An Absolute Madman Has Recreated the Windows 8 UI for Linux

The Wacky Windows 8 Redux

Remember back in 2012 when Windows 8 landed with a monumental thud? It’s like Microsoft decided to toss out the classic desktop experience in favor of a UI that screamed, “Hey, let’s design this for our future robot overlords!” Big, blocky icons took over, bringing on a wave of shock and horror. Turns out, no one was really ready to let go of their beloved desktop setup. Honestly, what were they thinking?

At that time, while Microsoft fumbled the UI ball, their business side rolled out a shiny new Apple-esque Microsoft Store, locking apps down tighter than a drum. This catastrophe prompted Gabe Newell from Valve to declare Windows 8 a universal disaster for the PC community. Poor Windows 8, you were just too ahead of your time, or maybe just lost in La La Land.

But hold your horses! In a twist that nobody saw coming, someone has crafted a Windows 8 desktop experience… for Linux! No kidding! It’s so deliciously bizarre that I’m actually tempted to give it a whirl. And apparently, if you’re one of those unique souls who mourns the loss of Windows 8 and are now roaming the Linux plains, this might just be your jam.

Who is this for?

If your heart aches for those fluid animations and you find yourself staring at your Linux desktop wondering, “Why can’t I go back?” then rejoice! The folks over at Win8DE have you covered, sort of. You’ve got that familiar colorful chaos at your fingertips, from a horizontally scrolling desktop to a mobile-style app drawer that lets you arrange your apps just how you like. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to the mid-2010s—cue the throwback music!

Now, let’s be real. This isn’t going to dethrone the titans like KDE Plasma or Gnome anytime soon. They’ve spent years perfecting their craft while our new friend’s mission is to deliver pure entertainment value. I mean, who doesn’t want to chuckle at a desktop that reminds us of some good old Windows 8 quirkiness? Even the developer seems to be laughing along, admitting they skipped out on the ‘charms menu’ because, let’s face it, who really used that anyway?

For the brave souls out there ready to dive into this madness, instructions for installation are available through the Win8DE creators. Go on, be the Windows 8 fan amongst a sea of Linux lovers! Just remember to keep a straight face while you reminisce about those quirky tiles and poor decisions. Welcome back to the wacky world of Windows 8, Linux style!