LiteStep replaces the Windows Shell which provides access to the graphical user interface on Windows-based computers.

Depending on the theme used, it can replace or remove shell elements, such as the start menu and taskbar.

The modules and core provide users with the ability to create anything from minimal environments, to elaborate and heavily scripted desktops.

A theme for LiteStep is a collection of configurations, scripts, and/or images which are distributed in a file with the zip or lsz extension.

LiteStep also inspired Phil Stopford in 1999 to start LDE(X),[5] which was a complete and production-stable LiteStep-based Windows interface replacement.

Over time, and due to the rise of popularity in freeform skinning, LiteStep desktop designs have tended to drift away from the AfterStep layouts seen under pre-0.24 versions, and LiteStep theming has become an art form in itself, being referred to as an "OS equivalent of an expandable Leatherman multi-tool".

Many !bang commands are hardcoded into the LiteStep core, and others may be provided through user scripts or through the currently loaded modules.