How to Customize the Free Zorin OS to Look Exactly Like Windows 11

As Microsoft moves closer to ending support for Windows 10, millions of computer owners face a difficult choice: buy new hardware to meet Windows 11’s strict system requirements, or risk running an unsupported operating system. For those looking for an alternative, desktop Linux has emerged as a viable second life for aging hardware. Zorin OS, an elegant Ubuntu-based distribution, has long been a favorite for Windows refugees due to its polished design and familiar layout. While the operating system offers a flawless native Windows 11 layout in its paid "Pro" tier, budget-conscious users do not have to open their wallets to get that sleek, centered aesthetic.

Quick summary

• Zorin OS offers a highly polished, Windows-familiar desktop environment out of the box, but locks its official Windows 11 layout behind a $47.99 Pro license.
• Because Zorin OS Pro licenses do not carry over between major releases (e.g., from version 18 to 19), using the paid tier can become costly for users who like to stay on the cutting edge.
• By adjusting native taskbar properties, centering alignment settings, and installing GNOME extensions in the free Core edition, users can replicate the modern Windows 11 interface at zero cost.

Why it matters

Operating system transitions are notoriously disruptive for everyday users. The steep hardware requirements of Windows 11—such as mandatory TPM 2.0 and compatible modern processors—have created an artificial barrier, leaving perfectly capable computers destined for electronic waste. Linux distributions like Zorin OS offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective escape hatch. However, the learning curve of a new interface often deters people from making the switch. By showing users how to easily modify a free operating system to look and feel exactly like Windows 11, we lower the barrier to entry, proving that modern desktop environments do not require expensive hardware upgrades or recurring licensing fees.

Background

Zorin OS is built on top of Ubuntu, inheriting its robust package base, stability, and vast software compatibility. What sets Zorin apart is its heavily customized GNOME desktop environment, managed via the native "Zorin Appearance" application. This tool allows users to change desktop layouts with a single click.

Historically, the developers of Zorin OS have used a dual-tier model: a free "Core" (and Lite) edition, and a paid "Pro" edition. The Pro edition includes additional premium layouts (like macOS, classic Windows, and Windows 11), pre-installed creative and productivity applications, and installation support. However, the Pro model is version-locked. Purchasing Zorin OS 18 Pro does not grant access to Zorin OS 19 Pro when it launches. For enthusiasts who prefer clean installs of major updates, the $47.99 cost can quickly add up over time, driving the demand for manual customization workarounds on the free tier.

Qnews24h insight

The Zorin OS pricing strategy is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, charging for the Pro edition directly funds open-source development and keeps the project viable without relying on intrusive data collection. On the other hand, locking popular aesthetic layouts behind a paywall—especially when those layouts can be reconstructed manually with 10 minutes of tweaking—creates an interesting paradox. It highlights that what users are truly paying for in Zorin OS Pro is not exclusive technology, but rather convenience, curation, and direct support. For tech-savvy users, the manual path is not only a great way to save money, but it also serves as an empowering introduction to the modularity of Linux desktop environments.

Step-by-Step: Recreating the Windows 11 Interface on Zorin OS Core

To get started, you will need a running installation of the free Zorin OS Core. Once you are logged in, follow these steps to manually align your desktop to match the modern Windows 11 layout.

1. Choose the Base Layout

First, open the Zorin Appearance application from your system menu. Under the Layout tab, look at the default options provided in the free tier. Select the top-right layout option. This configuration sets up a full-width bottom taskbar (panel) and places the system menu trigger on the left side, providing the standard foundation we need.

2. Square the Taskbar Corners

Windows 11 features sharp, squared taskbar edges compared to the softer, rounded dock-style aesthetics found in some Linux distributions. To adjust this:

• Right-click an empty space on your bottom taskbar.
• Select Taskbar Settings.
• Navigate to the Style tab.
• Locate the "Border radius" slider and drag it completely to the left. This will instantly eliminate any rounded corners, creating a solid, edge-to-edge panel.

3. Center the Taskbar Elements

The defining visual feature of Windows 11 is its centered application icons. We can mimic this by adjusting the panel layout settings:

• While still in the Taskbar Settings window, switch to the Position tab.
• Ensure that "Panel length" is set to 100% to keep the bar running the full width of your monitor.
• Scroll down to the alignment settings. For the main panel elements (such as running applications and pinned shortcuts), change their position from Left to Monitor Center from the drop-down menu.

4. Add the Weather Widget via GNOME Extensions

Windows 11 integrates a widget area on the taskbar, usually displaying local weather updates. You can replicate this feature by leveraging GNOME's extension ecosystem:

• Open the GNOME Software store and search for "Extensions" (the official manager for GNOME desktop modifications). Install it.
• Open the newly installed Extensions manager.
• Search for the WeatherPanel extension and click install.
• Once active, right-click the weather icon on your panel to input your location, preferred wind speed metrics, and temperature scales. You can then position this widget on the far left of your panel, mimicking the Windows 11 widget trigger.

5. The Final Touch: Windows 11 Wallpapers

No desktop transformation is complete without the iconic "Bloom" wallpaper. Download a high-resolution Windows 11 background from a trusted image hosting site. Once downloaded, right-click your desktop, choose Change Background..., click Add Picture, select your image, and apply it.

The Verdict: Is the DIY Method Worth It?

While paying $47.99 for Zorin OS Pro is the easiest way to access pre-configured layouts, the manual customization of the free Core edition is highly effective. It offers nearly the same aesthetic experience while preserving your budget. If you enjoy configuring your workspace and learning the ropes of Linux customizability, the DIY method is a rewarding weekend project that proves you don't need a licensed copy of Windows—or a high-end PC—to enjoy a modern desktop experience.

Sources

This customization guide was inspired by procedural steps and licensing structures detailed by ZDNET.