Transforming Arch Linux to a Windows-Like Desktop Experience

Customizing Arch Linux to resemble Microsoft Windows can provide a familiar and efficient desktop environment. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve that, including installing a desktop environment, themes, icons, window management tweaks, and more.

1. Installing a Desktop Environment

To mimic the Windows experience, consider using either KDE Plasma or XFCE, as these are highly customizable. Below are the installation commands for each option:

Installing KDE Plasma

Open a terminal and run the following command to install KDE Plasma and its applications:

sudo pacman -S plasma kde-applications

Installing XFCE

Similarly, use these commands to install XFCE and additional useful packages:

sudo pacman -S xfce4 xfce4-goodies

2. Installing a Windows-Like Theme

You can find themes on websites like Pling or GNOME-Look. Look for themes that resemble Windows. To install a theme:

Download the theme, usually a .tar.gz or .zip file.

Extract the theme to your home directory if it doesn’t already exist:

mkdir -p ~
tar -xvf ~/Downloads/theme-name.tar.gz -C ~

Apply the theme using your desktop environment’s settings manager.

3. Installing Windows-Like Icons

Similar to themes, you can download icon packs that resemble Windows icons. To install icons:

Download an icon pack.

Extract it to ~/.icons:

mkdir -p ~/.icons
tar -xvf ~/Downloads/icon-pack-name.tar.gz -C ~/.icons

Apply the icon pack through your desktop environment’s settings.

4. Customizing the Panel/Taskbar

In KDE Plasma, you can right-click on the panel to add widgets and customize its appearance. In XFCE, you can right-click on the panel and select the desired settings.

5. Installing Window Manager Tweaks

For a more Windows-like experience, consider using tools like KWin scripts for KDE or Compton/Picom for XFCE to add effects similar to those in Windows.

6. Customizing Fonts

You may want to change the system fonts to something similar to Windows fonts. Install Windows fonts using the ttf-ms-fonts package:

sudo pacman -S ttf-ms-fonts

7. Setting Up a Windows-Like File Manager

Install Thunar for XFCE or Dolphin for KDE and customize their settings to resemble Windows Explorer.

8. Optional: Installing Wine

If you want to run Windows applications, install Wine:

sudo pacman -S wine

9. Additional Customizations

Desktop Background: Set a Windows wallpaper. Shortcuts: Customize keyboard shortcuts to match Windows shortcuts.

Conclusion

After completing these steps, your Arch Linux setup should closely resemble the Windows environment. Further tweak settings and install additional software to enhance the experience. Enjoy your customized Arch Linux!