How to Get the Classic Windows XP Look on Windows 11

You can transform Windows 11 to look like classic Windows XP by using free, lightweight open-source tools. Microsoft does not offer a native built-in Windows XP theme, but you can easily modify the taskbar, Start menu, icons, and background to perfectly replicate the iconic 2001 “Luna” aesthetic.

Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the peak nostalgia of Windows XP into the modern era. 1. Realign the Taskbar to the Left

Windows 11 defaults to a centered taskbar, whereas Windows XP is famous for its bottom-left green Start button.

Right-click an empty space on your taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Scroll down and click to expand Taskbar behaviors. Change the Taskbar alignment from Center to Left. 2. Get the Retro Blue Taskbar via RetroBar

To completely replace the sleek Windows 11 taskbar with the classic chunky blue plastic look, use a free open-source app called RetroBar.

Download the latest release from the official RetroBar GitHub Repository.

Extract the downloaded folder, right-click RetroBar.exe, and select Run as administrator. (Note: If prompted, follow the link to download the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime).

Your taskbar will change immediately. Right-click your new taskbar and select Properties.

Under the Theme dropdown, select Windows XP Blue (or Windows XP Royale).

Navigate to the Advanced tab and check Automatically Start at Logon so you do not have to open it manually every time you boot up. 3. Change the Start Menu with Open-Shell

RetroBar fixes the taskbar, but clicking the Start button will still open the default Windows 11 menu. Fix this with Open-Shell.

Download and run the executable installer from the Open-Shell GitHub Repository.

Once installed, click your Start button to pull up the Open-Shell Menu Settings window.

In the Start Menu Style tab, select Classic with two columns.

Navigate to the Skin tab, and select Windows XP Luna from the dropdown menu to apply the classic blue theme. 4. Restore the Legendary “Bliss” Wallpaper

No Windows XP look is complete without the rolling green hills and blue sky.