Best RetroBar Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

RetroBar is an open-source Windows taskbar replacement that recreates the look of classic Windows taskbars. It is aimed at users who want lightweight nostalgic styling rather than a full desktop-shell overhaul.

Developer: dremin Price: Free 🎯 github.com/dremin/RetroBar

🔓 Open Source desktop utility taskbar windows customization

Top 6 RetroBar alternatives

ExplorerPatcher

Valinet

💡 Pick it for deeper Windows 10 and 11 taskbar behavior changes instead of primarily retro styling.

ExplorerPatcher is a free utility that restores and modifies Windows taskbar, Start menu, and Explorer behaviors. It is intended for advanced Windows...

Pros

Free and open source like Power8
Offers deeper taskbar and Explorer changes than Power8
Useful for restoring Windows 10-style behavior in Windows 11

Cons

More technically demanding than a dedicated Start menu app
Windows updates can break features or require reconfiguration
Less polished for casual users than Start11 or StartAllBack

Free

Alternatives to ExplorerPatcher → Visit site

Open Shell

💡 Pick it if classic Start menu behavior matters more than recreating a complete retro taskbar.

Open Shell is a software that brings classic Start Menu back to Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

Free

Alternatives to Open Shell → Visit site

StartAllBack

💡 Pick it for a polished, integrated classic Windows interface on Windows 10 or 11.

StartAllBack restores classic Start menu, taskbar, and File Explorer behavior on Windows 10 and 11. It is aimed at users who want...

Pros

Better Windows 11 integration than Power8
Restores classic taskbar and Explorer behavior as well as the Start menu
Lower one-time cost than many commercial customization suites

Cons

Paid after the trial period
Fewer deep customization options than Start11
Windows updates can temporarily affect compatibility

One-time $4.99

Alternatives to StartAllBack → Visit site

Start11

💡 Pick it for a supported commercial solution with modern Windows 11 compatibility and rich Start menu layouts.

Start11 is a customization software that brings back the familiar look of the Windows 7 Start menu to Windows 10.

Pros

Modern design
Customizable layout

Cons

Paid software

$4.99

Alternatives to Start11 →

Windhawk

Ramen Software

💡 Pick it if you want modular taskbar tweaks and are comfortable managing community-maintained Windows mods.

Windhawk is a Windows customization framework that loads community-created mods for the taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, and other system components. It...