Transform Zorin OS into a Windows 11 lookalike without spending a dime

I've long been a fan of Zorin OS, a user-friendly operating system based on Ubuntu that offers a high degree of customization. Out of the box, the free version of Zorin OS includes four layouts, but none of them closely resemble Windows 11. The Pro version, which costs $47.99, offers a Windows 11-like layout, but it requires a new license with each major upgrade.

However, with some tweaking, you can make the free version of Zorin OS look and feel similar to Windows 11. I'll be using Zorin OS 18.1 to demonstrate how to customize one of the free layouts. To start, download a Zorin OS ISO, create a live USB drive, boot from it, and install Zorin OS.

Once you've done that, boot the OS and log in. If the Zorin Appearance app doesn't appear, open it from the desktop menu. In the Zorin Appearance app, select the top-right layout, which gives you a bottom panel (taskbar) and a desktop menu on the right side.

Close Zorin Appearance, right-click on the bottom panel, and click Taskbar Settings. In the Style tab, move the "Border radius" slider all the way to the left to square the corners of the taskbar. In the Position tab, make sure "Panel length" is set to 100%, then scroll down and select Monitor Center from the drop-down for the following: If you like having the weather app on the panel, you can install the Weather Panel GNOME extension.

For that, you'll need to install the Extensions app, which can be done from GNOME Software. Once you've installed GNOME Extensions, open the app, click on the search button (top left corner), search for WeatherPanel, and install it. After installing WeatherPanel, it'll appear on the panel.

Right-click the icon, then configure Units, Wind Speed, and Pressure, set a location, and move the icon to the far left. Unfortunately, you can't get the panel icon to live in the far left of the panel, but on the far left side of the Zorin menu. Finally, locate a Windows 11-like wallpaper, save it, and set it (right-click the desktop, select "Change background…", click Add Picture, and locate the image you downloaded.

At this point, Zorin OS should look similar to Windows 11. Why this matters: The ability to customize Zorin OS to resemble Windows 11 without breaking the bank could make it an attractive option for users looking for a Windows alternative. For developers and businesses, this flexibility can be a major selling point, as it allows them to provide a familiar interface without the costs associated with proprietary software.

For consumers, this means more choices and greater control over their computing experience. However, it's unclear how well this customized setup will hold up to future updates, and users may need to revisit their settings with each major release. Nevertheless, Zorin OS's customizability and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for those looking to try out Linux without sacrificing functionality or familiarity.