Times have certainly changed since the days of Windows 98.
Many would say that computers have become faster and easier to use.
What if you wanted your box to be a little slower, and somewhat harder to use?
Let’s have a look at how to completely modify Windows 11 to look a little more classic.
With that being said, let’s grab everything you need.
To make it easier on yourself, you’ll want to download these all to one folder.
WindowsBlinds 11 and Skin Pack
Head over to theWindowBlinds 11 product pageto download the first program.
Open-Shell-Menu
Open-Shell-Menu, found on theOpen-Shell GitHub page, is a handy program to have in general.
We’ve used it before in order tomake Windows 10 look like Windows XP.
RetroBar
RetroBar is pretty self-explanatory.
This is another program that you might find useful aside from its classic look.
Find it onthe RetroBar GitHub pageand download it.
Windows 98 Sound Pack
Last, but very important, is the sound pack.
Downloadthis sound pack on Blockland Glassand we can finally begin.
This will load the skin into WindowBlinds 11.
Now, launch the program.
If you haven’t already purchased it, simply activate the free trial to continue.
You’ll find your theme at the very bottom of the list of available themes.
Select this theme and then clickApply style to Desktop.You’ll have to wait a few seconds.
You’ll now have a very general color layout applied, but it’s not quite there yet.
Install Open-Shell-Menu
Open-Shell-Menu is another easy installation with an EXE file.
After it’s installed, we’ll want to use it to do two different things.
Firstly, enable theClassic Stylefrom the main page.
The second thing we’ll want to do will be to fix the Start Menu icon.
Just right-click and save this image.
This gives us a fairly authentic-looking Start Menu and icon.
Install RetroBar
RetroBar will make an immediate difference, as soon as you run it.
You’ll notice that it automatically changes your taskbar to a classic style, with individual tabs for programs.
To make changes in this program, you have to right-click your new taskbar and hitProperties.
Install Classic Sounds
We’re starting to get somewhere now.
Next up is the classic sounds, which can be a little bit tedious to install.
Next, open up your new start menu and search for system sounds.
Set theSound SchemetoNo Sounds, then look towards the bottom half of the window.
You’ll see a list of terms corresponding with file names from the sound pack.
For example,Asteriskcorresponds withWin98_asterisk.wav.
Click one of these sound files, then clickBrowse.Navigate to the corresponding sound and apply it.
Do this for the remaining items, or until you’re satisfied.
There are 15 classic sounds all up, and they add a lot to the nostalgic experience.
Desktop Sidebar
Let’s recreate something a bit more obscure.
Using Desktop Sidebar, we’re able to imitate the Windows 98 Channel Bar.
spin up the .exe for Desktop Sidebar to install it.
When this program is launched, the initial look of the sidebar won’t be very classic.
Let’s fix that.
Right-punch the sidebar and hitOptions.Then, clickAppearance.
Winaero Tweaker
With WinAero Tweaker, we’ll be doing some finishing touches.
These are all smaller changes to bring the system more inline with older designs.
We can actually change many icons in Windows to the classic icons without Winaero Tweaker.
However, there is one icon you’ve got the option to only change using Winaero Tweaker.
Search Windows performance in your start menu (don’t forget to punch it!)
and click intoAdjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
The finished product feels very convincing when browsing and navigating menus.
You’ll feel right at home if you grew up on these classic Windows versions.
you could thank a couple of decades of innovation for that change.
While you browse your classic system, take a moment to appreciate exactly how customizable Windows can be.
