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RetroBar
What it is
RetroBar is a free Windows taskbar replacement that recreates the look of classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista taskbars. It includes a notification area with balloon notifications, a task list with UWP app support and drag reordering, and a Quick Launch toolbar. Users can select built-in themes or install custom ones, then adjust the taskbar’s layout and appearance.
The taskbar can be placed on any screen edge, resized across multiple rows, and shown on multiple monitors. Other features include a modern Start menu button, optional clock, auto-hide, Vista-style window thumbnails, and an input-language and keyboard-layout switcher. RetroBar supports Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11, and requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime. It comes as an installer or portable version; the installer can download and install the runtime when needed. The release page says the installer is unsigned, and Windows Defender may require confirmation before running it.
For and against
For
- Supports Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11.
- Works across multiple monitors and screen edges.
- Offers built-in and custom themes.
- Includes installer and portable versions.
Against
- Requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime.
- The installer is unsigned.
- Windows Defender may require a run confirmation.
The verdict
RetroBar combines classic Windows taskbar styles with layout and display options, at no cost. Users should account for the required runtime and unsigned-installer warning.
Who it suits
RetroBar suits Windows users who want a classic taskbar appearance with adjustable placement and themes. It also offers a portable version for users who prefer not to use the installer.
Plans and prices
RetroBar
Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11
Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Community and support
- The project points users to its Discord server and GitHub issues for community and issue discussion.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Users can choose built in themes, install custom themes, and adjust taskbar layout and appearance.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Display options
- The taskbar can be placed on any screen edge, resized across multiple rows, and shown on multiple monitors.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Install options
- The project provides an installer and portable versions; the installer can download and install the required runtime when needed.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The README gives recommended Open-Shell Menu settings for compatibility with RetroBar.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under Apache-2.0.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Other features
- Features include a modern Start menu button, optional clock, auto-hide, Vista style window thumbnails, and an input language and keyboard layout switcher.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with a classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista style.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Runtime update
- The latest release notes say Windows 10 and later builds use .NET 10 and users may be prompted to install it when updating.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security note
- The release page says the installer is unsigned and Windows Defender may require users to choose “more info” and then “run anyway.”github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- System requirements
- RetroBar supports Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 and requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Taskbar tools
- It includes a native notification area with balloon notifications, a task list with UWP app support and drag reordering, and a Quick Launch toolbar.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
