Windows 10 May Fade Away, Yet Ancient Icons from Windows 95 Linger in Windows 11

While Windows 10 appears to be relegated to history, Microsoft continues to incorporate nostalgic elements from its past versions. One notable example is the pifmgr.dll file that persists in Windows 11, containing various whimsical icons dating back to the days of Windows 95.

According to a post by Raymond Cheng on the Microsoft Dev blog, the pifmgr.dll serves as a repository for icons designed for users to create their own shortcuts. Despite its small size of just 38 kilobytes, it houses 38 distinct icons that represent a glimpse into the history of Windows.

Exploring deeper into Windows 11 reveals familiar icons, like the desktop computer and filing cabinet, evoking nostalgia for users who have experienced earlier operating systems. Additionally, the System32 folder hosts a rich assortment of visuals from various Windows versions, showcasing a blend of retro styles and modern minimalism.

Among the unique offerings in the icon set, users may also find items like swords and other artifacts that evoke historical themes. These quirky designs highlight an era when software development prioritized personality alongside functionality.

For those interested, the full set of pifmgr.dll icons can be viewed on the Windows Dev blog.

In today’s fast-paced tech environment, where updates require substantial data, the small footprint of this ancient code offers a remarkable juxtaposition to the typical updates measured in gigabytes.