How Do I Make Windows 8 Look Like Windows 7

Are you tired of the new interface on Windows 8 and longing for the familiarity of Windows 7? You're not alone. Many users have found the transition to Windows 8 challenging, but fear not, there are ways to make your Windows 8 system look and feel more like Windows 7. Let's explore some options.

One of the key aspects of Windows 7 is the iconic Start Menu, which was replaced with the Start Screen in Windows 8. However, there are third-party tools available that can bring back the classic Start Menu, giving you easy access to your programs and settings just like in Windows 7. Another notable feature of Windows 7 is Aero Glass, the transparent window effects. Although Windows 8 introduced a flatter design, you can use themes and customizations to bring back the sleek Aero Glass look. By combining these modifications and tweaks, you can create a Windows 8 experience that closely resembles the beloved Windows 7 interface.

Customizing the User Interface to Resemble Windows 7

If you are a Windows 7 user who recently upgraded to Windows 8 and are missing the familiar look and feel of your previous operating system, don't worry! There are several ways you can make Windows 8 resemble Windows 7, from simple tweaks to more advanced customization options. In this article, we will explore different methods to give your Windows 8 a Windows 7-like appearance, ensuring a seamless transition and a more comfortable user experience.

1. Start Menu Replacement Tools

One of the most noticeable differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 is the absence of the classic Start Menu in the latter. However, you can easily bring back the Start Menu by installing third-party Start Menu replacement tools. These tools not only recreate the familiar Start Menu layout but also offer additional customization options, such as the ability to add or remove tiles, resize the Start Menu, and customize the appearance.

Popular Start Menu replacement tools include Classic Shell, StartIsBack, and Open Shell. These tools allow you to customize the Start Menu to resemble the classic Windows 7 version or even customize it to your liking. They offer a range of features, including the option to boot directly to the desktop, add quick launch buttons, and organize the Start Menu programs into folders.

By installing a Start Menu replacement tool, you can enjoy the convenience and familiarity of the Windows 7 Start Menu while still benefiting from the features and improvements of Windows 8.

Classic Shell:

Classic Shell is a highly customizable Start Menu replacement tool that supports Windows 8 and newer versions. It allows you to choose from different Start Menu styles, including those resembling Windows 7, Windows XP, and even older versions of Windows. Classic Shell also offers options for customizing the Start Button, Windows Explorer, and Internet Explorer.

To install Classic Shell:

• Visit the official Classic Shell website (https://www.classicshell.net/).
• Download the appropriate version of Classic Shell for your operating system.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installed, you can configure the Start Menu and other settings through the Classic Shell Settings menu.

With Classic Shell, you can have the best of both worlds by combining the familiarity of Windows 7 with the modern features of Windows 8.

StartIsBack:

StartIsBack is another popular Start Menu replacement tool that offers a variety of customization options and a seamless integration with Windows 8. It provides a traditional Start Menu experience, allowing you to pin programs, access settings, and perform searches, just like in Windows 7.

To install StartIsBack:

• Visit the official StartIsBack website (https://startisback.com/).
• Download the appropriate version of StartIsBack for your operating system.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installed, you can customize the behavior and appearance of the Start Menu through the StartIsBack configuration settings.

StartIsBack allows you to regain the familiar Windows 7 Start Menu experience while keeping the enhanced functionality of Windows 8.

Open Shell:

Open Shell, formerly known as Classic Shell, is a free and open-source Start Menu replacement tool that works well with Windows 8. It offers a range of customization options and skins to emulate the Windows 7 Start Menu.

To install Open Shell:

• Visit the Open Shell GitHub page (https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu).
• Download the latest release of Open Shell.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installed, you can configure the Start Menu appearance and behavior from the Open Shell Settings menu.

Open Shell provides a highly customizable Start Menu experience, allowing you to make Windows 8 look and feel like Windows 7.

2. Theme and Visual Customization

Aside from the Start Menu, another aspect that differentiates Windows 8 from Windows 7 is the visual appearance. Windows 8 features a sleek and modern interface with the introduction of live tiles and a more vibrant color palette. However, if you prefer the classic and familiar look of Windows 7, you can customize the themes and visual elements to resemble its predecessor.

Windows 8 allows you to change the desktop background, theme color, and window borders, enabling you to create a personalized experience that matches your preference. Here's how you can customize the theme:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu.
• In the Personalization settings window, you can choose from various pre-installed themes or click on "Get more themes online" to browse additional themes.
• Select the desired theme and click on "Save changes" to apply it.
• To further customize the appearance, click on "Color" to choose a color for the taskbar and window borders.

By selecting a theme that resembles the Windows 7 visual style and customizing the color scheme, you can make Windows 8 visually similar to Windows 7.

Classic Theme:

If you desire a more accurate replication of the Windows 7 appearance, there is a Classic theme that can be enabled on Windows 8. The Classic theme brings back the classic Windows 7 look, including the iconic Aero Glass effect and the rounded window borders.

To enable the Classic theme:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu.
• Click on "Window Color" at the bottom of the Personalization settings window.
• Check the box next to "Enable transparency" to activate the Aero Glass effect.
• Select the desired color and window border options to complete the customization.

By enabling the Classic theme, you can achieve a more authentic Windows 7 look on your Windows 8 machine.

3. File Explorer Customization

In Windows 8, the File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, received an updated interface. While the changes aim to improve functionality, some users prefer the simpler and more familiar File Explorer of Windows 7. Fortunately, you can tweak the File Explorer settings to make it resemble its predecessor.

Here are some customization options for making File Explorer look like Windows 7:

• In the File Explorer, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon menu.
• Click on the "Options" button on the right side of the ribbon.
• In the Folder Options dialog box, go to the "View" tab.
• Under the Advanced Settings section, uncheck the box next to "Show sync provider notifications" and "Show all folders" if desired.
• Check the box next to "Launch folder windows in a separate process" for a more isolated File Explorer experience.
• Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

By tweaking these settings, you can make the File Explorer in Windows 8 resemble the classic and simplified File Explorer of Windows 7.

4. Taskbar Configuration

The taskbar in Windows 8 has undergone changes to accommodate the new features and design elements. However, if you prefer the taskbar layout and functionality of Windows 7, you can configure the taskbar settings to resemble its predecessor.

Here are some adjustments you can make to the taskbar:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar settings window, under the "Taskbar" section, you can choose to lock or unlock the taskbar and enable or disable the taskbar auto-hide feature based on your preference.
• For a more Windows 7-like appearance, you can enable the "Use small taskbar buttons" option.
• Under the "Notification area" section, click on "Select which icons appear on the taskbar" to customize the system icons displayed.
• Click on "Turn system icons on or off" to enable or disable the visibility of individual system icons.

By making these adjustments to the taskbar settings, you can recreate the Windows 7 taskbar experience within Windows 8.

Optimizing the "Look and Feel" of Windows 8 for a Windows 7 Experience

Now that we have explored the customization options to make Windows 8 look like Windows 7, it's essential to optimize the overall user experience to closely resemble the familiarity of Windows 7.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 8 introduced several new keyboard shortcuts, but if you are more comfortable with the keyboard shortcuts from Windows 7, you can still use them in Windows 8. Here are some essential keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate and perform tasks efficiently:

Shortcut	Action
Windows Key	Opens the Start Menu or toggles between the Start Menu and the last accessed app
Windows Key + D	Toggles between the desktop and the Start Screen
Windows Key + E	Opens File Explorer
Windows Key + L	Locks the computer
Windows Key + R	Opens the Run dialog box

By using these keyboard shortcuts, you can navigate and perform tasks in Windows 8 with the same ease as in Windows 7.

2. Customize the Taskbar Icons

In Windows 7, users could pin frequently accessed programs to the taskbar for quick and easy access. Windows 8 provides the same functionality, allowing you to pin your favorite apps to the taskbar. To customize the taskbar icons:

• Right-click on the desired program icon or shortcut.
• Select "Pin to taskbar" from the context menu.

By pinning your frequently used programs to the taskbar, you can quickly launch them with a single click, just like in Windows 7.

3. Restore the Quick Launch Toolbar

The Quick Launch toolbar, which was available in previous versions of Windows, allows users to access commonly used programs and files with ease. Although it is not enabled by default in Windows 8, you can restore it to enjoy the same convenient functionality. Follow these steps:

• Right-click on the taskbar and hover over "Toolbars" in the context menu.
• Click on "New Toolbar."
• In the folder path field, enter the following path: %AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
• Click on "Select Folder" to add the Quick Launch toolbar to the taskbar.
• To customize the Quick Launch toolbar, right-click on the taskbar and uncheck the "Lock the taskbar" option. You can then drag and resize the Quick Launch toolbar according to your preferences.

With the Quick Launch toolbar restored, you can access your favorite programs and files with just one click, enhancing your productivity and convenience.

Reverting to the Windows 7 Look with Ease

In conclusion, by following the methods and tweaks discussed in this article, you can successfully make Windows 8 resemble Windows 7. Whether it's through Start Menu replacement tools, theme and visual customization, File Explorer customization, or taskbar configuration, you have a range of options to recreate the look and feel of Windows 7 while still enjoying the improved features of Windows 8. With some adjustments and personalization, your transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8 can be smoother and more enjoyable, giving you the best of both worlds.

How to Customize Windows 8 to Resemble Windows 7

For those who prefer the look and feel of Windows 7, there are several steps you can take to make Windows 8 resemble its predecessor.

First, consider installing a Windows 7 theme. These themes can be downloaded from various websites and will change the appearance of your desktop, start menu, and taskbar to closely match Windows 7. Additionally, you can customize your desktop icons and choose a Windows 7-style wallpaper for a more authentic experience.

Next, familiarize yourself with the Windows 8 interface. While it may appear different at first, Windows 8 still has many of the same features and functions of Windows 7, albeit with a different layout. Take the time to explore the Start screen, Charms bar, and desktop mode to fully understand how to navigate and use Windows 8 effectively.

Finally, consider installing third-party software that can further modify the appearance of Windows 8 to resemble Windows 7. There are numerous tools available that can customize the taskbar, start menu, and even the overall appearance of Windows 8 to mimic that of Windows 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some common questions related to how to make Windows 8 look like Windows 7.

1. Can I change the Start Menu in Windows 8 to resemble the one in Windows 7?

Unfortunately, Windows 8 does not provide a built-in option to change the Start Menu to look exactly like the one in Windows 7. However, there are third-party software options available that allow you to customize the Start Menu and make it resemble the classic Windows 7 Start Menu. One popular option is Classic Shell, which is free to download and easy to install.

After installing Classic Shell, you can customize the Start Menu by choosing different styles and skins that resemble the Windows 7 Start Menu. You can also add or remove certain features and personalize the appearance to your liking. This can help you navigate and use Windows 8 in a way that feels more familiar and similar to Windows 7.

2. Is there a way to bring back the Aero Glass effect in Windows 8?

Windows 8 introduced a new design and removed the Aero Glass effect that was present in Windows 7. However, if you prefer the Aero Glass effect and would like to bring it back in Windows 8, there are third-party tools available that can help you achieve this.

One popular tool is called Glass8, which is part of the Aero Glass for Win8/8.1 project. Glass8 allows you to enable the Aero Glass effect in Windows 8, giving your windows a translucent appearance similar to Windows 7. You can download and install Glass8 from the project's website, and follow the instructions provided to enable the Aero Glass effect on your Windows 8 system.

3. Can I disable the live tiles and use desktop icons like in Windows 7?

In Windows 8, the Start screen utilizes live tiles to display real-time information from your installed apps. However, if you prefer the traditional desktop icons like in Windows 7, you can disable the live tiles and customize your Start screen to resemble the desktop experience.

To disable live tiles and use desktop icons, you can right-click on each live tile on the Start screen and select "Turn live tile off" for individual tiles. Additionally, you can right-click on the taskbar, go to "Properties," and under the "Navigation" tab, check the box that says "Show the Apps view automatically when I go to Start." This will make the Start screen display all installed apps in a list format, similar to the All Programs menu in Windows 7.

4. Are there any themes available for Windows 8 that resemble the Windows 7 look?

Windows 8 offers a variety of built-in themes that you can apply to change the overall appearance of your system, but there is no specific theme that replicates the exact look of Windows 7. However, you can manually customize the theme settings to resemble the Windows 7 look.

To customize the theme settings, right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize." From there, you can choose a theme and modify options like the desktop background, window color, sounds, and screensaver. You can select colors and backgrounds that resemble the Windows 7 theme and adjust other settings to achieve a similar look and feel.

5. Can I change the file explorer in Windows 8 to have the same layout as in Windows 7?

The file explorer in Windows 8 has a different layout and interface compared to Windows 7. However, you can customize the file explorer settings to align it with the layout of Windows 7.

To do this, open the file explorer and click on the "View" tab. Under the "Layout" section, you can choose the "Details" view, which is similar to the default view in Windows 7. You can also customize other settings like the icon size, folder options, and sorting preferences to match your preferences from Windows 7.

To make Windows 8 look like Windows 7, you can follow these simple steps. Firstly, you can install a third-party software like Classic Shell or StartIsBack to bring back the familiar Start menu and taskbar from Windows 7. These programs allow you to customize the appearance and behavior of the Start menu and provide a more familiar experience.

Additionally, you can change the desktop background, theme, and other visual elements to match the Windows 7 aesthetic. Right-click on the desktop, select "Personalize," and choose a Windows 7-like theme or customize the settings according to your preference.