Windows · System Tools
Best Linux alternatives to Windows Widgets
Windows Widgets offers a sidebar with live info like weather, news, and calendar, integrated into Windows 11's desktop.
Updated
Quick answer
The best Linux alternative to Windows Widgets is Conky. Other strong options: Latte Dock, Cairo Dock.
3 Linux alternatives to Windows Widgets
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Conky is a lightweight, highly configurable system monitor that displays real‑time information on your desktop.
Conky can replace Windows Widgets if you're comfortable configuring it manually and want a lightweight, customizable desktop overlay. It supports live weather, time, news via scripts, and calendar data if scripted, but doesn't integrate with online accounts or services out of the box. It's ideal…
Feature parity65% -
Latte Dock is a highly customizable dock for Linux desktops that integrates with KDE Plasma and supports app launching, task management, and widgets.
Latte Dock is a good replacement for Windows Widgets if you're using a KDE Plasma desktop and want a customizable sidebar with live information. While it’s primarily a dock, its deep Plasma widget integration allows it to host weather, calendar, RSS feeds, and custom applets directly on the panel…
Feature parity75% -
Cairo Dock is a dock-style interface for Linux that provides quick app access and system monitoring.
Cairo Dock is a reasonable replacement for Windows Widgets if you want a visually appealing dock with some widget-like functionality, but it's not a direct substitute. It supports weather, calendar, and system monitors via applets, and its sidebar layout can be customized. However, it focuses more…
Feature parity65%
What is Windows Widgets?
Windows Widgets is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that displays real-time information in a collapsible sidebar. It's aimed at users who want quick access to updates without opening apps. The content includes news, weather, calendar events, and to-do items, pulling from Microsoft services.
It's free and tightly integrated into Windows 11, part of Microsoft's effort to enhance productivity and personalization. There's no standalone license or cost, as it's included with the OS. No third-party licensing is involved, and it's not sold separately.
People seek Linux alternatives because the widget system doesn't exist on Linux desktops by default. Linux users want similar glanceable info on their desktops without relying on web browsers or heavy tools. The goal is lightweight, customizable, and system-integrated solutions.
What a replacement for Windows Widgets must do
- Display live weather and time
- Show news or RSS feeds
- Integrate with calendar events
- Support to-do or task lists
- Sidebar or panel-style layout
- Customizable widgets and layout
- Low system resource usage
Can you run Windows Widgets on Linux?
There is no native Linux version of Windows Widgets. It does not run on Wine or Proton, as it's deeply integrated with Windows 11's UI layer. No web version exists. Some third-party tools may mimic functionality, but the actual app is not available on Linux.
Which alternative should you choose?
Conky suits users who want full control over appearance and system data via scripting. Latte Dock works best for KDE Plasma users needing dock-integrated widgets. Cairo Dock offers a visually rich, macOS-style dock with widget support for those prioritizing aesthetics over minimalism.
Moving your Windows Widgets files and habits
There is no direct data export from Windows Widgets, as it doesn't store personal data locally in a transferable format. Any to-do items or calendar data are tied to Microsoft accounts. On Linux, similar functionality requires setting up new widgets using local or online services manually.
Side-by-side comparison
| App | License | Flatpak | Latest version | Feature parity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conky | GPL-3.0 | — | 1.25.5 | 65% | — |
| Latte Dock | GPL-3.0 | — | 0.10.9 | 75% | — |
| Cairo Dock | GPL-3.0 | — | 3.6.2 | 65% | — |
Windows Widgets: frequently asked questions
Can I get the exact Windows 11 Widgets look on Linux?
No. The exact UI and integration aren't replicable, but tools like Latte Dock offer similar sidebar widgets.
Is Conky hard to set up?
Basic Conky is simple; advanced layouts need manual config. Pre-made themes can help beginners.
Do these alternatives need special desktop environments?
Latte Dock works best on KDE. Conky and Cairo Dock run on most desktops but may need extra setup.
Can I sync my Microsoft To-Do or calendar?
Not directly. Use web apps or desktop clients that support Microsoft services, then display in widgets.
How important is Windows Widgets to you?
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