If you have tried Windows 11, You may have noticed that Microsoft strives to bring the Windows desktop experience on par with current Mac and Linux desktop environments.. But in some areas, the latest version of Microsoft does not compare.
We're taking a closer look at the Windows desktop experience 11 in its current state and comparing it to the Linux desktop environment. Plasma KDE.
What is KDE Plasma?
KDE Plasma is a desktop environment that provides a graphical user interface for several different Linux operating systems. It is built and maintained by the KDE Community, a group that develops a range of free and open source products for all types of users, whether you use your PC to work, play or both.
For this post, we tested KDE Neon and Garuda KDE Dr460nized. Neon comes with Plasma set to a default appearance “vanilla” destined to give great appeal. By contrast, Garuda presents a highly personalized edition of Plasma with a modern look, dark and progressive. These two editions give you an idea of the range of customization possibilities in Plasma.
The default appearance of KDE Neon, actually, looks a lot like Windows environment 11. Below is a split screen comparison of the login screen startup in KDE Neon and Windows 11, respectively.
You will notice that the color scheme, the textures and layout of the login screen are quite similar. Once you log in, the desktop itself continues the side experience.
Despite this, is forgivable. If you keep up with design trends, it is inevitable that you make decisions similar to those of others. Despite the fact that KDE Plasma and Windows 11 they seem to be reading the same book, in some aspects, Plasma seems to be doing better.
What does Plasma have that Windows doesn't 11?
As you may have seen online, Linux users and Windows users can argue all day about which is better. Despite this, there are some areas where the Plasma desktop experience is better.
Unified Taskbar Icons
Windows has a long history of icons (generally) well coordinated, and system icons for Windows 11 they look great on the taskbar. But when it comes to third party apps, including popular ones that Microsoft promotes in its Start menu, Microsoft's desktop leaves a lot to be desired.
Here's what it looks like when you add Slack and Spotify to the taskbar, next to the pillars of the taskbar, File Explorer, the default browser Edge and Microsoft Store.
The little app logos are compressed into ugly boxes that clash with the rounded border style displayed by the rest of the Windows user interface. 11.
Now, let's see the same applications in the KDE Neon taskbar, with Firefox replacing Edge as Neon's default browser.
Now, although the icons are not totally uniform, and although some edges are a bit grainy, there are some improvements in scale and consistency.
Now, take a look at the same collection of apps on the home panel on Garuda Dr460nized, which by default applies the BeautyLine system wide icon theme.
Garuda, using the Plasma desktop environment, immerses you in an attractive and consistent user space. You have the impression of a well-structured system on which your digital confidence can rest. Different styles of icons give the impression of a messy structure.
No default app shenanigans
In Windows 11, Microsoft Edge is not simply the browser installed in the settings, it is the browser that opens all desktop links by default, and changing the default is not a simple procedure. Decidedly, Edge might be the only browser you need or want. If that's the case, then windows 11 is ideal for you.
Linux Plasma Desktops, on the other hand, give you the freedom to make that decision for yourself and the flexibility to stick with your decision. One browser or another will almost always be installed by default for your convenience, but it can be easily erased and changing the defaults is easy.
Works out of the box
I know what you're thinking: “Windows also works from the first moment!” Well, that is only true in particular situations. If you buy a Windows PC or a license and (if you are running the Home edition) sign in to a Microsoft account, works immediately.
Yes, you can download and install Windows Home Edition at no cost, and it will start and can be used for many tasks (assuming you agree to sign in to a Microsoft account). Despite this, without a verified installation, its functionality is limited. Simple things like changing the background image are disabled until you activate your device with a license.
Plasma, like most Linux experiences, has no such limitations or warnings. You do not need to log into any services, you don't need a license key and you don't need to activate. Simply create your first local account during installation and Plasma and its features will be fully open to you.
Windows 11 in front of KDE Plasma
Usually, Windows 11 it's a solid operating system. Despite this, to make it even better, we hope Microsoft will follow the example of KDE Plasma. If they already share a login screen and color scheme, Why not also coordinate the icons and allow users to easily use their preferred browser?
Do you want to try KDE Plasma yourself? We suggest KDE Neon (User edit). You can download the ISO, burn it to a flash drive and launch it live on Windows or Mac.
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