How To Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7

Are you a fan of the classic Windows 7 interface? Miss the familiar Start Menu and desktop layout? If so, you're not alone. Many people desire the simplicity and familiarity of Windows 7 while still enjoying the benefits of Windows 10. Luckily, there are ways to transform your Windows 10 operating system to look and feel like Windows 7, allowing you to navigate and customize your computer in a way that feels comfortable and intuitive.

To make Windows 10 resemble Windows 7, you can start by installing a Windows 7 theme or skin. These themes can change the appearance of your desktop, including the taskbar, Start Menu, and icons, to mimic the iconic Windows 7 design. Additionally, you can customize your Start Menu to display a more traditional list view, giving you quick access to your most-used programs. By combining these visual changes with some additional tweaks, such as disabling live tiles or enabling window transparency, you can achieve a Windows 7-like experience while enjoying the benefits of Windows 10's enhanced performance and security.

Customizing the Start Menu

The Start Menu in Windows 10 has a different look and functionality compared to Windows 7, but with some tweaks, you can make it resemble the classic Windows 7 Start Menu. One way to achieve this is by using third-party software, such as Classic Shell or StartIsBack, which allow you to customize and personalize the Start Menu according to your preferences. These software options provide a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change the Start button icon, background color, and menu layout.

Using Classic Shell

Classic Shell is a popular choice for making Windows 10 look like Windows 7. To get started, download and install Classic Shell from the official website. Once installed, launch the program and customize the Start Menu by following these steps:

• Click on the "Start Menu Style" tab to choose the Windows 7 style.
• Under the "Skin" tab, you can select a different skin or customize the appearance of the Start button.
• Customize the Start Menu behavior by adjusting the options under the "Basic Settings" tab. For example, you can disable hot corners, add a Start button to the taskbar, or change the power button action.
• Once you have made all the desired changes, click on "OK" to apply the settings.

StartIsBack++

If you prefer a more seamless integration of the Windows 7 Start Menu, StartIsBack++ is another great option. Here's how you can use StartIsBack++ to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7:

• Visit the StartIsBack++ website and download the software.
• Install and run the program.
• Navigate to the "Appearance" tab to change the Start button style, taskbar color, and menu styling.
• Under the "Behavior" tab, you can customize various Start Menu behaviors, such as opening the Start Menu with the Windows key.
• Once you have made the desired changes, click on "Apply" to save the settings.

Other Options

In addition to Classic Shell and StartIsBack++, there are other software options available for making Windows 10 resemble Windows 7. Some alternatives to consider are:

• Open-Shell: A fork of the Classic Shell project, offering similar customization options.
• Start Menu 8: Another popular choice with a range of customization features.
• ViStart: Provides a Start Menu with a Windows 7 style.

It's important to note that when installing any third-party software, always download from reputable sources to ensure they are safe and free from malware. Also, keep in mind that third-party software may occasionally conflict with Windows updates or other applications, so it's a good idea to create a system restore point before making any significant changes.

Customizing the Taskbar

The Windows 10 taskbar can be customized to resemble the Windows 7 taskbar, giving your desktop a more familiar and nostalgic feel. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Taskbar Appearance

You can modify the appearance of the taskbar by following these steps:

• Right-click anywhere on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
• Under the "Taskbar" tab, you can choose to use small taskbar buttons, which will make the taskbar icons smaller and more compact.
• Toggle on "Use Start full screen" to make the Start Menu open in full screen mode.
• You can also use the "Combine taskbar buttons" option to group similar icons together if you prefer a clutter-free taskbar.

Pin Programs

Another way to customize the taskbar is by pinning your frequently used programs, just like in Windows 7. This can be done by following these steps:

• Locate the program you want to pin in the Start Menu or search for it using the search bar.
• Right-click on the program and select "Pin to taskbar."
• The program will now appear on the taskbar for easy access.

Taskbar Functionality

Customizing the functionality of the taskbar allows you to make it behave more like the Windows 7 taskbar. Here are some tips:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
• Under the "Taskbar" tab, enable "Lock the taskbar" to prevent accidental changes to the taskbar layout.
• Toggle on "Show badges on taskbar buttons" to display notification badges for apps like email or messaging.
• Enable "Auto-hide the taskbar" to make the taskbar disappear when not in use, giving you more screen real estate.

Customizing the File Explorer

The File Explorer in Windows 10 has a different interface compared to Windows 7, but you can customize it to resemble the classic Windows 7 File Explorer. Here's how:

Changing the Folder View

To change the folder view in File Explorer, follow these steps:

• Open File Explorer.
• Click on the "View" tab.
• In the "Layout" section, select "Details" to display files in a similar manner as in Windows 7.
• You can also enable the "Navigation pane" to have a familiar left-hand pane with quick access to different folders.
• Under the "Options" menu, navigate to the "View" tab and click on "Apply to Folders" to apply the changes to all folders.

Customizing File Explorer Appearance

You can further customize the appearance of File Explorer by following these steps:

• Go to the "View" tab in File Explorer.
• Click on "Options" and select "Change folder and search options."
• In the "General" tab, you can choose to open File Explorer to "This PC" instead of Quick access.
• Under the "View" tab, enable "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" to display all files.
• You can also customize the icon size and spacing using the "Icon size" and "Spacing" options. For a Windows 7 look, try selecting "Medium icons" and reducing the spacing.

Personalizing the Desktop

The desktop is an essential part of your Windows experience, and by personalizing it, you can make it resemble the Windows 7 desktop. Here are some customization options:

Changing the Wallpaper

You can set a Windows 7-inspired wallpaper to make your desktop feel like Windows 7:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize."
• Under the "Background" section, choose a wallpaper that matches the Windows 7 style. You can either select one of the pre-installed wallpapers or click on "Browse" to choose a custom image.
• Once you have selected the wallpaper, click on "Apply" to set it as your desktop background.

Changing the Desktop Icons

Windows 7 had distinct desktop icons that you can also use on Windows 10:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize."
• Click on "Themes" and then select "Desktop icon settings" from the sidebar.
• In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, choose the icons you want to change and click on "Change Icon."
• Select a new icon from the available options or click on "Browse" to choose a custom icon.
• Click on "OK" to apply the changes.

Taskbar Appearance

To make the taskbar resemble the Windows 7 style, follow these steps:

• Right-click anywhere on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
• Under the "Taskbar" tab, you can choose to use small taskbar buttons, which will make the taskbar icons smaller and more compact.
• Toggle on "Use Start full screen" to make the Start Menu open in full screen mode.
• You can also use the "Combine taskbar buttons" option to group similar icons together if you prefer a clutter-free taskbar.

Using Vintage Windows Themes

If you want a more immersive vintage Windows experience, you can install classic Windows themes from the Microsoft website or other trusted sources. These themes often include customized icons, wallpapers, and even system sounds that resemble older versions of Windows, including Windows 7. After downloading the theme package, you can apply it by following these steps:

Installing a Classic Windows Theme

• Download a classic Windows theme from a reputable source.
• Extract the theme files if necessary, and double-click on the .theme file to apply it.
• The theme will automatically change the desktop background, colors, and sounds to match the vintage Windows style.

Customizing Individual Elements

If you prefer to customize specific elements of your Windows 10 interface, you can do so individually. For example, you can change the system font, cursor, or icon set to resemble Windows 7. Here are some steps to get you started:

Changing the System Font

To change the system font in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize."
• Click on "Fonts" in the left-hand sidebar.
• You can now choose a different font for various system elements, such as the menu, title bars, message boxes, or icons.
• Once you have made your desired changes, close the settings window, and the new font will be applied immediately.

Changing the Cursor

To change the cursor style in Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the "Settings" app by pressing Windows + I.
• Click on "Ease of Access" and select "Cursor & pointer" in the left-hand sidebar.
• Under the "Change pointer size and color" section, you can customize the cursor size and color.
• If you prefer a different cursor style, click on "Additional mouse options" to open the Mouse Properties window.
• In the Mouse Properties window, navigate to the "Pointers" tab and select a different cursor scheme from the dropdown menu.
• Click on "Apply" to save the changes.

Changing the Icon Set

To change the icon set in Windows 10, you can use third-party icon packs or manually replace individual icons. Here's how:

• Download a third-party icon pack from a trusted source or find individual icon files (.ico format) that you want to use.
• Right-click on the shortcut or folder for which you want to change the icon and select "Properties."
• In the Properties window, click on the "Change Icon" button.
• Browse to the location of the downloaded icon pack or the individual icon file.
• Select the desired icon and click on "OK" to apply the change.
• If the icon does not change immediately, you may need to refresh the desktop.

By following these customization options, you can transform your Windows 10 interface to resemble the familiar and nostalgic look of Windows 7. Whether you prefer a classic Start Menu, a taskbar with smaller icons, a Windows 7-themed desktop, or vintage Windows themes, there are numerous ways to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7.

How to Customize Windows 10 to Look like Windows 7

If you're missing the familiar look and feel of Windows 7, you can customize your Windows 10 interface to mimic it. Here's how:

Start Menu

To make your Windows 10 start menu resemble Windows 7, you can use a third-party application such as "Start10" or "Classic Shell". These tools allow you to adjust the start menu layout, add a Windows 7-style start button, and customize the appearance.

Taskbar and Icons

If you prefer the taskbar and icons from Windows 7, you can right-click on the taskbar and choose "Taskbar settings". From there, you can set the taskbar to show only the icons you want, change the taskbar location, and adjust other customization options to match Windows 7.

File Explorer

To bring back the Windows 7 style in File Explorer, you can install the "OldNewExplorer" tool. This tool allows you to tweak various File Explorer settings, such as disabling the ribbon interface and adding back the classic toolbar.

Desktop Appearance

To make your desktop look like Windows 7, you can adjust desktop backgrounds, icons, and themes. Right-click on the desktop, select "Personalize" and choose the Windows 7-style theme, or customize individual elements to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many users prefer the familiar look and feel of Windows 7 and wish to replicate it on Windows 10. If you are one of these users, here are some frequently asked questions on how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7.

1. How can I change the Start Menu to resemble Windows 7?

To change the Start Menu on Windows 10 to resemble the classic look of Windows 7:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".

2. In the settings window, click on "Start" from the left-hand menu.

3. Enable the "Use Start full screen" option.

4. Customize the Start menu by selecting the desired options under the "Choose which folders appear on Start" section.

5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

2. Can I change the taskbar icons to match Windows 7?

Yes, you can change the taskbar icons on Windows 10 to resemble those from Windows 7:

1. Download a third-party icon pack that resembles the Windows 7 icons.

2. Extract the icon pack files to a folder on your computer.

3. Right-click on each taskbar icon, go to "Properties", and click on "Change Icon".

4. Browse to the folder where you extracted the icon pack files and select the corresponding icon for each application.

5. Apply the changes and you will see the taskbar icons resemble those from Windows 7.

3. Is it possible to change the window borders and overall theme?

Yes, you can change the window borders and overall theme on Windows 10 to emulate the appearance of Windows 7:

1. Download a custom theme that resembles the Windows 7 theme. Make sure it is compatible with Windows 10.

2. Extract the theme files to a folder on your computer.

3. Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize".

4. Under the "Themes" section, click on "Theme settings".

5. Click on "Apply a theme" and browse to the folder where you extracted the custom theme files. Select the theme and apply it.

6. Your window borders and overall theme will now resemble those from Windows 7.

4. Can I bring back the classic Windows 7 desktop gadgets?

Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not support the classic desktop gadgets from Windows 7. However, you can find alternative gadget programs that replicate the functionality of the old gadgets.

1. Search for alternative gadget programs online.

2. Download and install a gadget program that suits your preferences.

3. Customize the gadgets and add them to your desktop.

Although they may not be the exact same gadgets, these alternatives can provide similar functionality and appearance.

5. Are there any other features I can tweak to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7?

Yes, there are additional features you can tweak to make Windows 10 resemble Windows 7:

1. Change the desktop wallpaper to a Windows 7-style background.

2. Customize the system sounds to match those of Windows 7.

Now you know how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7! By modifying the desktop theme, taskbar settings, and Start menu layout, you can recreate the familiar look and feel of Windows 7 on your Windows 10 system. Remember to download and install a Windows 7 theme to achieve the authentic visual style. You can also use third-party tools to customize additional aspects of the user interface, such as the icons and system sounds.

Keep in mind that while you can make Windows 10 resemble Windows 7, the underlying operating system remains Windows 10. This means you can still enjoy the benefits of the latest features, security updates, and compatibility with modern software. Embracing the new while preserving the old can provide you with the best of both worlds. So go ahead, customize your Windows 10 to look like Windows 7, and enjoy a nostalgic experience with the functionality and stability of the latest Windows version!