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Windows 10 resembles Windows XP, install a classic theme, available from sites like DeviantArt. Search for an XP-style theme and follow installation instructions. Use Classic Shell to modify the Start menu and taskbar to match XP’s appearance. Additionally, download XP icons and wallpapers to enhance the nostalgia.
Introduction to Windows 10 Look Like Windows XP
Making Windows 10 look like Windows XP can breathe nostalgic life into your modern system. This transformation involves using third-party themes and software like Classic Shell to replicate XP’s iconic interface, including its classic Start menu, taskbar, and system icons. By installing an XP-style theme, changing icons, and setting a vintage wallpaper, you can recreate the beloved appearance of Windows XP on your Windows 10 machine.
Install Classic Shell Software
Install Classic Shell on your Windows 10 system, start by downloading the installer from the official Classic Shell website. Once downloaded, run the executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. After installation, open Classic Shell to customize your start menu, taskbar, and overall interface to mirror older Windows versions, including Windows XP. Customize settings according to your preferences to achieve the desired look.
Download a Windows XP Theme
Download a Windows XP theme for Windows 10, and start by visiting a trusted website like DeviantArt or ThemeMyPC. Search for “Windows XP themes” and choose one that closely mimics the original XP style. Once selected, download the theme file, ensuring it’s compatible with Windows 10. After downloading, typically, you’ll apply the theme using a theme patcher like UltraUXThemePatcher, which allows for third-party theme installation on Windows 10.
Apply the Windows XP Theme
Apply a Windows XP theme on Windows 10, first ensure you have a theme patcher installed, like UltraUXThemePatcher, to enable third-party themes. After installing the patcher, restart your computer. Then, download your chosen XP theme and unzip the file if necessary. Right-click on your desktop, select “Personalize,” and navigate to “Themes” > “Theme settings.” Choose your downloaded XP theme from the list and apply it to transform your Windows 10 interface into XP.
Customize Icons and Cursors
Customize icons and cursors to match the Windows XP style on Windows 10, first download XP-style icon and cursor packs from websites like DeviantArt. Once downloaded, extract the files. For icons, right-click on the desktop shortcut or folder, select ‘Properties,’ click ‘Change Icon,’ and browse to select your new XP icon. For cursors, go to ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Devices,’ click ‘Mouse,’ then ‘Additional mouse options,’ and under the ‘Pointers’ tab, select and apply your new XP cursors.
Change Desktop Background and System Sounds
Change your desktop background to an XP style on Windows 10, and download an iconic Windows XP wallpaper, such as the Bliss image. Right-click on the desktop, select “Personalize,” then “Background,” and set the downloaded image as your wallpaper. For system sounds, go to “Settings,” click on “System,” select “Sound,” and choose “Sound Control Panel.” Here, customize your sound scheme by selecting classic sounds reminiscent of Windows XP from available options or downloaded sound files.
Adjust Taskbar Settings
Adjust the taskbar settings in Windows 10 to mimic the Windows XP style, right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Enable “Lock the taskbar” and turn on “Use small taskbar buttons.” To position the taskbar like XP, choose “Taskbar location on screen” and set it to “Bottom.” Additionally, toggle “Combine taskbar buttons” to “Never” to show labels beside icons, echoing XP’s more text-prominent taskbar approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to make Windows 10 look like Windows XP?
You will need a third-party theme that mimics the Windows XP appearance, Classic Shell software to change the start menu and taskbar, and optionally, XP-style icons, cursors, and system sounds.
Where can I find Windows XP themes for Windows 10?
Trusted sources include websites like DeviantArt or ThemeMyPC, where you can download themes specifically designed to replicate the Windows XP look.
Is it safe to install a Windows XP theme on Windows 10?
Generally, yes, if you download from a reputable source. Always ensure you have a system restore point or backup before making changes.
How do I install Classic Shell on Windows 10?
Download the installer from the Classic Shell website, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions to install. After installation, you can customize the settings to emulate the XP style.
How can I change the icons and cursors to match Windows XP?
Download Windows XP icon and cursor packs, then manually change icons by right-clicking on desktop shortcuts or folders and selecting ‘Properties’ > ‘Change Icon.’ For cursors, go to Settings > Devices > Mouse > Additional mouse options, and under the Pointers tab, apply your new XP cursors.
How do I change the desktop background to an XP style?
Download a classic Windows XP wallpaper (like Bliss) and set it as your desktop background through the Personalization settings.
Can I revert my changes if I don’t like the XP theme?
Yes, you can revert to the default Windows 10 theme via the Personalization settings. It’s also advisable to create a system restore point before making any modifications.
Will changing my Windows 10 to look like XP affect performance?
No, visual modifications typically do not impact system performance. However, running additional software like Classic Shell might have a minimal impact.
Conclusion
Transforming your Windows 10 environment to resemble Windows XP is a fun and nostalgic endeavor that can make your modern system feel like a blast from the past. By using third-party themes, Classic Shell software, and customizing icons, cursors, and system sounds, you can recreate the classic Windows XP experience with minimal effort.