Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can customize Ubuntu’s look and basic workflow without installing themes or running terminal commands. Start in Settings > Appearance to switch between the default and dark styles or choose a wallpaper, then pin frequently used apps to the dash. Exact labels and dock controls can vary by Ubuntu release.
What you can customize with Ubuntu’s built-in tools
Ubuntu Desktop uses “a slightly modified version of the GNOME Desktop Environment,” according to Ubuntu Documentation’s About GNOME on Ubuntu. That means Ubuntu-specific instructions may differ from generic GNOME guidance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ubuntu’s documentation identifies Ubuntu Dock as the left sidebar for running applications and Desktop Icons NG as the component that enables desktop icons. It also lists pinning favorite applications to the dash as a built-in customization. The documented starting points below use Ubuntu’s bundled settings and features.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Switch between the default and dark styles
- Open Activities and search for Appearance.
- Open the Appearance panel and choose Default or Dark.
The style change applies immediately, so you can see the result as soon as you select it. The Ubuntu appearance guide documents these choices; it does not establish that every release offers the same accent-color options.
#1 Best Overall
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
Change your desktop wallpaper
Open Activities, search for Appearance, and open the Appearance panel. Choose a supplied background image, or select Add Picture… to use a personal image. Changes apply immediately. Ubuntu’s guide notes that most supplied wallpapers have light and dark variants.
You can also set an image directly from the file manager: open Files, right-click the image, and choose Set as Background…. The image viewer’s menu provides the same action. To see the desktop clearly, switch to an empty workspace.
Rank #2
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
Make the dash work for you
Ubuntu’s desktop overview describes pinning favorite apps to the dash as a way to customize the desktop. Use the dash to keep the applications you return to most within easy reach. Ubuntu’s desktop overview also points to separate guidance for workspaces and keyboard shortcuts if you want to adjust how you navigate between tasks.
Recommended Free Tools
Check your Ubuntu release before changing dock controls
Ubuntu Dock provides the left sidebar for running applications, but available controls and their locations can differ across Ubuntu releases. The stable Ubuntu documentation cited here does not establish one universal current path for changing dock position, auto-hide behavior, or icon size. Check the labels on your installed version rather than relying on instructions written for another release.
Rank #3
- ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
- ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
- ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
- ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"
Keep early changes simple and reversible
Appearance settings, wallpapers, and pinned apps are good places to begin. Ubuntu’s official guidance cited here does not document installation, compatibility, or security practices for third-party themes and extensions, so it does not establish them as beginner defaults. You can explore Ubuntu’s documented settings first without adding theme files or extensions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
