RetroBar
- Android app
- Not listed
- Free plan
- Yes
- Runs on
- Windows
Summary
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.”
Who it is for
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.
What is 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.
What to know first
- 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.
Verdict
RetroBar offers classic taskbar styles with controls for placement, sizing, and appearance. Consider its runtime requirement and unsigned-installer warning before installing.
RetroBar plans and pricing
All plansCompared on taskbar customization software
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Platform
- windowsgithub.com
- Taskbar positioning
- Yesgithub.com
- Transparency controls
- Yesgithub.com
- Multi-monitor support
- Yesgithub.com
- Taskbar sizing
- Yesgithub.com
- Portable version
- Yesgithub.com
Facts
- Purpose
- RetroBar replaces the modern Windows taskbar with a classic Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista style.github.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
- Customization
- Users can choose built in themes, install custom themes, and adjust taskbar layout and appearance.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Display options
- The taskbar can be placed on any screen edge, resized across multiple rows, and shown on multiple monitors.github.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
- System requirements
- RetroBar supports Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11 and requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Install options
- The project provides an installer and portable versions; the installer can download and install the required runtime when needed.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under Apache-2.0.github.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
- Community and support
- The project points users to its Discord server and GitHub issues for community and issue discussion.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The README gives recommended Open-Shell Menu settings for compatibility with RetroBar.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
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Sources
- github.com/dremin/RetroBar· checked 30 Sept 2026
- github.com/dremin/RetroBar/releases· checked 30 Sept 2026