If you miss the days of Windows XP, when everything was simpler, AI-free, and had a more round and bubbly UI, then this one is for you. The concept creator behind Windows 7 2026 and this gorgeous Windows 12 concept has released a video for Windows XP: 2026 Edition, and I really wish I could run this one. It’s just like the original, only tweaked and updated to add some fun modern design features.
Even the loading screen hit me right in the feels.
The concept features a classic but reimagined taskbar and start menu, with useful information at hand, tiered file explorers, and all the Aero transparency you could want. There’s no modern Windows 11 Start Menu flooded with icons and options; instead, you have a selection of clean, commonly-used apps and programs at your fingertips.
There’s just something so familiar and tidy-looking about the UI and classic icon layout. Maybe it’s that my eyes are getting older and I enjoy the larger icons and fonts. It’s certainly something to do with nostalgia.
Classic Windows-based applications like Outlook get an overhaul, too, with very clean interfaces and navigation options. I particularly enjoyed the big file copying window, which is not judicious with its use of space; I love it anyway. The classic 3D Pinball Space Cadet game makes an appearance. No doubt I would waste a few hours on that if I had such easy access again.
Along with the visual refresh, there’s a dark mode toggle and new theme and color options—all while maintaining Windows XP’s look and feel.
Although Microsoft is unlikely to adopt anything like this, many commenters suggested it could make a great skin for a Linux distro. Hell, make it work with Bazzite, and I’ll use it for a retro-themed Steam Machine. I could even stick it in a beige case.
