GNOME Calendar as a Linux alternative to Windows Calendar
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Calendar is a solid replacement for Windows Calendar if you use Google, Exchange, or CalDAV accounts and stay within the Linux ecosystem. It supports monthly views, event creation, reminders, and fast startup, matching core needs. The integration with Evolution Data Server allows backend sync with email and contacts, though the frontend simplicity may feel limited compared to Windows' tighter Microsoft integration. It’s best suited for users who prioritize lightweight, no-frills calendar management on Linux and don’t rely on deep Outlook or iCloud UI integration.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Syncs with Google Calendar and Microsoft Exchange/Outlook.com via CalDAV
- Supports monthly, weekly, and daily calendar views
- Allows event creation, editing, and reminders
- Lightweight with quick startup and minimal interface
- Supports multiple overlapping calendars
What is different
- No native iCloud integration—must use CalDAV workaround
- No built-in email client integration unless using Evolution
- Simpler UI with fewer customization options than Windows Calendar
- No direct support for importing .ics files on open (though they can be opened manually)
- Less tight integration with desktop notifications compared to Windows
Opening your Windows Calendar files
GNOME Calendar does not directly import or export calendar files in a user-facing way like Windows Calendar, but it supports the iCalendar (.ics) format through Evolution Data Server. You can manually open .ics files by double-clicking them if your file manager is configured to launch GNOME Calendar. Exporting individual events or full calendars is possible via Evolution, but not directly from GNOME Calendar itself. For most users syncing online, file portability is less relevant than account-level sync.
Switching from Windows Calendar to GNOME Calendar, step by step
- Enable Online Accounts in GNOME Settings and add your Google or Exchange account
- Ensure Evolution Data Server is installed (usually preinstalled on GNOME systems)
- Open GNOME Calendar—your synced calendars should appear automatically
- For iCloud, manually add the CalDAV account using your iCloud credentials and server URL
- Verify event visibility and set up reminders in GNOME Calendar preferences
Key features of GNOME Calendar
- Syncs with online accounts (Google, Exchange, CalDAV)
- Displays day, week, and month views
- Integrated with Evolution Data Server
- Lightweight and fast startup
- Supports multiple calendars
- Event creation and editing with reminders
- Minimalist design matching GNOME style
- Automatic time zone handling
How to install GNOME Calendar on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-calendarsudo apt install gnome-calendarsudo dnf install gnome-calendarsudo pacman -S gnome-calendarsudo zypper install gnome-calendarFrequently asked questions
Can GNOME Calendar sync with Outlook.com or Office 365?
Yes, it can sync with Outlook.com and Exchange accounts through GNOME Online Accounts using the Exchange (EWS) option.
Does GNOME Calendar support iCloud Calendar?
Not directly, but you can add iCloud as a CalDAV account manually using your iCloud username, password, and the CalDAV server address.
Is there a mobile version of GNOME Calendar?
No, GNOME Calendar is desktop-only. For mobile sync, use a CalDAV-compatible app like DAVx5 on Android and sync with the same accounts.
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