How to Revive the Windows 95 and XP Taskbars in Windows 11

Windows has had different taskbar styles throughout its history. The Windows 95 and XP platforms both had distinctive taskbars that look somewhat different from the ones in Windows 11 and 10. Do you miss those classic taskbars from days gone by? Or are you just curious about what those taskbars were like? Either way, you can restore them in Windows 11 and 10 with RetroBar.

How to Restore Classic Windows 95 and XP Taskbars With RetroBar

RetroBar is freeware software that adds old-style taskbars to Windows 11. It includes nine Windows 95 and XP taskbar themes for users to choose from. Whatever one you choose will replace the standard taskbar in Windows 11. However, RetroBar doesn’t change the Start menu in any way. This is how you can restore the classic Windows 95 and XP taskbars with that customization software.

1. Open Softpedia’s RetroBar page.
2. Click the Download Now option.
3. Select Softpedia Secure Download (US) to save RetroBar’s ZIP archive.
4. Open File Explorer (press the Win + E key combo) and locate the RetroBar ZIP folder.
5. Right-click RetroBar.zip and select Extract All.
6. If the Show extracted files when complete option isn’t already selected, select the checkbox. Then click Extract to open an extracted RetroBar folder.
7. Double-click Retrobar.exe to launch the software, which will automatically apply a Windows 95 taskbar.

If an error message appears indicating you need to install .Net Core, click Yes on the prompt to open a download page. Click the Download X64 button (for running console apps) on the .NET Core 3.1 webpage. Open the Microsoft .NET Core installer from the folder it downloaded to and click Install. You might also need to restart your PC after installing .NET Core.

Once RetroBar is running, open some software to minimize to the taskbar. You’ll notice the minimized windows resemble those on the 1995 taskbar, with rectangular windows and titles just like in Windows 95.

Pinning shortcuts to the taskbar places them in a Quick Launch area on the left of the bar. To pin a desktop shortcut, right-click it, select Show more options, and choose Pin to taskbar.

To switch to an XP theme, right-click the taskbar and select Properties. In the Properties window, click the Theme drop-down menu and choose Windows XP Blue.

The XP taskbar has a distinct visual design compared to Windows 95’s, though their layouts are similar. Quick Launch remains on the left for pinned shortcuts, while notification area icons stay on the right.

RetroBar allows further taskbar customization with additional settings. Uncheck the Show the clock and Show Quick Launch boxes to remove the clock and Quick Launch bar. Select Collapse notification area icons to hide them on the right side.

The Properties window also features a Location drop-down menu to move the taskbar. Choose Top, Left, or Right to reposition the taskbar on your desktop.

How to Add Classic Windows 95/XP Wallpapers to the Desktop

To complement the Windows 95/XP theme, consider adding a classic wallpaper from those platforms. Download backgrounds from Wallpaper Access or Wallpaper Cave. Once downloaded, set the wallpaper like this:

1. Right-click the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Click Background.
3. Press Browse photos.
4. Select a downloaded Windows 95 or XP wallpaper and click Choose picture. Your desktop will now have a matching wallpaper.

If you want more nostalgia, you can restore classic Windows 95/XP screensavers. Our guide on adding classic XP screensavers to Windows 11 provides detailed instructions.

Revive Some Windows Nostalgia With RetroBar

Restoring classic Windows 95/XP taskbars with RetroBar will give you a nostalgic experience. Some users might even prefer the more streamlined taskbars of Windows 95/XP over the current ones. To further enhance the retro customization, you can also add old-style Start menus to Windows 11 with Classic Shell.