Deskloom vs RetroBar

Deskloom is a free Windows app for arranging desktop elements into reusable scenes. A scene can coordinate dynamic wallpaper, taskbar style, widgets, workspace layout, desktop groups, and cursors. The app includes five built-in scenes and does not require an online gallery. Taskbar styles include System Default, Crystal Clear, Atmosphere Glass, Immersive Solid, and Floating Dock; widgets include clocks, system readings, Quick Notes, network throughput, storage, and battery cards. Desktop groups organize existing items visually without moving their files.

Scenes, settings, imported assets, and layouts are stored locally in the Windows user profile; no account or runtime internet connection is required. Capability checks, recovery journals, rollback, and a Restore Windows defaults option support reversible changes. Imported self-contained HTML wallpaper is blocked from network access, downloads, and external navigation. Deskloom 1.0 is available from the Microsoft Store and requires x64 Windows 11 version 25H2 (build 26200) or later. It does not replace classic Windows desktop-system icons.

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.