You can now make Windows 11 look like Windows 95. Here's how.
Old school meets new school, thanks to a Windows Classic theme.
What you need to know
- The latest version of Stardock's WindowBlinds 11 allows you to make your PC look as if it's running Windows 95.
- The Windows Classic theme makes window frames, the Taskbar, and other elements of the OS to look like the older version of Windows.
- Pairing WindowBlinds11 with Start11 lets you fully customize your desktop to look like a classic PC.
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It includes a modern interface, new features, and is still in support, but some people don't like the look of the OS. In comes Stardock's WindowBlinds 11, which now has a Windows Classic theme that makes your system look like it's running Windows 95.
Stardock released WindowBlinds 11 earlier this year with a theme that looked like Windows XP. Now, users can go further back in time with the newly added Windows Classic theme.
WindowBlinds, and the rest of Stardock's suite of applications work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, so you can customize the look of your PC even if you haven't upgraded to the latest version of Windows.
You'll need to have Start11 as well as WindowBlinds 11 if you want the best experience, according to Stardock. When you have both programs, your Start menu, Taskbar, and window frames can all be customized to a matching theme. The Windows 95-inspired Windows Classic theme is available by default, but you can download other themes through Stardock's marketplace.
The same update that adds the Windows Classic theme includes some bug fixes that address issues with Fences UI and dark mode images.
WindowBlinds 11 | $20 at Stardock
This tool allows you to customize the look of Windows 11 or Windows 10 with a variety of themes. The latest addition is the Windows Classic theme, which makes your PC look as if it's running Windows 95. The maker of WindowBlinds 11 suggests pairing the app with Start11, which supports customizing the Start menu.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.