NixOS-95

A nostalgic Windows 95-inspired NixOS setup with modern pastel vibes.

This is a NixOS configuration designed to evoke the pixel-perfect charm of Windows 95, infused with a clean, soft pastel aesthetic. Lightweight, customizable, and perfect for retro lovers or low-spec setups.

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🖥️ System Overview

• OS: NixOS
• DE: XFCE (customized)
• GTK Theme: Chicago95
• Icons & Wallpapers: aconfuseddragon

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📁 Directory Overview

tree .

NixOS-95/
├── flake.nix
├── flake.lock
├── Configurations/
│   └── Hosts/
│       └── Default/
│           ├── configuration.nix
│           ├── hardware-configuration.nix
│           ├── user.nix
│           ├── home/
│           │   ├── home.nix
│           │   ├── desktop.nix
│           │   └── user-packages.nix
│           └── variables/
│               ├── system-vars.nix
│               └── user-vars.nix
├── Modules/
│   ├── Applications/
│   └── System/
├── nixos95
│   ├── dotfiles/
│   ├── core.nix
│   ├── default.nix
│   ├── desktop.nix
│   ├── keybinds.nix
│   ├── taskbar.nix
│   └── theme.nix
├── Ressources/
│   ├── Icons/
│   ├── Images/
│   │   └── Wallpapers/
│   └── Themes/
├── README.md

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Wallpaper and Aesthetics

Wallpapers are located in ./Resources/Images/Wallpapers.
Some have been lightly edited. Originals were created by aconfuseddragon.

I do not own any of the icons or wallpapers.
If you showcase or redistribute them, please credit the original artists.

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Installation

Requires a NixOS install.

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/peritia-system/NixOS-95.git NixOS
   cd NixOS
   

2. Regenerate hardware configuration:

   sudo nixos-generate-config --dir Configurations/Hosts/Default
   

3. Build and switch to the system configuration:

   sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .#default \
        --extra-experimental-features flakes \
        --extra-experimental-features pipe-operators
   

4. Apply user settings with Home Manager:

   home-manager switch
   

Experimental Features

NixOS-95 relys on multiple experimental nix features. These are:

1. flakes
2. pipe-operators They are needed to activate the configuration.

To enable them in your config set:

nix.settings.experimental-features = [
    "flakes" "pipe-operators"
];

Rebuild Notes

Due to how Home Manager and XFCE handle theming, changes may not fully apply on the first attempt.

For best results:

1. Rebuild twice
2. Log out and back in after each rebuild

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Features

• Pixel-style retro desktop with pastel polish
• Lightweight and XFCE-powered (great for low-spec machines)
• Flake-based configuration with easy updates
• Themed with Chicago95 and matching icon set

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Showcase

More Screenshots

Reddit Post:
👉 See the Reddit showcase post

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Final Thoughts

This setup was built for my boyfriend to use during school. I love how this setup turned out—it's nostalgic and clean, so I wanted to give more people the opportunity to use it. Hope you enjoy it!