How to Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7

Windows 10 is the latest operating system offered by Microsoft. It is undoubtedly loaded with new features and bears a modern look. However, some people may prefer the classic and familiar design of Windows 7. If you are one of those people, do not fret because there are ways to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7. You can do this by adjusting the theme, icons, start menu, and other settings. This article will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7.

One key advantage of making Windows 10 look like Windows 7 is that you can customize it to suit your preferences. Furthermore, if you are not fond of the new design or simply find it hard to navigate, you can always revert to the old look. There is no need to say goodbye to the functions of Windows 10 as you can still enjoy all of its latest features while maintaining the comfort of the classic Windows 7 design. Let us dive into the steps on how you can make your Windows 10 desktop look like Windows 7.

1. Start With the Classic Shell Program

Overview

The Classic Shell Program is a free software that allows you to customize your Windows 10 interface. With Classic Shell, you can change the look of the Start menu, File Explorer, and Taskbar to resemble the classic Windows 7 interface.

This program is user-friendly and easy to install. Once you get the Classic Shell, you can start customizing your Windows 10 experience to resemble Windows 7.

2. Customize the Start Menu

Overview

One of the most notable differences between Windows 7 and Windows 10 is the Start Menu. In Windows 7, the Start Menu is minimalistic, and it lists all of the programs and apps installed on your computer in a simple and organized way.

In Windows 10, the Start Menu is more robust and complex, with live tiles, social media integration, and other features. To make your Windows 10 look like Windows 7, you can use Classic Shell to customize the Start Menu.

Using the Classic Shell program is simple. Once you have downloaded and installed Classic Shell, you can open its settings menu and select “Start Menu Style.” From there, you can choose from different Start Menu options, including “Classic,” “XP,” “Vista,” and “Windows 7.”

3. Change the Taskbar

Overview

The Windows 10 Taskbar is different from the Windows 7 Taskbar in several ways. In Windows 10, the Taskbar has new features like Cortana, task view, and virtual desktops.

To customize the Taskbar and make it look like the Windows 7 Taskbar, you can use Classic Shell. With Classic Shell, you can change the look and feel of the Taskbar, including the color, position, and size.

4. Use High Contrast Themes

Overview

To achieve a Windows 7 look on Windows 10, you can use High Contrast Themes. These themes provide sharp contrast and a simplified color scheme that resembles Windows 7.

To activate High Contrast Themes on Windows 10, go to the “Ease of Access Center” and select “High Contrast Settings.” From there, you can select a High Contrast Theme that suits your preference.

5. Customize File Explorer

Overview

In Windows 10, File Explorer has a new ribbon interface that replaces the traditional menu bar. This can be confusing for users who are accustomed to the old interface.

You can make File Explorer look like the Windows 7 version using Classic Shell. With Classic Shell, you can customize the interface of File Explorer, including the ribbon interface, toolbar buttons, and more.

6. Change the Icons

Overview

Another way to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7 is to change the icons. Windows 7 has a unique set of icons that are different from Windows 10.

You can change the icons on Windows 10 using free icon packs that are available online. There are several icon packs that mimic the Windows 7 icon set, including the “Windows 7 Icon Pack” and the “Windows 7 Aero Blue Lite Icon Pack.”

7. Use Classic Apps

Overview

Windows 10 comes with several modern apps that are different from the traditional desktop apps in Windows 7. If you prefer the old apps, you can use Classic Apps that mimic the Windows 7 versions.

One of the popular Classic Apps is Internet Explorer 11. This browser is included in Windows 10, and you can activate it in the settings menu of Windows 10.

8. Disable Windows 10 Features

Overview

To make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, you can disable some of the new features in Windows 10. These features include Cortana, Task View, and Virtual Desktops.

You can disable these features by going to the Settings menu of Windows 10 and selecting “Personalization.” From there, you can choose which features to disable.

9. Use the Classic Control Panel

Overview

In Windows 10, the Control Panel is replaced by the modern Settings app. If you prefer the old Control Panel, you can use the Classic Control Panel that is available in Windows 10.

To activate the Classic Control Panel, right-click the Start Menu and select “Control Panel.” This will open the Classic Control Panel that resembles the Windows 7 version.

10. Summary

Overview

In conclusion, making Windows 10 look like Windows 7 is possible with the use of free software like Classic Shell. With Classic Shell, you can customize the Start Menu, Taskbar, File Explorer, and more to resemble the classic Windows 7 interface. Additionally, you can use High Contrast Themes, icon packs, Classic Apps, and disable Windows 10 features to achieve a more Windows 7-like look.

Customizing the Start Menu

When it comes to customizing the Windows 10 interface to look like Windows 7, many users state that the Start Menu is the biggest change that takes some getting used to. While the Windows 10 Start Menu has its advantages, those who prefer the Windows 7 Start Menu layout can easily customize it to look the way they want. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Begin by right-clicking on the Start Menu and selecting “Settings.” Then, click on “Personalization.”

2. From here, you can choose to use the Start Menu or the Start Screen. To use the Start Menu, click on the “Start” option, and then select “Use Start Menu instead of Start Screen.”

3. Next, you will want to customize the Start Menu. Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Settings.” Under the “Start” tab, you can make several changes. For example, select “Choose which folders appear on Start” to add/remove individual folders from the Start menu’s left column.

4. You can also choose to display frequently used apps, recently added apps, or both. To do this, go to the “Show more tiles” option and toggle it on. This will display more tiles on the Start Menu.

5. You can also customize the color of the Start Menu by selecting “Colors” from the “Personalization” settings. Here, you can change the accent color, which will be applied to the Start Menu, taskbar, notifications, and other interface elements.

6. Another option is to group the apps on the Start Menu alphabetically. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Personalization” > “Start” > “Show app list in alphabetical order.”

7. To further customize the start menu, you can download and install third-party applications like Classic Shell, which recreates the Windows 7 Start Menu.

8. Once you have made all of your desired changes, you can pin your favorite apps to the Start Menu by opening the Start Menu and right-clicking on the app you want to pin. Then, select “Pin to Start.”

9. You can also resize the tiles on the Start Menu by right-clicking on the tile and selecting “Resize.” The options for resizing vary across applications.

10. Lastly, you can unpin any unwanted or unnecessary apps from the Start Menu by right-clicking on them and selecting “Unpin from Start.” This will remove them from the Start Menu but not uninstall them from your computer.

3. Customize Start menu and Taskbar

The Start menu and Taskbar are two visible aspects of the operating system that we interact with regularly, so it is understandable that many feel more comfortable with the familiar Windows 7 layout. Microsoft has provided some customization options to their improved counterparts in Windows 10. Here we will go through some of the options available:

If you prefer, you can also create a custom Start menu using third-party software such as Classic Shell, Start10, or Open-Shell. These tools enable the user to rearrange and customize the Start menu, taskbar, and file explorer layout to mimic that of Windows 7.

Overall, Windows 10 provides adequate customization options for users who want to make their operating system look and feel like Windows 7. With a few changes to the settings, you can make Windows 10 look and behave like its predecessor, without sacrificing the newer features and benefits.

That’s How You Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7

I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the steps of making Windows 10 look like Windows 7. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different themes and customization options until you get the perfect look and functionality that you desire. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit our website again for more useful tips and tricks to make your technology experiences more enjoyable and lifelike.