The Tiled Windows Desktop

Flickr user kcham95 wanted to get familiar with the Windows 8 tiled look in Windows 7, especially since Microsoft doesn’t want us booting right to the desktop. This sharp-looking desktop features a few tiles to launch apps, a hidden taskbar and some informative widgets.

Want the same look for your Windows desktop? Here’s what you’ll need:

• The wallpaper from Wallz.eu
• The Rainmeter system configuration and management utility for Windows
• The Omnimo 5.0 skin for Rainmeter for the tiles in the centre and the shutdown menu at the bottom of the screen (taskbar is hidden)
• The Encoded skin for Rainmeter for the clock and date in the upper corners of the screen

That’s all there is to it — just enough to transform the desktop into something new and possibly even better-looking than Windows 8 itself! For more details on the specific tiles used, head over to kcham95’s Flickr page for details.

Mac users might be able to get the same look with GeekTool (and our guide). I’d love to hear from Linux users who know of a way to get the same effect on their systems. Let use know in the comments below.

My First Desktop [Flickr]