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ZDNET Highlights
- You don’t have to be stuck with the Windows 11 UI.
- These three options can turn Windows 11 into something else.
- Two of these options are free, and the other is affordable.
I remember, a long time ago when I worked for a company that required the use of Windows, I searched for alternative user interfaces that could at least make Windows a little more exciting and, well, Linux-like.
Flash forward to today, and I thought I’d see if some of those good old alternative Windows shells were still around. Although as far as I remember those UIs no longer exist, I found three that are not only still available but can help give a fresh look to the Windows UI.
Also: 7 Most Windows-Like Linux Distros – If You’re Ready to Leave Microsoft
Of these three shells, only one dramatically changes the way Windows 11 looks and feels, while one of them works a little more subtly, and the other is even more subtle. But even with the changes, you can make Windows 11 a little less square and wonky… if that’s to your liking.
1. Seelen-UI
I covered Seelen-UI in depth in 2025 and found it to be a real breath of fresh air. With this alternative shell, you can customize Windows to look the way you want. You can move panels, change transparency, change menus, UI themes and more. In just a few seconds, I was able to make Windows 11 desktop look like MacOS or any Linux desktop.
I think celen-ui This is the easiest way to have a custom Windows 11 desktop, but I don’t think it’s just for aesthetics. Seelen-UI also makes it possible to get a little more efficiency out of Windows with a better UI.
Too: You Can Try Linux Without Leaving Windows First – Here’s How
With Seelen-UI, you can also add tiling windows into the mix, enjoy a wide range of customization, use an integrated media module, and apply different themes, layouts, and icons.
Using Seelen-UI is quite simple, and (even better), it’s free.
What more can you ask for? Well, Selen-UI allows you to be very granular with your customizations, and there are also plugins you can install, like Fancy Taskbar and (almost) Liquid Glass.
I will say, out of all the alternative Windows shells I’ve tried so far, Selen-UI is by far the best.
2. Cairo Desktop
Cairo is quite flexible, so you can have a desktop that looks completely different.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
cairo desktop It comes in second place for my favorite alternative Windows 11 desktop. Cairo Desktop is dynamic, gives you more efficient program menus, removes ads, supports folder stacks, and allows you to arrange your Start menu the way you want. You can quickly open important folder locations, create stacks on the menu bar, and browse from your desktop.
What does that even mean?
Essentially, Cairo Desktop functions as an interactive file browser. Double-click a folder to navigate even without opening the file manager. You also get a dynamic desktop overlay without hiding or interrupting your work.
Too: Windows 11 hits 1 billion users – and they’re angry
Another useful feature is the ability to add/remove/manage apps, found in your desktop menu. You can also add categories to the menu and change them as needed. This is a great way to add even more efficiency to your Windows workflow.
From my perspective, Cairo is far more efficient than anything Microsoft has produced so far.
3. Start11
Start11 only affects menus and the taskbar.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
start11 Actually only affects the Windows Start Menu. This alternative was created by WindowBlinds, which has been one of my favorite alternative Windows shells for a long time.
Start11 is much more subtle than the other two options, but if you already like the Windows 11 UI, you can give it some personalized tweaks with this app.
You can choose from a selection of Start menu styles, including Windows 7, Modern, Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Apps, Windows Pro, and Windows Launcher. Each option can be further customized to give it a unique look and feel.
The customizations don’t end with the Start menu, but also allow you to make changes to the panel.
If you’ve ever wanted to give your traditional Windows 11 UI a little facelift, Start11 is just what you want.
The only caveat to Start11 is that it’s not free. You can try Start11 with a 30-day trial, but after that, it’s either a $10 annual or $20 one-time fee.
