Top Windows 7 Themes for Ubuntu Linux: A Visual Makeover

Step-by-Step: Installing a Windows 7 Theme on Ubuntu LinuxTransforming the look and feel of your Ubuntu Linux desktop to resemble Windows 7 can be an exciting project. Whether you’re transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu or simply want a familiar interface, this guide will walk you through the process of installing a Windows 7 theme on your Ubuntu system.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Ubuntu Linux: This guide is applicable to recent versions of Ubuntu (20.04 and later).
• Internet Connection: You’ll need to download theme files and possibly additional software.
• Basic Terminal Knowledge: Familiarity with using the terminal will be helpful.

Step 1: Update Your System

Start by updating your system to ensure all packages are current. Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 

This command updates the package list and upgrades any outdated packages.

Step 2: Install Required Packages

To install a Windows 7 theme, you may need to install some additional packages. The most common ones are gnome-tweaks and unity-tweak-tool. Install them using the following command:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks unity-tweak-tool 

Step 3: Download the Windows 7 Theme

Next, you need to download a Windows 7 theme. There are several themes available online, but one popular option is the Windows 7 GTK Theme. You can find it on websites like GNOME-Look.org or Pling.com.

1. Go to your preferred theme website.
2. Search for “Windows 7 GTK Theme.”
3. Download the theme files, usually in a .zip or .tar.gz format.

Step 4: Extract the Theme Files

Once the theme is downloaded, navigate to your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the theme) and extract the files. You can do this via the terminal or using a file manager.

If using the terminal, run:

cd ~/Downloads tar -xvf windows7-theme.tar.gz 

Replace windows7-theme.tar.gz with the actual filename.

Step 5: Install the Theme

To install the theme, you need to move the extracted theme folder to the appropriate directory. You can do this with the following command:

sudo mv windows7-theme /usr/share/themes/ 

Make sure to replace windows7-theme with the actual folder name of the extracted theme.

Step 6: Apply the Theme Using GNOME Tweaks

Now that the theme is installed, you can apply it using GNOME Tweaks:

1. Open GNOME Tweaks from your applications menu.
2. Navigate to the Appearance section.
3. Under the Themes section, you will see options for Applications, Cursor, and Shell.
4. Select the Windows 7 theme for each option as desired.

Step 7: Customize Icons and Cursors

To further enhance the Windows 7 look, consider downloading and applying a Windows 7 icon pack and cursor theme. You can find these on the same theme websites.

1. Download the icon pack and cursor theme.
2. Extract them and move them to /usr/share/icons/ for icons and /usr/share/icons/ for cursors.
3. Use GNOME Tweaks to apply the new icons and cursors in the Appearance section.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

After applying the theme, you may want to make additional adjustments to your desktop environment to mimic Windows 7 more closely. This can include:

• Changing the panel layout.
• Adjusting the font settings.
• Adding a Windows-like menu or dock.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully transformed your Ubuntu Linux desktop to resemble Windows 7. This customization not only makes your environment more familiar but also allows you to enjoy the benefits of Ubuntu while retaining a beloved aesthetic. Feel free to explore other themes and tweaks to further personalize your experience. Enjoy your new desktop!