Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

RetroBar

github.com

Free plan Windows
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.4 #19 of 34 in Taskbar Customization Software

What it is

RetroBar is a free Windows taskbar replacement that recreates Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, or Vista styles. It includes a notification area with balloon notifications, a task list supporting UWP apps and drag reordering, and a Quick Launch toolbar. Users can choose built-in themes, install custom themes, and adjust layout and appearance. The taskbar can sit on any screen edge, span multiple rows, and appear on multiple monitors. Additional options include a modern Start 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 obtain the runtime when needed, but it is unsigned and Windows Defender may require confirmation.

Spec sheet

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

Plans and prices

RetroBar Free Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11 Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every RetroBar plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Windows software
  • Supports multiple monitors
  • Offers built-in and custom themes
  • Includes portable version
  • Supports UWP task-list apps

Limits

  • Requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime
  • Installer is unsigned
  • Windows Defender may require confirmation

Who it suits

RetroBar suits Windows users who want classic taskbar styles, multi-monitor placement, and configurable layout options.

Verdict

RetroBar focuses on reproducing classic taskbar behavior while retaining features such as UWP support, multi-monitor display, and layout controls. Its runtime dependency and unsigned installer are important setup considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to RetroBarAll alternatives →