A new Linux shell has brought back the controversial tile-based Metro interface from Windows 8. PC Gamer highlights this revival in a piece aimed at enthusiasts. The project recreates the blocky design originally introduced by Microsoft.
The Linux shell mimics the infamous Metro user interface that defined Windows 8, a design choice that divided users upon its 2012 debut. Microsoft's Metro look featured live tiles for apps, aiming for a touch-friendly experience but drawing criticism for its departure from traditional desktop norms.
PC Gamer's article, published on January 22, 2026, dubs the project 'one for the sickos,' suggesting it's a niche appeal for those nostalgic or curious about the aesthetic. The description teases 'Block by boring block,' emphasizing the modular, grid-like structure of the tiles.
This revival occurs in the Linux ecosystem, where customization is a hallmark. While details on the shell's creator or technical implementation remain sparse, it underscores ongoing interest in retrocomputing interfaces. Windows 8's Metro was later refined in Windows 10 as the Start menu, but its pure form lives on through open-source efforts like this one.
Enthusiasts may find it a fun experiment, though mainstream adoption seems unlikely given modern UI preferences for fluidity over rigidity.
