RetroBar

Name: RetroBar
Author: Dremin

RetroBar is an application designed to convert the modern Windows taskbar into a classic-style taskbar. It delivers a nostalgic feel to your current Windows interface. RetroBar lets you relive the experience of the golden days of vintage Windows.

RetroBar is an open-source application that provides a user-friendly interface. It works smoothly in transforming and customizing the taskbar to the classic version, with minimal memory usage.

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What is RetroBar?

RetroBar is an application developed by Dremin. This program mimics the classic look of older Windows taskbars. RetroBar provides classic aesthetics with modern functionality. It offers a nostalgic look to the interface, which can be customized according to the user’s preference.

When you use RetroBar, it only transforms your current Windows taskbar and interface into any Retro Version from Windows 95 to Windows Vista, keeping the rest unchanged.

You must be wondering about the themes of RetroBar. These are the themes RetroBar consists of:

System Vista

System XP

Watercolor

Windows 2000

95-98

Windows Longhorn Aero

Windows Vista Aero

Vista Basic

Vista Classic

Windows XP Blue

XP Classic

XP Embedded Style

XP Olive Green

XP Royal Noir

XP Royale

XP Silver

XP Zune Style

Key features

Replace the taskbar with a vintage look:

RetroBar replaces the modern taskbar with a classic, retro-style one. It brings back the vintage look of taskbars from Windows 95 to Windows 7.

Lightweight & minimal memory usage:

RetroBar is a lightweight and portable application. It utilizes minimal memory for downloading, has a low installation footprint, and requires low memory to run the whole program.

Theme-based colour scheme:

RetroBar provides a colour palette that suits the theme. This idea of a theme-based colour palette enhances the nostalgic feel of the classic interface and the overall experience.

Auto-hide the taskbar:

When the taskbar is not in use, RetroBar auto-hides it, which gives your interface a clean look and maximum space.

Easy taskbar positioning & customization:

Just by double-clicking on the space of the taskbar, you can change the position of the taskbar and also customize it easily with zero hassle. You can drag the taskbar to any edge of Windows and modify it as per your preference.

Quick Launch:

Quick Launch helps you access frequently used apps and shortcuts. This is placed next to the Start button. You can customize Quick Launch and add your favourite apps so you can launch them in just one click.

What’s New ?

The most recent version of RetroBar is v1.21.32. In this version, we have come up with some new additions and improvements.

Additions

RetroBar allows you to map Windows keys + (0–9) hotkeys to switch between tabs and quickly launch shortcuts.
Now, the installer of RetroBar is also licensed under Apache 2.0, and it notifies the user about new updates.

Improvements

The problematic behaviour of the taskbar, such as handle leaks, not removing tasks from the taskbar, and misbehaving after theme changes, is all resolved.
In the new version, the file size of the installer has also been reduced.

Download RetroBar [Latest Version]

RetroBar | v1.21.32 | 6.74 MB

Download RetroBar

How to Download and Install RetroBar ?

Requirements:

Before downloading and running the RetroBar application, you have to meet some requirements of the operating system. Your Windows version should be any one of the following:

Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11.

You will need to download the .NET 6.0.2 or later desktop runtime to run the application.

Download & Installation steps:

To download RetroBar, simply click on the download button given above.

After clicking on the download button, a ZIP file will be downloaded to your PC.

Then go to the file location and click on the “Extract All” option, and select the folder to extract all the files.

Again, click on the ZIP file, which will lead you to the license agreement, then accept the terms and conditions. To complete the installation process, follow the on-screen instructions and provide the correct information.

If needed, the system will ask you to download the .NET 6 Desktop Runtime, which is a required dependency of RetroBar.

Complete the process by clicking on the Finish button. After finishing, within seconds, your taskbar will transform into a retro style.

Congratulations, you have installed RetroBar successfully.

How to Use RetroBar?

RetroBar is very user-friendly, which is why using it is a breeze. Once it’s downloaded, you don’t have to go through tons of settings; it transforms into a retro version within a few seconds.

Customization of the taskbar is also effortless. You just have to right-click on the empty space of the toolbar, which will show a menu that includes an option called “Properties.” After clicking on that, it will lead you to the page where you can change the theme and customize the taskbar as per your preference.

In the same menu, it includes two options: the first one is to lock the taskbar, and the second option is to exit the taskbar. Exiting the taskbar won’t uninstall it. You can simply click on the RetroBar icon to relaunch the taskbar.

How to Uninstall RetroBar?

To permanently delete RetroBar:

Go to the search menu and look for Task Manager first. Then search for the RetroBar application and click on “End Task.”

After that, open the Settings and navigate to “Add or Remove Programs.” You can easily find RetroBar, and then you can uninstall it from your computer permanently.

Why Choose RetroBar?

Safety and transparency:

The source code of RetroBar is publicly available, making the application as transparent as possible. Also, it does not collect any data from users, so it’s safe to use.

Fully customizable:

Talking about customization, no worries, we’ve got you covered. From the toolbar to the interface, you can customize it as you wish.

Very convenient and hassle-free:

From downloading RetroBar to running it, using it, and even uninstalling it – RetroBar causes no hassle. You will find this application very convenient as it has no complex setup at all. RetroBar provides you with the best experience.

Portable:

RetroBar is a portable application that does not need to be installed on the system. You can run it from a USB as well.

Additional features:

There are some additional features of RetroBar. The first one is font smoothing, which removes the rough edges of the font and makes the text readable.
The second is auto-start on logon. Here, the taskbar automatically starts when you log in to the desktop.
Another feature is choosing whether you want to collapse the notification area icon or display it.

Free of cost:

RetroBar is totally free to download and use.

Comparison

Feature	RetroBar	StartIsBack	OpenShell
Classic Theme	✔	✘	✔
Portable	✔	✘	✘
Easy to uninstall	✔	Trial leftovers	✔
Free/Paid	Free	Paid	Free

Screenshots

Community & Contributions

Star the Project

Show your appreciation for RetroBar by starring it on GitHub. Each star helps the project stay alive and visible!

Star on GitHub

Report an Issue

Found a bug or a problem? Open an issue on GitHub to help improve RetroBar for everyone.

Report Issue

Fork the Project

Want to customize or contribute new ideas? Fork RetroBar and join the development fun!

Fork on GitHub

GitHub Actions

Check out RetroBar’s automated builds and CI workflows that keep releases smooth and stable.

View Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Right-click on the taskbar to navigate to Properties. Then you will see an option called Theme, from where you can change among the multiple themes available in RetroBar.

When you click on the download button, a ZIP file will be downloaded. Then double-click the ZIP file and follow the on-screen instructions to install RetroBar.

Go to Task Manager, search for RetroBar, then click on End Task. Then open “Add or Remove Programs” in Settings and uninstall RetroBar.

Yes, RetroBar is made for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

You can report bugs by contacting us on our Contact Us page.

Final Words

If you are a fan of the good old days of the Windows interface, then RetroBar is all you need. It transforms the modern Windows taskbar into a classic style and brings back the OG look of your Windows. RetroBar is all about creating a nostalgic feel in a modern tech world.

It’s a lightweight, portable, and user-friendly application with a fully customizable taskbar, and it’s easy to move to any edge of the interface.