjusted to mirror Windows almost exactly, from window behaviour to keyboard shortcuts. Zorin OS goes a step further by offering prebuilt layouts that resemble different Windows versions.

For most users asking how to make a Linux install run like Windows, Linux Mint Cinnamon remains the most straightforward choice. It balances simplicity with flexibility and avoids overwhelming new users with unnecessary options.

Making the desktop, menu, and taskbar feel familiar

Once Linux is installed, visual familiarity matters. Cinnamon and KDE both allow the taskbar to sit at the bottom of the screen, with a Start-style menu on the left and system icons on the right. This mirrors the Windows layout and reduces confusion. Icons can be resized, pinned, and rearranged just as they are in Windows.

Themes and icons play a key role. Linux supports Windows-style themes that replicate colours, window borders, and button placement. Many users choose flat icon packs that resemble modern Windows icons, helping applications feel instantly recognisable. Fonts can also be adjusted so text rendering closely matches what users expect from Windows.

Window behaviour can be configured to feel identical. Clicking the maximise button fills the screen rather than entering a different workspace. Alt-Tab switches between open applications in a familiar order. Keyboard shortcuts can be remapped so common Windows combinations behave the same way on Linux.

Managing files the Windows way

File management is another area where comfort matters. Linux file managers such as Nemo, Dolphin, and Caja can be configured to behave much like Windows Explorer. Folder trees, quick access shortcuts, and breadcrumb navigation all function in similar ways.

External drives appear automatically when connected, and network folders can be mapped so they behave like Windows network drives. While Linux does not use drive letters in the same way, folders can be bookmarked and pinned to provide equally quick access. For most users, this adjustment takes only a few days before it feels natural.

Hidden system folders stay out of the way, reducing the risk of accidental changes. Everyday tasks such as copying, moving, renaming, and searching for files work almost exactly as they do in Windows.

Running Word, Excel, and Office-type applications

One of the most common questions is whether Microsoft Word and Excel will work on Linux. There are several practical answers, depending on user needs.

LibreOffice comes preinstalled on many Linux distributions and provides word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. It opens and saves Microsoft Office files reliably for everyday use. For most home users, students, and small businesses, LibreOffice meets all functional needs.

For those who require Microsoft Word and Excel specifically, Microsoft 365 runs smoothly in a web browser on Linux. This provides access to the official versions without installing Windows. Files sync seamlessly through OneDrive, making collaboration straightforward.

Some users choose to run the Windows desktop versions of Office using compatibility tools such as Wine or virtual machines. While this approach works in many cases, it is usually unnecessary for everyday tasks. In practice, browser-based Office combined with LibreOffice covers the needs of most users transitioning to Linux.

Media payback and everyday entertainment

Media playback on Linux is mature and reliable. Music, videos, and streaming services work as expected. Applications such as VLC Media Player are available natively and often outperform their Windows counterparts in format support. Audio controls, volume mixing, and device switching are simple and stable.

Streaming platforms function through standard web browsers, and Bluetooth audio devices pair easily. For users accustomed to Windows Media Player, the experience on Linux is often better, with fewer codec issues and more control over playback.

GearUP is a game booster to reduce ping and lag, optimise network stability, and elevate the gaming experience for gamers.

Installing software the Windows-friendly way

Linux does not rely on downloading installers from random websites. Instead, most software is installed through a central Software Manager that functions like an app store. This improves security and reduces system clutter.

Applications are categorised, searchable, and updated automatically. Installing a browser, email client, media editor, or productivity tool usually takes one click. For users who miss the familiarity of Windows installers, Linux still supports manual installations, but most find the Software Manager simpler and safer.

Printers, hardware, and peripheral compatibility

Modern Linux distributions handle hardware well. Printers, scanners, webcams, and external storage devices are often detected automatically. When drivers are needed, they are usually available through the system’s driver manager rather than third-party downloads.

Graphics drivers, particularly for Nvidia hardware, can be installed through guided tools that make the process straightforward. Once configured, hardware stability on Linux is often better than on Windows, with fewer driver-related crashes.

Bmax B9 Power Mini PC

US$499.99

The B9 Power Mini PC is a high-performance mobile workstation designed for demanding professionals, featuring a flagship Intel Core i9-12900HK processor (14 Cores, 20 Threads, up to 5.0GHz Turbo) for tasks like 8K video rendering and complex 3D modeling.

It ensures instant response with 24GB of high-speed LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, eliminating bottlenecks for flawless multitasking with intensive software. The device supports an immersive Triple 4K@60Hz display setup (via HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a, and Full-Featured USB-C) for maximum productivity.

Storage is flexible and future-proofed with two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for expansion or RAID configuration. The PC maintains sustained peak performance using an advanced cooling system and offers excellent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB 3.2 ports. It is backed by a 1-year BMAX warranty and dedicated 24/7 technical support.

Creating a workflow that feels natural

Making Linux run like Windows is not about copying every detail. It is about preserving familiar workflows. Opening applications from a menu, pinning favourites to the taskbar, managing windows predictably, and accessing files quickly are the habits that matter.

Linux allows all of this while removing many of the frustrations users associate with modern Windows versions. There are no forced restarts, no advertising in the interface, and no sudden feature changes imposed without consent.

Why a Windows-like Linux setup often feels better than Windows

Ironically, many users find that once Linux is configured to feel like Windows, it becomes a better version of the experience they are used to. Systems run faster on older hardware. Updates are quieter and more respectful of the user’s time. The computer feels like a personal tool rather than a managed service.

For those searching for how to make a Linux install run like Windows, the answer lies in thoughtful configuration rather than compromise. Linux does not demand that users abandon familiarity. It allows them to keep what works while gaining control, performance, and long-term stability.

UGREEN NASync DH2300

2-bay, Rockchip RK3576 8-Core CPU, 4GB LPDDR4X, 1GbE LAN, 4K HDMI.Storage drives not included

No monthly fee: One purchase to store all your family memories. By eliminating cloud storage costs, you save $719.88 per year* (Based on the standard $59.99/month package for 12 TB).
The AI automatically organizes: photos by faces, scenes, and places, removes duplicates, and creates personalized baby growth albums – effortlessly preserving all precious moments and enabling easy sharing with family via QR code or link.
User-friendly app: Hassle-free setup and simple file sharing across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs – secure access from any device, anytime, anywhere.
Massive 60 TB storage capacity: provides ample space to safely back up all your files, photos, videos, and memories, with extra room for future growth.
Your data in your hands: Store your data securely locally. Advanced encryption, firewall, and two-factor authentication reliably protect your files from unauthorized access – even UGREEN cannot access your private data.
Powerful and efficient hardware: Powered by the Rockchip RK3576 8-Core Processor, everything runs energy-efficiently and smoothly – even with multiple applications. Ideal for video editing, 4K streaming, and everyday data storage.
Note: Storage drives are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.

Sale price US$188.99 Regular price US$209.99 Save $21.00

The bridge between migration and mastery

A Windows-style Linux system acts as a bridge. It allows new users to migrate without disruption, continue using everyday applications, and remain productive from day one. Over time, many users discover features unique to Linux that further improve their workflow, but they do so at their own pace.

By choosing the right distribution, configuring the interface carefully, and selecting practical software alternatives, Linux can feel instantly familiar while offering everything Windows no longer does. For millions making the move, this balance is exactly what makes Linux the preferred destination rather than a compromise.

_________________