In a fascinating exploration of nostalgia and technological evolution, a developer has crafted a mod for Windows XP that operates without the core components of Internet Explorer. This innovative approach allows users to experience a version of the classic operating system while shedding the baggage of its once-ubiquitous browser.
New Windows Mod Blends Elements from Both Classic Windows Versions and Windows XP
João Carrasqueira, our Lead Windows Editor, recently revisited Windows XP, reflecting on its legacy and the significant changes that have occurred since its launch in 2001. The newly developed mod, created by Aurorarian, strips away Internet Explorer’s integral components, offering a glimpse into how the operating system might function in their absence. While this means that certain applications reliant on these components, such as Media Player, will not operate, basic applications like Calculator and Paint run smoothly.
To address the limitations imposed by the absence of Internet Explorer, the developer has replaced the traditional Windows XP Explorer with the Windows NT 4.0 Explorer. This strategic alteration allows for a functional file management system, albeit one that diverges from the familiar Windows XP interface.
The New Windows XP Mod Will Take You to the “Classic Windows” Days
Visually, the mod evokes memories of earlier Windows versions, particularly in its taskbar and Start menu design. Users will notice a nostalgic resemblance to classic Windows aesthetics, even as they navigate through the XP environment. However, the absence of pinned and recent apps in the Start menu serves as a reminder of the mod’s limitations.
For those interested in a deeper dive, a YouTube video has surfaced, showcasing the functionalities of this new mod, detailing what works, what doesn’t, and the nuances that set it apart from the original Windows XP experience.
You Can Get Back to the Windows XP Era Without Installing the Mod…Kind Of
For those yearning for a taste of Windows XP without the commitment of installing the mod, third-party applications like Stardock’s WindowsBlinds 11 offer a viable alternative. This software allows users to customize their Windows 10 or 11 interfaces to mimic the iconic look of Windows XP, complete with the beloved Luna theme—a feature absent in the new mod. For the adventurous, the mod can be installed on a virtual machine, providing a safe space to explore this nostalgic journey.
