How to Make Your Windows 11 PC Look Like Pixel UI [Easily]

Windows 11’s user interface, while functional, often pales in comparison to the sleek aesthetics of macOS or the vibrant design of devices like the Google Pixel. However, the beauty of Windows lies in its long-standing tradition of customization, allowing users to break free from the confines of the default UI.

For those looking to infuse their Windows 11 experience with the minimalist charm of the Pixel phone interface, customization software can be a game changer. The Pixel UI is celebrated for its simplicity and the delightful use of pastel colors that make each element stand out. This guide will walk you through the steps to bring that Pixel aesthetic to your Windows 11 desktop, transforming icons, fonts, and even the Taskbar position.

Requirements:

To successfully emulate the Pixel UI on your Windows 11 system, you’ll need the following:

Rainmeter (a powerful customization tool)
MD3 (a skin package that includes all necessary elements such as fonts, colors, and widgets to recreate the Pixel experience)

Note: Before diving into customization, it’s advisable to create a system restore point. This precaution ensures that you can revert to your current system state without any data loss should anything go awry.

How to Apply the Pixel UI Theme on Windows 11

The first step in this transformation is to download and install Rainmeter. Visit the official website, download the installer, and run it. Once the installation is complete, you’ll notice various Rainmeter elements appearing on your desktop, which are essential for utilizing the Pixel UI package.

Next, download the Basic Version of the MD3 package from GitHub. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the downloaded file and select Extract all.
Step 2: Open the extracted folder and double-click on the MD3 Basic version skin file.
Step 3: The Rainmeter skin installer will pop up. Leave the settings unchanged and click on Install.
Step 4: After a brief installation period, click on the Done button.

How to Customize the Pixel Skin in Windows 11

With the installation complete, it’s time to customize the skin elements to achieve that coveted Pixel UI look.

Taskbar and Menus

The Taskbar and menus are integral components of the Windows experience, so let’s start with these. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

Expand the Taskbar behaviors section and enable the Auto-hide Taskbar option to create space for the new Pixel taskbar. To further streamline your desktop, hide all desktop icons by right-clicking on the desktop, navigating to View, and unchecking Show desktop icons.

In the Rainmeter skin, locate the Taskbar and menu option, then click on Taskbar. Choose Style 1 to reveal a new Taskbar at the top of your screen. Keep in mind that clicking on any style button again will disable that element.

Right-click on the Taskbar and hover over the Variant option to select either Light or Dark mode, depending on your preference. The Dark mode is particularly appealing, as it adapts to your PC’s color scheme, allowing for some experimentation.

Although the Taskbar defaults to the top of the screen, you can drag it to the bottom for a more traditional layout. Some buttons on the Taskbar function as expected, while others may not perform their intended actions. For instance, the Power button shuts down the PC without a prompt, which may warrant a developer update for improved functionality.

Widgets and Styles

Another highlight of the Pixel skin is the Widgets and styles feature. While Windows 11 introduced a widget board, it doesn’t quite match the versatility seen in previous versions. Fortunately, this Pixel skin allows you to add multiple widgets to your desktop.

Navigate to the Widgets & styles section. Click on any element, then select a style. For example, choosing Clock and then Style 1 will place a clock on your desktop, which you can reposition as desired.

You can also add widgets for Date, Weather, Events, Music, and more. While most widgets are free, some may require a Pro subscription for access.

The MD3 skin for Windows 11 offers a refreshing Pixel-inspired transformation, turning a mundane desktop into a visually appealing workspace. With Android 14-style icons and an overall aesthetic that closely resembles the Pixel theme, it’s a delightful upgrade for any Windows user. While the current skin primarily enhances the desktop experience, the potential for a comprehensive theme that extends to the File Explorer and Settings UI would undoubtedly elevate the customization experience even further.

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