SecureUxTheme patches Windows theme verification in memory to allow unsigned styles without modifying system files.
Open source
24 alternativesOld School Style
RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with classic styles from Windows 95 through Vista.
About Old School Style
RetroBar is an open-source Windows utility that replaces the default taskbar with a classic layout modeled on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista. It is built on the ManagedShell library and includes a native notification area with balloon notifications, a task list with UWP app support and drag reordering, a quick launch toolbar, and a Start button that opens the modern start menu. The taskbar can be resized, given multiple rows, positioned on any screen side, hidden automatically, and shown across multiple monitors.
The program runs on Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11, and requires the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime. The installer downloads that runtime automatically when needed, while the portable version prompts the user to download it on first launch. Fresh Windows 7 installations may need additional Windows updates. Included themes cover Classic, XP, Vista, Watercolor, 95-98, Me, 2000, and several XP variants, and users can install community-made or custom XAML themes and languages.
Key features
- Replaces the default taskbar with Windows 95 through Vista layouts
- Task list supports UWP apps and drag reordering
- Quick launch toolbar plus Start button opening the modern start menu
- Resizable, multi-row taskbar positionable on any screen side
- Option to show taskbar, notification area and clock on multiple monitors
- Custom XAML themes and languages installed manually or through Properties
Best for: Windows 7 through 11 users who want a classic taskbar appearance and behavior instead of the modern one.
Good for
- Open source under the Apache-2.0 license
- Includes many built-in themes across Windows 95 through Vista styles
- Interface translated into a large number of languages
Watch out for
- Requires the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime to run
- Portable version prompts to download the .NET runtime on first launch
- Fresh Windows 7 installs may need additional Windows updates
- Open-Shell Menu users may need to adjust menu settings for compatibility
Old School Style at a glance
- Website
- github.com/dremin/RetroBar
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Desktop Customization
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Windows
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Old School Style alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
This repository collects Polybar themes in different styles, colors, and variants for desktop customization.
Open source
24 alternatives
A lightweight utility that makes the Windows taskbar translucent/transparent.
Open source
24 alternatives
FluentFlyout adds media controls and a taskbar widget to Windows 11, with a flyout for playback controls.
Open source
24 alternatives
Mica For Everyone enables backdrop effects on Win32 application title bars in Windows 11.
Open source
24 alternatives
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
Open source
24 alternativesPopular in Desktop Customization
Well-known listings from the same topic.
Chezmoichezmoi.ioawesomewmawesomewm.orgdotfilesdotfiles.github.iobackieeapps.microsoft.com/store/detail/backiee-wallpa…Dynamic Themeapps.microsoft.com/detail/9nblggh1zbkwHydraPaperhydrapaper.gabmus.org
Old School Style FAQ
Which versions of Windows does RetroBar support?
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Fresh Windows 7 installs may require additional Windows updates.
Does RetroBar require any additional software?
Yes, the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime. The installer downloads and installs it automatically if necessary, while the portable version prompts you to download it on first launch.
Can I use my own themes or languages?
Yes. Community-made theme files can be installed under RetroBar Properties > Advanced, or you can place valid .xaml theme or language files in a Themes or Languages directory under %localappdata%\RetroBar.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
Own this website?
Claim this listing
Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.