This week, we’ll be exploring window managers—a key part of the Linux experience that many users may not fully understand. Whether you’re a beginner looking to switch from a desktop environment or a power user seeking better workflow efficiency, this guide will help you navigate the world of tiling, floating, and hybrid window managers.
What is a Window Manager?
A window manager (WM) is a core part of a graphical user interface (GUI) that controls how application windows are arranged, moved, and resized on your screen. Unlike a desktop environment (DE), which includes a full suite of applications and utilities, a window manager focuses solely on managing windows.
Why Use a Window Manager?
Many Linux users prefer standalone window managers over full desktop environments for customization, efficiency, and resource savings. Here’s why:
Lightweight – Uses fewer system resources than a full desktop environment.
Faster Workflow – Keyboard-driven window management can speed up navigation.
Highly Customizable – Configure keybindings, window behavior, and appearance.
Minimalist – Reduces unnecessary background services.
Types of Window Managers
There are three primary types of window managers:
Stacking (Floating) Window Managers
These operate like traditional GUIs, where windows can overlap each other, much like stacks of paper on a desk.
Examples: Openbox, Fluxbox, KWin (KDE’s built-in WM), Metacity (GNOME’s classic WM)
Pros:
Familiar for most users Easy to manage with a mouse Works well for casual or multimedia use
Cons:
Can become cluttered Requires manual window placement
Tiling Window Managers
Windows are automatically arranged to maximize screen space without overlapping.
Examples: i3, Sway (Wayland-based i3 alternative), bspwm, dwm
Pros: Efficient use of screen space Optimized for keyboard-driven workflows Ideal for programming and multitasking
Cons: Learning curve for new users Less intuitive mouse usage
Hybrid (Dynamic) Window Managers
These allow switching between tiling and floating modes.
Examples: KWin (KDE), Mutter (GNOME), AwesomeWM, Xmonad
Pros: Best of both worlds—flexibility and efficiency Adaptable to different workflows Can behave like a full DE
Cons: More complex configuration May require scripting for full potential
Window Managers vs. Desktop Environments
| Feature | Window Manager | Desktop Environment |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Manages windows only | Full graphical experience (file manager, panels, settings) |
| Customization | Highly configurable | More rigid, but user-friendly |
| Performance | Lightweight, minimal RAM usage | Can be resource-intensive |
| Examples | i3, Sway, Openbox, bspwm | KDE Plasma, GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon |
Learn more:
How to Try a Window Manager
Install a Window Manager:
- Fedora:
dnf install i3 - Ubuntu:
apt install i3 - Arch Linux:
pacman -S i3
NOTE: If you are running i3 on Fedora or Arch you need to login to an Xorg session, not a wayland session, Sway is a fork of i3 for Wayland.
Log out and choose your WM in the login screen. Learn keybindings and customize your config file!
Useful resources:
Final Thoughts
Window managers provide customization, efficiency, and speed unmatched by traditional desktop environments. Whether you prefer tiling for productivity, floating for familiarity, or hybrid for flexibility, there’s a WM suited to your needs.
What’s your favorite window manager? Let us know in the comments! 