Windows 11 might be the new kid on the block, but Windows XP enjoyed popularity like no other version. Many users still like to visit the old UI, reminiscent of a giant leap in UI and performance in Windows OS.
If you want to recreate the Windows XP look in Windows 11, it is possible to do so. Don’t worry; we won’t tell you to download some random skin in hopes of creating the iconic look.
Instead, we’ll use open-source programs to help you tweak each element, whether it’s the Taskbar, Start menu, Wallpaper, or icons. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to transform Windows 11 to XP, barring a few UI changes. Download all these elements from the links below:
- RetroBar to change the Taskbar appearance
- Open-Shell to restore the old Start Menu
- XP icons file or WindowBlinds 11 app
- Bliss Wallpaper
Bringing Windows XP UI Back Piece-By-Piece
To restore the classic XP look, we’ll have to combine all these elements in order. Firstly, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar section and change the Taskbar alignment to Left.
Now, let’s start with the RetroBar.
Changing the Taskbar
Extract the RetroBar archive and install it on your PC. Now your PC’s Taskbar will automatically switch to the Windows 98 design. But further tweaks are necessary.
Open the RetroBar properties using its system tray icons. Select Windows XP Blue in the Theme options and enable the following options:
- Show Windows Previews (Thumbnails)
- Allow Font Smoothing
- Add the Show Desktop Button
These settings can convert the Taskbar and enable the Automatically Start at Logon option in the Advanced tab. It’ll add RetroBar to the list of Startup apps, so you won’t have to run it manually. So this is how to get Windows XP taskbar on Windows 11.
Changing the Start Menu
Next is the Start Menu, which the OpenShell app will help with. Install it and open the app.
Under the Start Menu Style section, choose the Classic With Two Columns option.
Switch to the Skin tab and select the Windows XP Luna option.
We are done with the Start Menu for now. There are more granular settings, but you don’t need to change all of them.
Changing the Icons and Wallpaper
Windows 11 doesn’t have the legacy XP icons in the current build. Here, you have two options. You can use the free XP icon pack available on Internet Archive and manually apply it to your PC.
You can also go with the paid app called WindowBlinds11, which can do it for you.
WindowsBlinds 11 is a part of the Stardock group, which has multiple other apps to change the Windows 11 appearance and features. Nevertheless, it is a one-click solution that offers a 30-day free trial. So, you can enjoy Windows XP appearance for 30 days before deciding to pay for it.
Install the app and launch it. On the Style page, select the Luna style and click the Apply to the Desktop button.
Switch to the Wallpaper tab and select the original XP wallpaper. You can also download the iconic Windows XP Wallpaper and apply it.
Now, your retro-themed XP PC is ready to roll. You might encounter some glitches with these apps, but a quick restart can fix them.
FAQs
Is there a lighter version of Windows 11?
Yes, several modded versions of the ISO files like Tiny11 are available, reducing the bloatware shipped with regular Windows 11 ISO files. You can also use bloatware removal tools to shed some weight, which is a more secure option.
What is the Windows XP style called?
Windows XP style is code-named Luna, and the official wallpaper is called Bliss wallpaper.
What replaced Windows XP?
Windows Vista arrived after Windows XP and wasn’t received that well. Shortly after that, Windows 7 debuted, and old users still love it. Sadly, all these three OS versions have reached their end and are no longer maintained by Microsoft.
Wrapping Up
This is how you can turn your modern Windows 11 PC’s UI into an XP machine from almost two decades back. WindowsBlinds is the only paid app that changes all the icons, but if you can live without it, the Taskbar and Start menu can be transformed for free.
Also Check:
