But what if you wanted a new look? Like other Linux distros, you can change the desktop environment on your Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi OS Uses PIXEL

Based on Debian, the Raspberry Pi OS has a modified version of the LXDE desktop environment. This is accompanied by a unique theme and the Openbox stacking window manager. Together, this is known as PIXEL.

On the whole, PIXEL is a fine desktop environment. Introduced back in 2017, PIXEL brought a degree of polish to the Raspbian (as it was then called) operating system. Prior to that, things had been a bit basic and ropey.

But if you’re tired of PIXEL, don’t like it, or just want to change to a more modern-looking Linux desktop environment, these alternatives are available:

GNOME KDE plasma Xfce Sugar MATE Cinnamon

Below is a look at each in depth. Before installing, ensure your Pi is running Raspberry Pi OS Lite, and you’re using a Raspberry Pi 3 or later (unless otherwise instructed).

How to Set the Raspberry Pi to Boot into the Desktop Mode

With a desktop environment installed, you may also like Raspberry Pi OS to boot directly to the desktop rather than the command line. To do this from the command line:

Run sudo raspi-config Use the keyboard to select System Options and hit enter Choose Boot/Auto Login, then enter Select Desktop or Desktop Autologin and tap enter depending on preference Select Finish, hit enter, then Reboot when prompted

This will result in Raspberry Pi OS launching in desktop mode, booting into the installed desktop environment.

1. GNOME

Fancy turning your Raspberry Pi into a super-slick, modern-looking computer?

Installing GNOME as the Pi’s desktop environment will do exactly that.

You have different options here, from installing GNOME as an alternative to PIXEL, to installing it as the sole desktop on a basic Raspberry Pi OS Lite system. This last (arguably better) option uses the GNOME for Pi project.

For the best results with GNOME, your Raspberry Pi should be installed on an SSD rather than on microSD.

Note that before logging in, you should click the cog wheel and select GNOME on Xorg. This will improve performance from GNOME on your Raspberry Pi.

2. KDE Plasma

Regarded as perhaps the best-looking Linux desktop environment around, KDE Plasma can be installed on the Raspberry Pi OS.

Known for its sharp lines and stunning selection of desktop backgrounds, KDE Plasma will totally refresh your Raspberry Pi. It’s almost the antithesis of PIXEL, and will change the way you think about the Pi.

To install KDE Plasma:

It is worth disabling the compositor after installation. Press Alt+Shift+F12 to test—things should move a lot slicker on the KDE Plasma desktop. To permanently disable this:

Click the menu Type “compositor” Click Compositor Clear the box labeled Enable compositor on startup Click Apply then OK

KDE Plasma needs the 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS Lite to run reliably, so ensure this is installed.

3. Xfce

The Xfce desktop environment is a tidy alternative to the LXDE-based PIXEL. Sporting a compact dock in across the bottom of the screen and with a top-left applications menu, it is perhaps the closest alternative to PIXEL.

Just as lightweight as PIXEL, Xfce looks far better than the default desktop.

You can easily install Xfce on your Raspberry Pi with:

This will add the Xfce desktop to your Raspberry Pi.

4. LXQt

Crisp and functional, LXQt is often overlooked as an alternative desktop environment across the entire Linux family. As alternatives to GNOME go, KDE Plasma and Xfce tend to get all the attention.

The same is the same on the Raspberry Pi, where the PIXEL desktop reigns supreme. But LXQt is a smart environment without frills and distractions.

You can install LXQt on the Raspberry Pi with:

That will ensure the desktop installs without bring any unnecessary tools and apps with it. If you want them, simply use

This will install the full set of packages.

5. MATE

Another option is the other Ubuntu desktop environment, MATE. This enjoyed increased popularity when Ubuntu developers Canonical were abandoning the Unity desktop environment in favor of GNOME Shell.

MATE is forked from the GNOME 2 code, and has a more traditional desktop focus than the current GNOME 4x generation. Its low system footprint makes MATE a smart choice for the Raspberry Pi.

You can use MATE on any Raspberry Pi 2 or later device, the newer, the better. However, first generation Raspberry Pis cannot handle MATE.

Install MATE with

You can also install the full Ubuntu OS (GNOME or MATE) on a Raspberry Pi.

6. Cinnamon

Known mainly as the desktop environment found on Linux Mint, Cinnamon is another Windows-like desktop compatible with Raspberry Pi OS.

Installing Cinnamon on the Pi is straightforward:

However, the main installation option might leave you with a somewhat bloated system. Instead, there are two further installation options:

This installs just the minimum collection of software required to run Cinnamon. If you’re looking for an even lighter desktop environment for your Raspberry Pi, use

This will deliver the Cinnamon desktop and not much else. The result should be a slick, lightweight computing experience on the Raspberry Pi.

Change Your Raspberry Pi Desktop Environment Today

Each of these alternative Raspberry Pi desktop environments can be installed manually or using dedicated software. Tasksel, a Debian-based tool for automated configuration, features a number of desktop environments. Compatible with Raspberry Pi OS, Tasksel can be used to install most Debian-friendly desktops.

As noted, it is smarter to start with the compact Raspberry Pi OS Lite rather than the full version. Doing so will avoid conflicts and misconfiguration.

Of course, you don’t have to rely on a Linux-style desktop environment for your Raspberry Pi. You could make it look like Windows or macOS instead.