Customize Ubuntu: Make it Feel Like Windows
Tags: ubuntu, ux, webdev, productivity
Published: 2024-03-25 06:57:04

I like ubuntu, more than i used to, and since i am still a Windows OS user, it helped me to use **GNOME extensions** in order to make me feel more like “at home”.

This is a summary of all the extension that i've installed via the GNOME extensions market, and it’s worth saying that although this means 7 extensions for my computer to handle, **it behaves properly**.

Also if you have a **vertical monitor setup**, you might absolutely need the **last extension of my list**.

## Dash to panel

For a Windows like UI :

![How dash to pannel can look like](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ivmb188ayjw8h9l6nyym.png)

If you work on a linux based environment but using windows for everything else outside work, **you might need this gem**.

In the list of the **most noteworthy feature** it has :

- Ungroup application tiles (if you have a windows 7 nostalgia)
- Live preview on hover
- Show desktop button
- Multi monitor support (and taskbar isolation)
- Custom click behaviours (special mention to middle-click on tile to close application)

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4812/wallpaper-switcher/ on gnome.org
- https://github.com/rishuinfinity/WallpaperSwitcher on github

## Wallpaper switcher

Ubuntu, or GNOME desktop environment, does not come with a built-in **native wallpaper switcher** as it aims for simplicity and minimalism. Instead, GNOME encourages users to add functionality through extensions, which allows for personalized customization without cluttering the core system. 

> 💡There are many extensions that can do this for GNOME, but if you need such a feature, I can only recommend the simplest one.

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4812/wallpaper-switcher/](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4812/wallpaper-switcher/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/rishuinfinity/WallpaperSwitcher](https://github.com/rishuinfinity/WallpaperSwitcher) on github

## Clipboard history

This is another extension that i miss from windows and that helps me on my daily copy/paste operations. If you’re not familiar with the feature, you might be **enlighted by this discovery**.

![Clipboard history extension overview](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/uojiebxxi3fljhc551tl.png)

The default shortcut on windows is `⊞ win + v` and even if it’s not the default shortcut in this extension you can easily change it for window’s.

> 💡 On ubuntu `❖ super + v` is used by the system so you might need to unbind it from system shortcuts

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4839/clipboard-history/](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/4839/clipboard-history/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/SUPERCILEX/gnome-clipboard-history](https://github.com/SUPERCILEX/gnome-clipboard-history) on github.com

## Audio selector

This one is just a quick-win, when you need to switch from an audio input/output frequently. Since by default this is not possible without navigating in the system preferences, you might find this extension useful.

Just click on the volume icon 📢 and switch for another source.

![Audio source switcher preview](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0p9anx37nfsnpxlf5ppx.png)

> 💡It’s also interesting to be able to switch between input, ouput or both

![Turn on and off input and output](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9ljrgzy54ryero3f33tv.png)

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/5135/audio-selector](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/5135/audio-selector/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/hs65/Gnome-Shell-Extension-Audio-Selector](https://github.com/hs65/Gnome-Shell-Extension-Audio-Selector) on github

## CPU Freq

It might be useful to monitor at **which frequency your CPU cores** are running, especially if you run one day into a thermal throttle issue on your laptop. Of course not everyone needs it, but personnaly it’s been very helpful.

It comes with a taskbar widget, showing you the CPU frequency live, and an extended pannel to manage **power setting** and monitor each **core activity**.

![CPU Freq extension overview](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zgoezv7aelbti9ps98z2.png)

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1082/cpufreq](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1082/cpufreq/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/konkor/cpufreq](https://github.com/konkor/cpufreq) on github

## Emoji selector

This is the cherry on top for anyone who absolutely loves the **emoji selector feature** on Windows and macOS.

Nowadays, most apps **give you the ability** to use emojis within their interface (Notion, Slack, Twitter). But where do you turn when you need to quickly insert an emoji in a text field?

**Well, Windows and macOS have a shortcut for that.** On Ubuntu, you'll struggle a bit more, until you install this extension.

> 💡 By default it’s binded on the `❖ super + e` shortcut, but i preferer `❖ super + .` as it’s the same on windows.

![Emoji selector extension preview](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2uydv78nfxaqqusi3ipv.png)

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1162/emoji-selector](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/1162/emoji-selector/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/maoschanz/emoji-selector-for-gnome](https://github.com/maoschanz/emoji-selector-for-gnome) on github

## Gtile

Finally, last but not least, let me introduce you to **Gtile**. This nifty tool resolved several **Windows layout issues** I encountered while setting up a **vertical monitor**. 

![Gtile used to customize window dimension](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/akx5t43yq3cpx6x0gasy.png)

> 💡 You should get familiar with the extension shortcuts in order to get productive with it. 

It allows you to **split applications vertically** and position them exactly as you prefer. Gtile is a lifesaver, complete with numerous shortcuts and extensive customization options.

🔗 Links to the extension store and to the package on github:
- [https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/28/gtile](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/28/gtile/) on gnome.org
- [https://github.com/gTile/gTile](https://github.com/gTile/gTile) on github

## Conclusion

**Ubuntu with GNOME** has evolved into an environment that can serve as a **Windows replacement**, especially for developers. Thanks to the amazing community contributing by creating **GNOME extensions**, it now offers many features available on **Windows 11**.

Feel free to share which extensions have been lifesavers for you, and see you later for more content! ✨👨‍💻