RetroBar - Bringing the Windows XP Taskbar to Windows 11! (Overview & Demo)
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2021
- Thanks to Kris for the suggestion!
Today we're checking out RetroBar: a program that brings the Windows XP or 9x taskbar to modern versions of Windows!
Download: github.com/dremin/RetroBar
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#MichaelMJD #RetroBar #WindowsXP - Наука та технологія
Great video, thanks for checking out RetroBar! :)
RetroBar doesnt work in games will that be fixed? anyways I enjoy this very much currently
Pretty cool
I would like seeing a Windows 7 theme or user-made themes. Of course you could always modify the source code, but most people are not going to be doing that
Mind the ?
69 LIKES HOW
Seeing anything Windows XP related being classed as 'retro'' makes me fell like I'm 100 years old.
Because it is
@@osaobeid7828 True
@@osaobeid7828 it was released in 2001, how tf is it retro?
you are at least 20 years old
"Retro" is two generations ago, so 7 and vista are also "retro"
I don't know why, but seeing XP is so calming for me... it brings me back when everything was so new and shiny and colorful... oh well....
And "hillfull" especially on XP, you know.
That wallpaper was so iconic.
2:54 I thought "oPeN SouRcE iS nOt sEcuRe AnD bAAAAd" 😂
That was a good testament for open source. Thanks, Mike. That made me smile.
what are you talking about?
wtf are u talking about
This is a pretty cool peice of software! I'm glad this exists as Taskbar customization was thrown out the window with windows 11. Pair that with ultra ux theme patcher and window blinds, and you've got a very realistic xp look, other than the curved windows.
Couldn't agree more, I absolutely will use this when I get 11 lol. Especially since I don't mind the curved windows
wait wait they removed taskbar customization?
Anyone know what's the best way to change the Taskbar icons like the network icon on Windows10? That would complete the nostalgia for me lol
Edit: To work with OpenShell specifically. I want my Win7 icons back :(
I prefer SecureUxTheme as it doesn't replace any files.
So no MS Windows power toy even for their server OS11? It's wrong enuff that Google android 11 can now damage your phone if you choose to unlock their A11 OS boot loader to have full root access.
It seems like each os update comes with new government constraint policies being implemented in their operating systems.
Wow, this looks very impressive for a third-party Windows UI software program for Windows 11! Once again, well done!
People obviously prefer the older versions of Windows and Microsoft still don't bring back old features.
Your never gonna see people make things like Windows 8 or 10 start menu applications 😂
@@LG1ikLx No one would bother with doing a Windows 10 version because if you like Windows 10 so much you wouldn't update to Windows 11, and as for Windows 8 there just isn't interest lol
I would actually like a windows 10 taksbar modification with the live tiles because i have been using win10 for like a few years now
@@Slain01 oh yeah another live tile lover. The one thing that sets me off for Windows 11 is the lack of live tiles in the start menu so until Microsoft (never) put's it back in or when start 11 add's live tiles then I'll use Windows 11 but I'll change the sound's back to Windows 10's after installation.
@@flying_Night_slasher yeah im just saying i dont use them i just liked the colors and it'll be hard to get used to it
The smart screen triggers on many programs which the programmer did not pay to have it microsoft certified.
It makes me feel sick that companies charge for this. If people didn't develop software for there OS then no one would buy it.
It stops smaller developers from being able to get there software out there because people see smart screen and get worried about it.
If everyone developed softwares for Linux and not Microsoft then Microsoft would make smart screen certification free. It's only cos they can force people to pay it and they deliberately make it look scary if someone hasn't paid for it.
I wish Linux had direct X so I can finally ditch windows.
Edit: just wanted to add that I know DirectX is Microsoft. What I mean is I wish Linux could run games that use DirectX natively without huge performance losses. Or instead developers make their games Linux compatible using a different graphics engine.
yeah
@@LG1ikLx Direct X isn't an engine
it's an API
@@LG1ikLx well there is always stuff like Vulcan
Valve for example already put it into many of their game as an option in settings (L4D2, Portal2, i believe HL2) and they are implementing it into CSGO aswell (if they already didnt)
with the release of SteamOS for Steam Deck, you should see a major part of Steam libraly supporting Vulcan API as an option, making it more compatible with Linux systems
@@LG1ikLx DirectX is so yesterday. Have you tried playing a game under the Vulkan API?
The xp taskbar goes so well with the default wallpaper.
Ikr, mainly because they both have similar colors (both have green and blue)
Goes well with Edge
Cause rounded corners and wallpaper is blue like the taskbar
When XP was current I never liked the theme, but now I love it because it's retro :P Cool program!
To think people didn't like XP's FisherPrice aesthetic when it came out.
I liked the silver theme more :c
It was ugly back then, and it's even uglier now... I liked the Royal and the Zune theme though. But when Vista came out, it was night and day, so I've changed XP to look like Vista, which is still the most beautiful Windows ever.
I never could put my finger on it, but Fisher Price is spot on. I think I always set XP to classic cause how goofy the red and blue big buttons looked
It was supposed to look childish, fun, and friendly. Not like these bland modern interfaces that look completely sterile, corporate, and lifeless.
the luna theme will never die lol
Immortal theme lol
Just waiting for something to completely restore Aero Glass and the Win 7 taskbar without caveats kthx
yes, i love Win7 interface. And wait for win7 bar :)
Yes - i have to ask about this as well. I would like a Win7 taskbar in my Windows11.
If RetroBar gets updated for that size difference, it'd be perfect.
Even so, this taskbar looks so great, the uninitiated might just think you were using Windows XP at a glance.
Amazing software.
I think the issue is only present in Windows 11 and 11 is not even out yet so...
This is like super accurate to Windows XP's taskbar. Using it rn and it feels just like it does on one of my XP VM's
It would be cool if Openshell integrated retro bars source code into their own so then they could work on closing that gap up
Whoa, another piece of customization software I needed to pick up. Thanks for posting about this, I can finally get that classic 9x look on my modern laptop and confuse my parents horribly as I didn't exist during the 9x era!
that’s a cool customization, brings back the good old times! nice video, michael!
Can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that he named himself Rick Astley?
Haha😂 Where die you see it?
@@el_eleminador1071 7:40
Glad you're making a video about this. I've been using Retrobar with my Windows 10/Void Linux dualboot for like a year now.
Also, perfect timing. I was JUST watching a Beluga video before you uploaded this.
I would love a Vista theme for this
and windows 7
And windows XP royal noir, that's more classic to me tbh
I have done a quick Windows 10 theme, or at least I have copied XP theme and replaced the XP icon with 10 lol, I am going to change taskbar color later (probably some dark gray, or near black) so the notification area buttons are more visible.
I love how the new windows 11 icons fit perfectly in XP taskbar.
I just love the fact that these devs make programs of the sort I was trying to find something like this when I upgraded to windows 10 since I use a desktop and dont like the new ui even going as far as to not using the start menu completely. Thanks for showcasing it.
With is wrong with u
I'd love to see Royale variants of the XP bar.
and zune
I just downloaded the latest version of Retrobar. Zune and the Royales are there now, as well as Aero bars.
i knew the project before the video, really underrated, more people should be aware of it
WOW 2 years had passed since this video and this RetroBar still gets updated.
Now it includes much more themes and I'm so happy :)
I was looking forward to this video looks like I don’t have to worry about the task bar now 😃
Now all we need is a window boarder editor and I can have my xp theme back
Thanks for this! I need to get that Windows XP taskbar as it's one of my favorites!
Really great piece of software. i think I'll actually use this on my main PC. This channel is literally a dream come true.
Did you have any problems when using it?
@@roxnt_jn46 Nope, it works like a charm. They really went above and betond with this program. I did know you could re-enable the Windows 10 taskbar in 11, but this is a whole other level. Haven't had any real problem with it so far, except maybe the fact that you can't bring up the notification area because of course the button was removed, but there's a keyboard shortcut for doing so, so it's not really a problem. Hope I helped you out.
I was waiting for you to cover this! I hope you can maybe fit this into a Windows XP transformation video for Windows 10/11, just like you did with Vista.
yes pls!
Yes! If he does, he should also include XP Shutdown Menu, which is a recreation of Windows XP's shutdown menu that appeared when you clicked to shutdown!
@UA-cam Nutzer nostalgic reasons? :p
@UA-cam Nutzer tell me you're young without telling me you're young:
Great content as always! Hopefully one day RetroBar adds Windows Vista and 7 styled Taskbars along the way!
Big hell yeah for that
I second the motion for an update of RetroBar with a Windows Vista and 7 taskbar.
yes pls
They added vista support
@@tristan6509proof
I jumped at this and been after this for a long time. loving it straight away.
Didn’t know about Retro Bar. I been using classic shell forever. Thanks!
I love it! Sad about the little annoyances like hair gap and the clock no longer bringing up the calendar. I wish Open-Shell made the Start Menu look more like Windows XP though, because it was beautiful!
Thank you! you made my windows a lot cooler!!
That windows 11 wallpaper looks so good with the windows xp taskbar. It fits so well!!!
this is exactly what i have always wanted all through 7 and 10! man i wish this had come out sooner
Windows 7 won me over on Taskbar design, it took me a while to adapt to Windows 10. After about 7 years or so with 10, I love it. However everything I've seen with the way 11 works, I just don't like. A lot of the changes I don't even see myself adapting too. Win 11 just changed far too much at once. Honestly, why change what wasn't broken?
I could adapt to the new stuff, but why the fuck would they just flat out remove the different taskbar sizes? The normal taskbar is unreasonably huge on 1080p displays, it's insane.
@@pixelcat_yt i bet Win 11 will suffer similar fate to Windows Vista and Windows 8
too much unnecessary changes which dont suit most users, making people stick with Windows 10, giving it the same fate as what happened to Windows XP and Windows 7 - people stick to what is good, reliable, and just works.
i wont be surprised if the Win10 EOL will be extended from 2025 to at least 2028 or longer
if microsoft doesnt natively implement "classic" windows 10 theme, then much less people will use Win11
they already did that once too!!! Windows XP had "classic" Win95 theme for people who didnt like the new one, they should do the same thing for Win11
"Why change what isn't broken?"
It's Microsoft, why *not* change something and break it?
"7 years or so with 10"
You spent 7 years in an OS that's been out for 6 years?
@@samhobbs6517 Newsflash, Windows 10 has been available since October of 2014. Between October 2014 and the time my comment was posted was 6 years and 11 months. So "about 7 years" is 100% accurate. Thanks for playing.
dang that's so nice, awesome video bro 🙂
windows 7
Thanks for showing the taskbar size trick!I really wanted to make it smallwr since it was really big for me and now when i use windows 11 i will change my taskbar size
This is awesome! I have been using openshell to skin windows10 to have the XP taskbar but it didn't look just right like you pointed out. RetroBar is amazing!
Windows Classic is always my favorite theme.
This is amazing.
Thanks. Very good overview of this. I appreciate it!!!
You always find the coolest customization software
Wonder if we'll get a full RetroShell out of this
Absolutely love your content, man!
Thank you!
@@MichaelMJD Same here and btw when are you going to make a discord sever it will be a really good way to interact with you and others in this area of content you do on the channel.
@@MZB909 I offered to make him one but he declined so I don't he will make a discord
@@smartninja3651 why or cuz of the hasstle and private life
@@MZB909 no idea
I've just started using this, and while I really do enjoy it on Windows 11, I seriously hope a RetroBar update which can give me either the Vista or 7 taskbar (adjusted to be similar to the taskbars in previous versions of Windows) will be made in the near future. Nice video.
Oh heck yeah! This is one of my most favourite pieces of software I've ever seen!
If they somehow add the option to change the position of the taskbar (which Windows 11 doesn't have), it could be a killer app for a lot of people
Does the taskbar still allow resizing by right-clicking, unchecking "Lock all taskbars", and dragging the top edge of the taskbar, similar to how you resize windows?
Daaaamn this looks pretty sick! I love it!
This will be a fantastic addition to making my dad's new PC as XP is something we both used for a very long time and can ditch the complicated nature of these newer OSes by MS, Thx MJD!
Windows 11: exists
Customizers: *my time has come*
We have come full circle. At one time we tried to "upgrade the xp bar"
What fools we were.
Irony at it's finest :D
Great video! Would love for this to cover multiple monitors.
Woah this looks great! I’ll definitely try it out
Is anyone gonna mention how much the Watercolor theme perfectly fits in with Windows 11's UI?
Do u think he will ever put a windows 7. theme i definitely would want to use this then.
THANK YOU for showing that this is possible. I was afraid that there wouldn’t be a version of classic shell for windows 10 so this is a nice alternative.
This was exactly what I was waiting for before I ever would consider switching to Windows 11. I now have hope.
It's pretty ironic that Smartscreen always filter legit apps while even classic viruses pass through it like nothing
While this looks incredibly cool, I can't understand why Microsoft doesn't just let you customize the look of the OS from the start. I mean, more than like window colors and background.
Amazing, the way you covered so many minute details to the level of Windows XP's age. 😘
ooh this is so cool! i downloaded it and i love it, it looks so good
Microsoft: wait that's illegal
Anyways nice vid Michael
Did we got rickrolled? The name that appears is Rick Astley.
What a great piece of software! Been using this recently to go along with Windows XP theme for Windows 10, my experience with RetroBar is so wonderful, it works just like native Windows taskbar, but simpler and less bloated than the native Windows 10 taskbar. Old-school softwares are the best!
I already thought that the new laptop with windows 11 would throw in the trash for this start bar ... but your video saved me, you are great!
What if you use RetroBar + Start11. I mean Start11 will still have the windows 11 look but it will have the same functionality as XP.
edit: nevermind it uses the windows 7 type start menu.
What Retro? Windows XP taskbar is not retro, it’s the most relevant today!
this just brings so many 2006 vibes. thanks for reviewing this. i would of never of found this. i would of been looking forever if it wasn't for you. thank you
i ligit came back to this video that i watched lastnight for the link lol i very much like the idea of Retro bar it looks really cool Thanks MJD for the video :)
I LOVE THIS PROGRAM SO MUCH i can pretend im on windows xp but im not :0 TYSM
Well done, but I will never forgive Microsoft for developing Windows 11.
How come?
@@RemixedVoice Because Windows 11 doesn’t look like Windows to me. It looks more like a Mac build, or a Linux build with a blue version of the Microsoft logo drawn in crayon.
@@CastawayRJ People said the same thing with 8 and 10, you will get used to it. Honestly, if we skipped 8 and 10 altogether and transitioned from 7 to 11, I would say 11 is a decent modernized successor to 7
@@ARose47 for me, Windows 10 is an exemption, because that version of Windows brought back the start menu, it was easier to use than Windows 8, and it looked more like Windows to me. When someone says “Microsoft Windows,” I don’t immediately think of Windows 11, I immediately think of Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10.
@@RemixedVoice It's self-evidently a copy of a touch screen interface similar to Android or iOS.
That's not to mention how MS is herding us to locking us into the Windows pasture. They keep this up and I'm moving to Linux. Upgrading to Windows 7 was bad enough, especially the devices I can no longer find drivers for, and the fact that I can't run 16 bit programs any more.
First
Dyamn
i am 2nd
@Earth yeah no i literally clicked after the first 9 seconds of upload
@Earth exactly that means i'm a early comment
ONLY the top ones means the most recent
Oh cool this looks very cool looking and it is a very great idea what someone made this program
wow thank you so much! i recently got my surface pro and have been trying to find ways to make it retro
omg y u promote VIRUS!?!?!?! how much are u pay by retroBar?!?
(a joke look at 2:25)
omg y u promote VIRUS!?!?!?! how much are u pay by retroBar?!?
This made me feel 17 again. For windows 10 users, go to taskbar settings and activate "Use small taskbar buttons". That will close the space between menu and taskbar. Worked for me anyway. Thanks for showing this cool modification!
thanks for the help!
Great video finish it off with the background and the screensaver
This is FANTASTIC!!
Thank you so much. Finally, I can hide the date on the taskbar. 👍
Oh my god I want this!!! Imma install this right now!
Am I the only one who loves the Windows 8/8.1 start screen? This is why I still use Windows 8.1 to this day, as my daily driver.
Ab excellent video! I might use it myself!
Bro i love this already
i love this program, my favorite theme in retrobar is windows vista classic
Nice, along with linkbar I will feel like I'm running XP again!
Loved it, thanks
I will definitely be using this
The windows 11 wallpaper looks good with xp blue taskbar!
The Luna Blue themed bar seems to fit in well with Windows 11’s default wallpaper.
Very nostalgic!
OpenShell allows you to offset the start menu along the x and y axis, can help with the gap spacing!
I have some suggestions for Retrobar in the future, and these suggestions include, 1. Have the start button remain pressed while the start menu is pressed, as it would look much more accurate of course, 2. Have some options like grouping of taskbar buttons (Which existed in Windows XP btw), or eventually a Windows 7 mode as well (windows 7 may be considered retro relatively soon). I want my taskbar to look very much like Windows XP, with the buttons and everything, but i also want it to work in a somewhat modern way as well, as I want a neo retro taskbar, because i don't want too retro (i like the groupings of the taskbar, and the organization of windows of one program too). It's not perfect obviously, but it is still impressive.
dude.... thanks you ! very very VERY much !!
Just tried Retrobar. As cool as it looks, I did discover it does not show any of the apps I had on the default taskbar, except a few basic ones. Also, the start menu (Open Shell) sometimes shows up right on the taskbar, with no gap. But other times, it would be up, with the gap in between. Odd. I was able to get my taskbar to look more like the blue retrobar, with a button replacement in Open Shell, and a colour palette change on the taskbar, which is now being driven by Stardock's Windowblinds, which is also bringing back thick window frames. I just wish I could find something that authentically reskins the window frames with XP style frames. Gotta have the thick borders. I'm legally blind, and the Win10/11 borderless windows ain't gonna cut muster with my vision. LOL Thanks for sharing this. :)
No animation? That really makes me CRY. Thank the lord you mentioned that. Its one of the keys to my PRODUCTIVITY
After my old pc broke out that’s after when the older versions got discontinued I thought I’d never gonna get a new windows me pc since they’re no longer available in the market until recently I found out that you virtually install them on behalf of your host computer such an amazing technology so therefore I thought and felt amazed and happily glad that you still run older PCs virtually but not physically though hence I would wanna take the opportunity and advantage of using them especially when I have all my apps as I just mentioned with them awesome for someone rejoin and play with them on their spare time heh!!!!! A gaming edition!’
This is awesome!