The idea of taking an old edition of Windows and modernizing its appearance is not exactly new. We have previously explored concepts like Windows XP 2019 Edition and we also tried to use it in 2021 with the latest available patches, which was quite an adventure. However, the Reddit user known as "fraaaaa4" decided to change their strategy, turning Windows 10 into Windows XP. Beyond its nostalgic value, we must admit the effort has been remarkable...
The simple fact that Microsoft is already working on an updated Start menu and a return to the previous default apps system in Windows 11 confirms everything we have been claiming in recent months. Redmond's new operating system needs many corrections, which will likely arrive in the form of service releases, anticipating the cycle of one major upgrade per year.
What do we users do in the meantime? Undo changes, look back. The feeling that previous versions of Windows were better remains latent. The difference is that some magnificent lunatics take that to the extreme, and one of them is the Reddit user "fraaaaa4", who created the Windows10toxp project. As its name suggests, Windows10toxp turns Windows 10 into Windows XP, with a level of precision that has left us amazed.
Windows10toxp: Windows 10 with the essence of Windows XP
The first thing we need to understand about Windows10toxp is that it is not a skin compatible with existing Windows 10 installations, but rather the entire operating system, based on Windows 10 Enterprise 1803. "fraaaaa4" admits that they couldn't modify every element they wanted, but their attention to detail is impressive. The modification begins with a fairly convincing boot screen (inspired by Windows XP Pro x64), but the prize goes to the Start menu, with all the classic links.
The reproduction of Windows Explorer was created with a modified build of Explorer++, but Windows Media Player also makes an appearance with all its skins, and the sample music that came with XP. The Start menu doesn't lag behind, and a trained eye will surely spot the installation of Microsoft Plus!. Other restored apps include Telnet, Dialer, and HyperTerminal, and as expected, "fraaaaa4" added a copy of Space Cadet.
So, do you want to download Windows10toxp? If the answer is yes, you'll need to arm yourself with patience. The only available copy is hosted on Archive.org with a size of 12 gigabytes (the image is pre-activated, and Microsoft doesn't like that... so you should hurry), and you'll also need a virtual machine.
Download Windows10toxp: Click here
Source: Reddit
