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RetroBar

RetroBar is a free Windows taskbar replacement that restores the appearance of classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista taskbars.

Place
#23 of 34
Score
5.8
RetroBar's website

What RetroBar is

RetroBar is a free Windows taskbar replacement that restores the appearance of classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista taskbars. It includes a notification area with balloon notifications, a task list that supports UWP apps and drag reordering, and a Quick Launch toolbar. Users can choose built-in themes or install custom ones, then adjust taskbar layout and appearance. The taskbar can sit on any screen edge, span multiple rows, and appear 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 installer is unsigned, and Windows Defender may require users to choose “more info” and then “run anyway.”

Good

  • Supports Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11.
  • Can appear on multiple monitors.
  • Offers built-in and custom themes.
  • Includes a portable version.
  • Task list supports UWP apps and drag reordering.

Watch out

  • Requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime.
  • The installer is unsigned.
  • Windows Defender may require confirmation to run the installer.
  • Windows 10 and later updates may prompt for .NET 10.

Who it suits

RetroBar suits Windows users who want a classic taskbar appearance and options for themes, layout, and monitor placement. It offers both installer and portable versions.

Verdict

RetroBar offers classic taskbar styles with controls for placement, sizing, and appearance. Consider its runtime requirement and unsigned-installer warning before installing.

Plans and prices

From RetroBar's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
RetroBarFreeWindows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11

The facts

Each one read from RetroBar's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Community and support
The project points users to its Discord server and GitHub issues for community and issue discussion.checked 30 Sep 2026
Customization
Users can choose built in themes, install custom themes, and adjust taskbar layout and appearance.checked 30 Sep 2026
Display options
The taskbar can be placed on any screen edge, resized across multiple rows, and shown on multiple monitors.checked 30 Sep 2026
Install options
The project provides an installer and portable versions; the installer can download and install the required runtime when needed.checked 30 Sep 2026
Integrations
The README gives recommended Open-Shell Menu settings for compatibility with RetroBar.checked 30 Sep 2026
License
The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under Apache-2.0.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
Purpose
RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with a classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista style.checked 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.checked 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.”checked 30 Sep 2026
System requirements
RetroBar supports Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 and requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026

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