How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows XP: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 21, 2025

Do you miss the classic blue taskbar, cheerful icons, and bubbly Start Menu of Windows XP? You’re not alone! Windows XP, released back in 2001, remains one of Microsoft’s most beloved operating systems.

If you’re using Windows 11 but feel nostalgic for XP’s charm, you’ll be happy to know that you can make Windows 11 look like Windows XP — all without breaking your system or installing risky software.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to transform your Windows 11 PC into a retro XP-style desktop. From themes and icons to taskbars and sounds, we’ll bring back that early-2000s vibe — safely, easily, and authentically.

Why Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows XP?

Windows XP introduced a warm, colorful interface that defined an entire computing era. Many users loved its simplicity and cheerful design.

Here’s why people recreate XP’s look on Windows 11:

  • 🧡 Nostalgia: The “Bliss” wallpaper and Start Menu bring back memories.

  • 🧠 Simplicity: XP’s interface is less cluttered than modern designs.

  • 🎨 Customization: You can make Windows 11 uniquely yours.

  • 💻 Fun project: It’s a great way to learn more about system themes and UI tweaks.

⚠️ Don’t worry — you won’t lose Windows 11’s functionality or features. These changes are purely visual and reversible.

⚙️ 2. What You’ll Need Before You Start

To make your Windows 11 look like Windows XP, gather these essentials:

Item Purpose
Windows XP wallpaper (Bliss) Classic background
XP icon pack Replace default icons
Start Menu replacement tool XP-style menu
Taskbar customization tool Modify alignment and colors
Cursor and sound packs Complete the XP feel

Recommended tools:

  • Open-Shell – Free tool for customizing Start Menu

  • Classic Taskbar (via ExplorerPatcher) – For taskbar tweaks

  • IconPackager or manual icons (.ico files)

  • XP Cursors & Sound Themes (available on DeviantArt or WinClassic forums)

💡 Always download from trusted sites to avoid malware.

🧰 3. How to Backup Your Current Windows 11 Look

Before changing anything, it’s smart to create a restore point in case you want to revert later.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Search for Create a restore point in the Start Menu.

  2. Click System Protection → Create.

  3. Name it something like “Pre-XP Theme Backup.”

  4. Click Create → Wait for confirmation.

Now you can safely experiment without risk.

🌅 4. Step 1: Change the Wallpaper to Windows XP Bliss

Let’s start with the most iconic part — the green hill and blue sky wallpaper!

🪜 Steps:

  1. Download the original Windows XP Bliss wallpaper (high-resolution version).

  2. Right-click the desktop → Personalize → Background.

  3. Choose Picture → Click Browse photos → Select the Bliss image.

  4. Set Fill as the fit option for the best appearance.

💡 You can also set up a slideshow of other classic XP wallpapers like Autumn, Azul, or Follow Me.

🎨 5. Step 2: Apply a Windows XP Theme or Skin

To fully mimic XP, you’ll need a Windows XP-style theme for Windows 11.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Download a trusted XP theme (e.g., Windows XP Luna Theme for Windows 11).

  2. Install UltraUXThemePatcher or SecureUxTheme (enables custom themes).

  3. Copy the theme files into:

    C:\Windows\Resources\Themes

  4. Right-click desktop → Personalize → Themes.

  5. Choose the Windows XP Luna theme.

🎨 Bonus:

You can pick between:

  • Blue (Default Luna)

  • Silver (Metallic Look)

  • Olive Green

🧩 6. Step 3: Change Icons to Classic XP Icons

XP’s chunky, colorful icons are a big part of its charm.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Download a Windows XP Icon Pack (.ico).

  2. Right-click any desktop shortcut → Properties → Change Icon.

  3. Browse to your XP icon folder → Select desired icon.

  4. Repeat for other system icons.

🔧 For system-wide icons:

  1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop icon settings.

  2. Change icons for This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, etc.

💡 Alternatively, use IconPackager for one-click icon replacement.

🧭 7. Step 4: Customize the Taskbar

Windows XP’s taskbar was shorter, blue, and flat. To recreate it:

🪜 Steps using ExplorerPatcher:

  1. Download and install ExplorerPatcher (GitHub).

  2. Right-click the taskbar → Properties.

  3. Change:

    • Taskbar Style: Windows 10 or Classic.

    • Alignment: Left (XP-style).

    • Color: Use blue tones matching XP’s palette.

  4. Set taskbar buttons to Never combine for separate icons.

🪟 8. Step 5: Modify the Start Menu to Look Like XP

The Start Menu is where nostalgia really shines.

🪜 Steps using Open-Shell:

  1. Download Open-Shell (formerly Classic Shell).

  2. Open Open-Shell Menu Settings.

  3. Select Classic with two columns.

  4. Under Skin, choose Windows XP Luna.

  5. Click Replace Start Button → Choose an XP Start Orb image.

💡 You can find free XP Start Buttons online (.png format).

Now your Start Menu should look nearly identical to Windows XP’s original — complete with Programs, My Documents, and Control Panel shortcuts.

🔊 9. Step 6: Bring Back Classic XP Sounds

Remember that iconic startup sound? Let’s bring it back.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Download a Windows XP sound pack (WAV files).

  2. Go to Settings → System → Sound → More sound settings.

  3. In the Sounds tab, replace system sounds manually:

    • Startup

    • Logon

    • Logoff

    • Error

    • Notification

  4. Apply → OK.

💡 Optional: Use XP Startup and Shutdown WAVs for full immersion.

🔠 10. Step 7: Adjust Fonts and Colors

XP used Tahoma and Segoe UI fonts with softer blue and silver colors.

🪜 To Change Fonts:

  1. Open Settings → Personalization → Fonts.

  2. Set Tahoma as the system font (via registry tweak or theme editor).

🪜 To Adjust Colors:

  1. Right-click desktop → Personalize → Colors.

  2. Set Accent color: Blue (#3A6EA5).

  3. Turn Transparency effects off.

🖼️ 11. Step 8: Use Old Windows XP Screensavers

Bring back the classic “Flying Windows” or “3D Text” screensaver.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I → Personalization → Lock screen → Screen saver.

  2. Choose 3D Text or Blank.

  3. For a true XP look, download old .scr files from trusted sources.

📁 12. Step 9: Customize File Explorer to Feel Like XP

XP’s File Explorer had a left-side task panel and yellow folder icons.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer → View → Options.

  2. Enable Details pane and Compact view.

  3. Install OldNewExplorer (if supported) to restore XP-style layout.

  4. Replace folder icons with yellow XP-style icons.

🔵 13. Step 10: Enable Rounded Buttons and Blue Highlights

XP had bubbly buttons with blue highlights on hover.

🪜 Steps:

  1. In Settings → Personalization → Colors, choose Accent color → Blue.

  2. Enable Show accent color on title bars and windows borders.

  3. Optional: Apply a rounded UI mod (using SecureUxTheme with XP Luna skins).

⚡ 14. Step 11: Add the Classic XP Boot Screen (Optional)

Want to go all-in? Change your boot animation.

⚠️ Advanced users only — modifying boot files can cause system issues. Always back up first.

You can use Windows Boot Manager Customizer to apply a retro XP-style logo safely.

🗑️ 15. Step 12: Restore the XP Recycle Bin and My Computer Icons

🪜 Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop icon settings.

  2. Replace:

    • Recycle Bin (full/empty)

    • This PC

    • Network

    • User’s Files

  3. Choose XP-style icons downloaded earlier.

Now your desktop should look like a time capsule from 2002!

🖱️ 16. Step 13: Bonus – Classic XP Cursor Pack

XP’s cursors were thick and easy to see — let’s bring them back.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Download Windows XP Cursor Pack (.ani and .cur files).

  2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse → Additional mouse settings.

  3. Open the Pointers tab → Browse and apply each XP cursor manually.

  4. Save your custom scheme as “XP Cursor Set.”

🔄 17. How to Revert Back to Windows 11 Look

If you ever want to undo the XP theme:

  1. Right-click desktop → Personalize → Themes → Choose Windows (Light).

  2. Uninstall ExplorerPatcher and Open-Shell.

  3. Restore default icons via Desktop icon settings → Restore Defaults.

  4. Go to Sound settings → Choose Windows Default.

  5. If needed, use your restore point to revert all changes.

⚠️ 18. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Downloading from untrusted websites.

  • ❌ Skipping a restore point before changes.

  • ❌ Applying too many third-party tools at once.

  • ❌ Deleting system files while changing icons or themes.

✅ Always test one change at a time and restart your PC to check results.

🎯 19. Conclusion

Transforming Windows 11 into Windows XP is a fun way to relive the nostalgia of early 2000s computing — without giving up modern power and security.

By following the steps above — from installing XP themes and icons to adding classic sounds and wallpapers — you can recreate the look and feel of Windows XP safely and beautifully.

It’s not just about visuals; it’s about revisiting a simpler, friendlier time in tech history — all from your modern Windows 11 desktop.

❓ 20. FAQs

1. Can I make Windows 11 look exactly like Windows XP?
Yes, with custom themes, icons, and tools like Open-Shell and ExplorerPatcher, you can achieve a nearly identical appearance.

2. Will this affect system performance?
No, if done properly. These are lightweight visual changes.

3. Is it safe to use XP themes on Windows 11?
Yes — just download from trusted sources and create a restore point first.

4. Can I still use modern Windows 11 features after theming?
Absolutely! The transformation is visual only — your apps and settings remain fully functional.

5. Can I undo everything later?
Yes, simply switch to a default theme or use System Restore.

📝 21. Summary & Key Takeaways

Action Result
Install XP theme Brings back Luna blue design
Change icons Classic My Computer and Recycle Bin
Customize Start Menu Two-column XP-style menu
Add XP sounds Authentic nostalgia
Restore defaults Return to modern Windows 11 instantly

✅ In short:
Making Windows 11 look like Windows XP is safe, fun, and 100% reversible. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can turn your modern desktop into a retro masterpiece — blending nostalgia with performance.

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