Discover Windows 11 Featuring the Classic 90s Theme

While I can appreciate the legendary fame of Luna, the blue and green theme that dominated Windows XP, my heart has always been drawn to the Classic theme. There’s an undeniable charm in the practical and industrial aesthetic of the gray interface, characterized by its sharp angles, striking contrasts, and buttons that feel almost tactile through the screen, complemented by that nostalgic teal desktop backdrop.

However, we’ve moved beyond the 1990s and into the era of Windows 11, which showcases a modern user interface with rounded corners and transparent designs. Even though I typically shy away from altering an operating system’s appearance, I can’t help but be impressed by the dedication it took to transform Microsoft’s latest operating system into a visual reminiscent of 30-year-old software that could run applications like Discord, Telegram, and Steam. This is Windows 11, made to resemble Windows 95.

Windows 11 styled in the classic Windows 95 theme

Given that Windows 11 offers fewer personalization options than its early 2000s predecessors, recreating the look of Windows 95 or 98 demands some additional effort, often utilizing third-party applications. The creator of this project shared their results on Reddit (via XDA), detailing how you can give Windows 11 a nostalgic makeover with tools like Stardock’s Windows Blinds, Retrobar, Winaero Tweaker, and various skins for apps like Steam, Discord, and Telegram.

Although nostalgia can be pleasurable and trigger fond memories, I’d likely refrain from experimenting with such unconventional modifications on my main machine to maintain system stability and integrity. Nevertheless, if you have a virtual machine or an extra device available for experimentation, it’s certainly an entertaining project to explore.

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