RedEye is a free, open-source Windows shell replacement that gives you complete control over your desktop environment. Instead of accepting whatever Windows Explorer offers, you define every element of your shell — taskbar position, widget layout, color themes, hotkeys, and behavior — using a straightforward XML-based markup language. No programming knowledge is required to get started.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/ryzhpolsos/redeye/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Why replace Explorer?
Windows Explorer has grown progressively heavier over successive Windows releases. Its taskbar runs React Native components that contribute measurable CPU overhead, and meaningful customization is locked behind third-party tools or registry hacks that break after system updates. RedEye takes a different approach: it sits entirely on documented Windows APIs, which means it survives Windows updates, and it exposes every configuration surface through stable XML and a plugin API.Key features
XML layout markup
Define your shell UI declaratively with XML. Position windows, panels, and widgets using attributes — no GUI editor required.
Plugin system
Extend RedEye with plugins that export custom widgets and functions. Plugins integrate directly into the XML layout and scripting environment.
Customizable hotkeys
Bind any key combination to shell actions, script calls, or external programs. Hotkeys are declared in XML alongside the rest of your configuration.
Built-in widgets
A curated set of widgets ships with RedEye out of the box: window list, app launcher, clock, wallpaper setter, start menu, context menus, and more.
Theme variables
Declare named variables for colors, sizes, and spacing. Reference them anywhere in your layout so a single change updates the entire theme.
Scripting support
Embed C# code blocks directly in your XML layout using
<script> elements to define custom functions, respond to events, and call exported APIs.How RedEye compares to Windows Explorer
| Capability | Windows Explorer | RedEye |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar layout | Fixed | Fully configurable via XML |
| Custom widgets | None | Plugin system + built-in set |
| Hotkey binding | Limited | Arbitrary key combinations |
| Theme control | Accent color only | Variables for every visual property |
| Update stability | Breaks with Windows updates | Built on documented WinAPI |
| CPU footprint | React Native components | Native .NET Framework 4.8 |
Next steps
Installation
System requirements, installer walkthrough, and build-from-source instructions.
Quickstart
Walk through your first custom layout in a few steps using real configuration examples.