Microsoft put on a fresh face to the world when it released Windows XP in 2001, but the candy-coated Luna UI certainly isn’t for everyone. While Microsoft never made it terribly obvious, the introduction of Luna also allowed the UI to be reskinned. Soon enough, fresh interpretations of the Windows XP UI were popping up all over the map, and it has grown into a large community catering to every preference. If you’re tired of Luna or an ugly selection of greys, take a peek at these six hand-picked styles which will give XP’s appearance some punch.
Before taking a crack at the visual styles below, make sure you patch your installation of Windows XP with the UXTheme Multi-Patcher utility. This will unlock the ability to install third-party themes that don’t carry the Microsoft stamp of approval.
Lastly, make sure you carefully follow the installation instructions provided by each author. Some shell styles may require you to take extra steps to ensure your installation matches the picture.
Royale Vista VS by dobee
Easily my personal favorite, dobee’s Royale Vista VS theme is clean, easy on the eyes, and delightfully compact. While some themes cling to visual gimmicks and bright colors, Royale Vista VS treats XP’s UI to gentle gradients and a touch of plastic. This shell style exudes class.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user dobee
Watercolor Emico: Blue by Gelosea
Gelosea’s beautiful Watercolor Emico: Blue theme is a compact, functional and clean-lined submission to the world of Windows XP shell styles. Outfitted in dodger blue chrome, touches of gloss and cues from early revisions of the Aero UI make for an attractive offering.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user Gelosea
Luna Inspirat by krosavcheg
Krosavcheg’s Luna Inspirat offers the user another interface for fans of compact parallelism. The open-source theme offers a small taskbar, squared edges and razor-sharp fonts in the user’s choice of green, blue or black.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user krosavcheg
Aurum VS by GeorgeHarrison
GeorgeHarrison’s Aurum VS theme is another take on shades of grey. While most gold accents come off as garish, Aurum VS delivers them with grace in a sleek, readable UI and a wallpaper that’s beautiful in its simplicity.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user GeorgeHarrison
SlanXP Edition 3 by lassekongo83
Dark. Simple. Readable. Symmetrical. SlanXP Edition 3 offers no fancy visual cues, but excels in its simplicity. Users that appreciate maximum screen real estate and a UI that stands aside will undoubtedly see the merits of SlanXP.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user lassekongo83
Windows 7 by Vher528
How could I not? People are loving the Windows 7 UI, and Vher528’s Windows 7 theme offers a solid adaptation. With three colors, a swank wallpaper and catchy start menu, Vher528’s work is as faithful as Windows XP can be to its distant relative.
Image courtesy of DeviantArt user Vher528
Other choices
If none of these themes float your boat, DeviantArt’s vast repository of creative works is sure to offer something for Windows XP or any other artistic interest.
Did you enjoy any of these visual styles? Do you have favorites of your own? We always appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing from you.
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