Someone recreated the Windows 8 Start menu in Linux for some reason

My memories of using Windows 8 are somewhat hazy. Perhaps it’s because I clung to Windows 7 for as long as I could, only transitioning to Windows 10 once it proved stable. My experience with Windows 8 and 8.1 felt more like a fleeting moment than a full-fledged operating system. What I do recall, however, is my aversion to the tiled Start menu, which led me to opt for the more traditional Windows interface.

For those who found charm in the Windows 8.1 user interface, a new project has emerged that may pique your interest. A developer has taken the initiative to recreate the tiled Start Menu for Linux, showcasing the beauty of open-source software where even the most niche ideas can flourish.

In a recent post on the Linux subreddit, user N3Rumie expressed their fondness for the Windows 8.1 Start menu and their desire to bring it to the Linux platform. This announcement follows a wave of creativity in the Linux community, including recent innovations like adding sticky notes to the terminal.

One of Microsoft’s more controversial Start menus is now on Linux

N3Rumie described their project as a Python-based application designed to launch scripts like apps. It boasts support for flatpaks, Steam games, and native system applications. Users can customize the colors through an edit mode or a simple right-click, and the background can be replaced with a wallpaper of choice. Tiles are movable, allowing for the creation of groups and folders, and the project aims to replicate about 80% of the original Windows 8 Start menu’s functionality. Notably absent are the search mode and the option for larger tiles. The menu remains in the system tray until activated with the “super+p” command.

“I made it for myself and it’s dependent on the GNOME terminal, but if someone is interested, I can release the code on Git when I get back from work,” N3Rumie shared.

The post has garnered significant attention, amassing 627 upvotes at the time of writing. Due to frustrations with GitHub, N3Rumie opted to share the code via Pastebin, noting that users would need PyQt6 6.10.1 and pynput 1.8.1 to get everything up and running. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, they plan to enhance the project further. While I remain hesitant to install it myself, I can’t help but wonder who among us will be adventurous enough to give it a try.