Ever Wanted Your Android Smartphone to Look Like Windows XP? You Can Do That Now For FREE
For those looking for a big dose of nostalgia, this new launcher for Android smartphones will give you that Windows XP look for free.
Windows Launcher: Giving Your Android Smartphone That Windows XP Look
If you’re tired of your Android phone’s default look, there’s now a new way to completely transform it, and it might just hit your nostalgia button. Meet the Windows Launcher, a retro-themed Android launcher that brings back the classic Windows XP experience, complete with the Start menu, desktop icons, screen savers, and even Rover the search puppy.
Developed by Gjovanovski, this launcher is available for download on GitHub and faithfully recreates the charm of Windows 95, 98, XP, and Vista right on your Android device.
The Windows Launcher for Android doesn’t just mimic the Windows XP look, it feels like the real thing. From the nostalgic startup sound to the iconic blue and silver XP theme, the launcher brings back memories of the early 2000s desktop experience.
Once installed, you’re greeted with the Windows XP welcome screen and the cheerful Rover, the animated yellow dog who says, “Hi, I am Rover, welcome to Windows XP,” in a robotic voice.
Even Clippy, the famous paperclip assistant, makes an appearance, this time integrated with your phone’s calendar events to deliver reminders in true early-2000s style.
A long press on the desktop opens the Display Properties menu, just like the original Windows interface. From here, you can change wallpapers, switch themes, and explore variants including Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, and XP Classic.
Each theme includes its own startup and shutdown sounds, login screens, and those unforgettable wallpapers, including the rolling green hills of Bliss. And yes, the 3D Pipes screensaver is here too, faithfully recreated to bounce around when your screen is idle.
Built-In Retro Apps That Actually Work
What sets Windows Launcher apart is its collection of built-in retro apps that work just like their classic Windows counterparts. Among them are:
- Internet Explorer 6 – surprisingly functional for light browsing, even on modern websites
- Winamp – a fully working media player with the same interface and equalizer design
- Notepad – identical to the original but with modern touches like tabbed documents
- Phone Dialer – styled after the classic Windows dialer, complete with speed dial options
- Registry Editor – lets you tweak launcher settings and even export or restore configurations to Google Drive
And for those who miss old-school gaming, Minesweeper and Solitaire are included, perfectly recreated with authentic card animations and mine explosion effects.
Performance: Smooth, But With Some Quirks
While the Windows Launcher isn’t officially available on the Google Play Store (due to copyright restrictions), you can easily download and sideload it from GitHub. The developer also plans to publish it on F-Droid in the future.
Installation is simple:
- Enable app installation from unknown sources.
- Download the APK from GitHub.
- Install it like any other app.
On a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, performance is surprisingly smooth, apps open quickly, animations are fluid, and the Start menu responds without lag. The launcher especially shines on larger screens like Android tablets or foldable phones (e.g., the Galaxy Z Fold or Pixel Fold) that better emulate the desktop layout.
The launcher also supports gesture controls, such as:
- Swipe up to open the Start menu
- Swipe down for notifications
- Swipe right to launch your favorite app
That said, some interface elements are actually static screenshots with interactive overlays, meaning they might not scale perfectly on phones with unusual aspect ratios. It’s not as polished as mainstream launchers like Niagara or Nova Launcher, but its charm lies in authenticity, not minimalism.
A Nostalgic Trip Worth Taking
More than a novelty, Windows Launcher is a lovingly crafted time machine for Android users. It captures the essence of Windows XP down to the smallest detail, from Rover’s animations to the startup chime.
For anyone who grew up in the Windows XP era, this launcher offers both nostalgia and genuine usability. It might not be the most customizable or the most efficient Android launcher out there, but it is the most nostalgic.
Whether you’re a retro tech enthusiast or simply miss those days of pixelated icons and cheerful system sounds, Windows Launcher is a delightful way to turn your Android phone into a tiny piece of computing history.
How to Download Windows Launcher
- Platform: Android
- Developer: Gjovanovski
- Availability: Download from GitHub (sideload required)
- Planned release: F-Droid (coming soon)
The Windows XP Launcher for Android is a passion project that perfectly blends nostalgia with functionality. It’s not trying to compete with modern launchers but instead, it offers a faithful recreation of a beloved operating system that defined an era.
If you’ve ever longed to hear that iconic Windows XP startup sound again, or to see Rover wag his tail while you browse your phone, this is your chance.
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