🛠️ Windows 11 Retro Setup Guide (Lean, Private & Nostalgic)#
Transform Windows 11 into a slim, private OS with the classic aesthetic of Windows XP, 98, or even 3.1.
🔧 Step 1: Create Custom Installer with Rufus#
- Download Rufus.
- Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
- Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB).
- Use Rufus to:
- Select the ISO and USB drive.
- Enable advanced options:
- ✅ Bypass TPM, Secure Boot, and Microsoft Account requirements
- ✅ Disable telemetry prompts during setup
🚿 Step 2: Debloat with Chris Titus Tech’s Script#
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Paste and run:
irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex
- Use the script to:
- Debloat unwanted apps
- Improve performance
- Disable telemetry, OneDrive, Widgets, and background services
🔒 Step 3: Enhance Privacy with O&O ShutUp10++#
- Download ShutUp10++.
- Run the app (no install needed).
- Click
Actions > Apply only recommended settings
. - Optionally tweak:
- ❌ Location tracking
- ❌ App telemetry
- ❌ Automatic updates
- ❌ Driver suggestions
🎨 Step 4: Apply a Retro Visual Style#
📦 Required Tools#
Tool | Purpose | Link |
---|---|---|
Open-Shell | Start Menu (XP or classic style) | GitHub |
RetroBar | Taskbar with 98/3.1 styles | GitHub |
WindowBlinds¹ | Full theming engine | Stardock |
Winaero Tweaker | Fonts & UI tweaks | Winaero |
¹ Paid, free trial available.
💚 Windows XP Setup#
- Use Open-Shell with Luna skin.
- Apply Luna theme in WindowBlinds or with a
.msstyles
loader. - Set system font to Tahoma.
- Set wallpaper to
Bliss
. - Use XP-style sound scheme and icons.
💙 Windows 98 Setup#
- Enable RetroBar’s Windows 98 theme.
- Font: Tahoma
- Icons: My Computer, Network Neighborhood (98 style)
- Wallpaper:
clouds.bmp
or solid teal - Sounds: Classic startup/shutdown WAVs
🤍 Windows 3.1 Setup#
- RetroBar set to minimalist.
- WindowBlinds with “Windows 3.1 Classic” skin
- Font: System or Fixedsys
- Wallpaper: Solid color (e.g. grey, blue)
- Sounds: Extract Win 3.1 WAVs and apply via sound control panel
- Optional: Create folders like “Main”, “Games”, and “Accessories” with grouped shortcuts to mimic Program Manager
🎛️ Optional Enhancements#
- ExplorerPatcher: Bring back Windows 7-style taskbar and File Explorer.
- IconPackager: Apply retro icons globally.
- DOSBox: Run Windows 3.1 in a virtual DOS environment.
✅ Final Touches#
- Use a local account during installation (skip Microsoft sign-in).
- Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects:
- Disable transparency and animations
- Disable background/startup apps in:
Settings > Apps > Startup
- Keep Microsoft Defender AV updated (supported through 2028).
- Set up restore points before major theme changes.
- Backup regularly with File History or a tool like Macrium Reflect.
Reply by Email💾 You now have a fast, secure, and delightfully nostalgic version of Windows 11. Cue the boot chime!