Reclaim Your Desktop: How to Make Windows 11 Look & Feel Like macOS or Linux

Are you one of the many who've found Windows 11's default interface a bit… uninspiring? While Microsoft's latest operating system brings a fresh coat of paint, some of its design choices, like the centered taskbar or the revamped Start Menu, might not resonate with everyone. If you yearn for the sleek minimalism of macOS or the deep customization potential of Linux, fear not! It's entirely possible to mold Windows 11 into something much closer to your ideal desktop environment.

Let's dive into how you can transform your Windows 11 experience to truly feel like home.

My journey began with a simple desire: to move the taskbar back to the left, where it belonged in my eyes, and to resurrect a Start Menu that felt more intuitive. Windows 11's default Start Menu, with its 'Recommended' section, often felt cluttered and less functional than its Windows 10 predecessor.

Fortunately, the modding community and third-party developers have stepped up to fill these gaps, offering robust tools that put control back into the user's hands.

One of the first and most impactful changes involves tweaking the taskbar and Start Menu. While Windows 11 offers some native options, they often don't go far enough.

This is where applications like Start11 or ExplorerPatcher become indispensable. Start11, for instance, allows you to revert to a Windows 10-style Start Menu, move the taskbar to the left (or even the top!), and even recreate a macOS-like dock. ExplorerPatcher, a powerful open-source alternative, dives deeper, letting you restore the classic Windows 10 taskbar, remove the chat icon, and bring back the traditional context menus in File Explorer, offering a significant performance boost and a familiar feel for power users.

Beyond the core functionalities, achieving a truly distinct look requires attention to visual details.

Custom themes can dramatically alter the aesthetics of your entire system. Platforms like DeviantArt are treasure troves of custom themes, icon packs, and cursor sets that can replace Windows 11's default visual elements with something far more appealing. Imagine a clean, transparent taskbar, minimalist icons, and a dark mode that feels truly integrated, echoing the refined design language often seen in macOS.

Another common point of contention for many users is the Widgets panel.

While it can be useful, its default integration might feel intrusive or simply unnecessary for those who prefer a clean desktop. Fortunately, tools like ExplorerPatcher can help you completely disable it, freeing up system resources and simplifying your interface. For those who want more functional and customizable desktop widgets, applications like Rainmeter open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to display system information, custom clocks, weather, and more, all tailored to your aesthetic preferences – much like the dynamic widgets found in some Linux desktop environments.

By thoughtfully combining these tools and techniques, you can move beyond merely tolerating Windows 11's interface to actively enjoying a personalized, efficient, and visually appealing workspace.

Whether you're aiming for the sophisticated simplicity of macOS or the unparalleled freedom of a Linux distribution, the power to customize is yours. Reclaim your desktop, ditch the defaults, and create a Windows 11 experience that truly reflects your style and workflow.