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Guide to Using RetroBar - Sneakyone - 09-10-2024
Guide to Using RetroBar
**RetroBar** is a lightweight and customizable utility for Windows that replaces the modern taskbar with a retro-style taskbar, reminiscent of older Windows versions such as Windows 95, 98, 2000, and XP. This tool is ideal for users who enjoy a vintage look or prefer the simplicity of classic Windows taskbars. This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and using RetroBar to transform your Windows taskbar into a classic-style interface.
Step 1: Download RetroBar
To begin, you need to download RetroBar from the official GitHub repository.
Steps to Download RetroBar:
1. Open your web browser and visit the official RetroBar GitHub page: RetroBar GitHub Page.
2. Scroll down to the `Releases` section and download the latest version of RetroBar.
3. Once the download is complete, navigate to your `Downloads` folder and locate the RetroBar zip file.
Step 2: Extract RetroBar (Portable Application)
RetroBar is a portable application, meaning it doesn’t require installation. You can run it directly from the extracted folder.
Steps to Extract RetroBar:
1. Right-click the downloaded zip file and select `Extract All` to unzip the contents.
2. Choose a destination folder for extraction, then click `Extract`.
3. After extraction, open the folder containing the RetroBar executable file (`RetroBar.exe`).
Step 3: Launch RetroBar
Once extracted, you can launch RetroBar to instantly change your taskbar to a retro look.
Steps to Launch RetroBar:
1. Double-click the `RetroBar.exe` file to run the program.
2. Your modern taskbar will immediately be replaced with a retro-style taskbar reminiscent of older Windows versions.
Step 4: Change Taskbar Theme
RetroBar offers multiple themes that allow you to switch between different retro taskbar styles, such as Windows 95, Windows XP, and more.
Steps to Change Taskbar Theme in RetroBar:
1. Right-click on the retro taskbar.
2. Select `Properties` from the context menu.
3. In the properties window, navigate to the `Theme` dropdown menu.
4. Choose from various classic Windows themes, including:
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
5. Once you've selected your desired theme, click `Apply` to apply the new taskbar style.
Step 5: Enable or Disable System Tray Features
RetroBar allows you to customize the visibility of system tray icons, such as volume, network, and battery indicators, as well as clock settings.
Steps to Customize System Tray Features:
1. Right-click on the retro taskbar and select `Properties`.
2. In the properties window, navigate to the `Tray Settings` section.
3. Here, you can enable or disable various system tray features such as:
- Show clock
- Show network icon
- Show volume icon
- Show battery icon (on laptops)
4. Click `Apply` to save your changes and adjust the visibility of system tray features.
Step 6: Add RetroBar to Startup
To ensure that RetroBar launches automatically every time you start your computer, you can add it to the Windows startup list.
Steps to Add RetroBar to Startup:
1. Press `Windows + R` to open the Run dialog.
2. Type `shell
tartup` and press Enter to open the Startup folder.3. Copy the `RetroBar.exe` file and paste it into the Startup folder.
4. RetroBar will now automatically start every time you log into Windows.
Step 7: Revert to the Default Windows Taskbar
If you want to temporarily or permanently revert back to the default modern Windows taskbar, you can exit RetroBar or stop it from running.
Steps to Revert to the Default Taskbar:
1. Right-click the retro taskbar.
2. Select `Exit` to close RetroBar and revert back to the default Windows taskbar.
3. If you want to disable RetroBar permanently, remove the `RetroBar.exe` file from the Startup folder (see Step 6).
Step 8: Update RetroBar
RetroBar is occasionally updated with new features and improvements. You can manually check for updates via GitHub.
Steps to Update RetroBar:
1. Visit the RetroBar GitHub page: RetroBar GitHub Page.
2. Download the latest version from the `Releases` section.
3. Replace the existing executable file with the new version and restart RetroBar to apply the update.
Step 9: Uninstall RetroBar (Optional)
If you decide to stop using RetroBar, you can easily remove it from your system.
Steps to Uninstall RetroBar:
1. Close RetroBar by right-clicking the retro taskbar and selecting `Exit`.
2. Delete the `RetroBar.exe` file from your computer.
3. Optionally, remove the RetroBar entry from your Startup folder if you added it there (see Step 6).
Conclusion
RetroBar is an excellent tool for users who want to experience the nostalgia of older Windows taskbars while maintaining the functionality of modern Windows versions. With its customizable themes and lightweight design, RetroBar provides a simple way to personalize your desktop. By following this guide, you can install, configure, and use RetroBar to give your Windows taskbar a classic and familiar look.