RetroBar vs TaskbarX

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.

TaskbarX is a free, open-source Windows utility for positioning taskbar icons and changing taskbar styling. Icons can be placed at the exact center or nudged left or right, with adjustable spacing and size. Animation choices include fade, slide, other easing styles, or no animation. Backgrounds can be transparent, blurred, opaque, or accent-colored. Unlimited taskbars can have independent settings per monitor, including vertical taskbars. The portable build needs no installer, makes no registry edits, and uses no background services. TaskbarX is released under the MIT license. The site says Windows 10 is fully supported; on Windows 11, centering works through build 22621.1265 but not on modern builds. Version 1.7.8.0 is listed as latest stable, and the GitHub repository is archived and read-only. A Store version offers automatic updates for an optional donation.