How to Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7: Easy Steps & Tips

Transforming Windows 10 to look like Windows 7 is possible. It requires a few tweaks and tools.

Many users miss the simplicity and familiarity of Windows 7. The sleek design of Windows 10 can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, you can bring back the old look without losing the new features. This guide will show you step-by-step how to make your Windows 10 resemble Windows 7.

You’ll learn how to change themes, icons, and the start menu. Whether you’re nostalgic or just prefer the classic look, follow along to make your PC feel like home again. Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Changing The Start Menu

Change the Windows 10 Start Menu to look like Windows 7 by using Classic Shell. It brings back the familiar design. This makes navigation easier and more comfortable.

Changing the Start Menu If you’re a fan of Windows 7, you might miss its classic Start Menu after upgrading to Windows 10. The good news is, you can change the Start Menu to look like the one from Windows 7. This not only brings back some nostalgia but also improves your workflow if you prefer the older layout.

Using Classic Shell

Classic Shell is a popular tool that can help you achieve a Windows 7-like Start Menu on your Windows 10 system. To get started, download and install Classic Shell. It’s a free program and easy to install. Once installed, the program will prompt you to choose your Start Menu style. Select the “Windows 7 style” from the options. You’ll immediately notice the difference. The Start Menu now looks and feels like the one you loved in Windows 7. You can also customize it further. Add or remove shortcuts, change the icons, or adjust the menu’s behavior to suit your needs. Classic Shell gives you a lot of control, making it a great tool for personalizing your Windows 10 experience.

Configuring Open-shell

Open-Shell is a fork of Classic Shell, continuing its legacy with new updates. If Classic Shell doesn’t meet your needs, Open-Shell is another excellent option. First, download and install Open-Shell. Like Classic Shell, it’s free and straightforward to install. After installing, open the Open-Shell Menu Settings. Here, you can choose the “Classic with two columns” style, which closely resembles the Windows 7 Start Menu. Customize the menu by navigating through the settings. You can change the Start button, adjust the menu’s opacity, and even tweak the behavior of the search box. Consider adding your frequently used programs to the Start Menu. This makes accessing them quicker and aligns more with how you used Windows 7. Have you ever wondered why Microsoft changed the Start Menu design in the first place? Maybe it was to modernize the look, but for many, the old layout was just perfect. By using Classic Shell or Open-Shell, you can bring back what worked for you and make Windows 10 your own.

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Adjusting The Taskbar

Are you missing the classic look of Windows 7? Adjusting the Taskbar in Windows 10 can bring back that nostalgic feel. Let’s dive into how you can achieve this transformation.

Taskbar Customization Tools

First, you’ll need some tools to help you customize the taskbar. One popular option is the Classic Shell or its successor, Open-Shell. These tools allow you to tweak the taskbar’s appearance and functionality.

Download and install Open-Shell. Once installed, open the settings and navigate to the taskbar section. Here, you can change the taskbar’s color, transparency, and even the size of the icons.

Another useful tool is TaskbarX. This allows you to center your taskbar icons, similar to the Windows 7 aesthetic. It also offers animation options for a smooth user experience.

Reverting To Classic Icons

Icons play a significant role in the overall look and feel. To revert to the classic icons, start by downloading a Windows 7 icon pack. Many of these packs are available online for free.

After downloading, right-click on the desktop and select Personalize. Navigate to the Themes section, and then click on Desktop icon settings. Here, you can change the icons for Computer, User Files, Network, and Recycle Bin to your downloaded Windows 7 icons.

For taskbar icons, right-click on each pinned application, then right-click the application name again and select Properties. Click on the Change Icon button and browse to your downloaded icons. Apply the changes to see the classic icons on your taskbar.

Doesn’t it feel good to have a touch of the familiar in your day-to-day computer use? Try these steps and rediscover the joy of a simpler, more intuitive interface.

Modifying System Icons

One of the most noticeable differences between Windows 10 and Windows 7 is the system icons. If you miss the classic look of Windows 7, you can modify your system icons to bring back that nostalgic feel. By changing desktop and folder icons, you can make your Windows 10 interface look and feel like Windows 7 again.

Replacing Desktop Icons

To start, right-click on your desktop and select “Personalize”. This will open the Settings window where you can customize your desktop icons.

Next, click on “Themes” from the left menu and then choose “Desktop icon settings” under the Related Settings section. Here, you can replace icons for Computer, User Files, Network, and more.

Click on the icon you want to change and then click the “Change Icon” button. Browse for the Windows 7 icons you downloaded earlier and select the one you want. Hit “Apply” and “OK” to confirm the changes.

Repeat these steps for each desktop icon you wish to replace. Remember, small changes can have a big impact. You’ll be surprised how much this simple tweak can transform your desktop.

Changing Folder Icons

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to change. Right-click on the folder and select “Properties”.

In the Properties window, go to the “Customize” tab and click on the “Change Icon” button. Like with desktop icons, browse for the Windows 7 folder icons you’ve downloaded.

Select the icon you want and click “OK”. Then, click “Apply” and “OK” to finalize the change. Your folder should now display the new icon.

Repeat this process for other folders you want to customize. Personalizing your folders can make navigation easier and more enjoyable.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the look of your desktop? Changing system icons might be the refresh you need. Not only does it make your system look better, but it also adds a touch of nostalgia.

What other tweaks have you tried to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7? Share your tips in the comments below!

Applying Windows 7 Themes

One of the most appealing aspects of Windows 7 was its clean and user-friendly interface. If you’re a fan of that look and feel, you’ll be pleased to know that you can still apply Windows 7 themes to your Windows 10 system. This process involves downloading, installing, and activating themes that mimic the older version’s appearance. Let’s dive into the steps to bring back that nostalgic Windows 7 look on your Windows 10 device.

Downloading Themes

First, you need to find and download Windows 7 themes that are compatible with Windows 10. Many websites offer these themes, but it’s crucial to download them from reputable sources to avoid malware. DeviantArt and ThemePack.me are good places to start.

Search for “Windows 7 themes for Windows 10” and browse through the available options. Select a theme that suits your preference and download the .zip or .rar file to your computer.

Installing And Activating Themes

Once you have downloaded the theme, you’ll need to extract the files. Right-click on the downloaded file and select “Extract All” to unzip the contents.

Next, navigate to the extracted folder and locate the file with a .themepack extension. Double-click this file to initiate the installation process. Windows will automatically apply the new theme.

To ensure the theme is fully activated, go to the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I. Click on “Personalization” and then “Themes.” You should see your newly installed theme listed there. Click on it to activate.

Did you notice any difference in your desktop appearance? Don’t worry if it’s not perfect yet. You can fine-tune it further by adjusting the colors, sounds, and icons to match Windows 7 more closely.

What other elements of Windows 7 do you miss? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s bring back the best of Windows 7 together!

Tweaking File Explorer

To make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, you can tweak File Explorer. This change brings a sense of familiarity. It also makes your user experience smoother. Below, we’ll explore how to customize the ribbon and restore classic navigation.

Customizing The Ribbon

The ribbon in Windows 10 looks different from Windows 7. You can change it to match the classic style. First, open File Explorer and go to the “View” tab. Click on “Options” and select “Change folder and search options.”

In the Folder Options window, switch to the “View” tab. Check the box next to “Always show menus.” This will display the menu bar, similar to Windows 7. You can also hide the ribbon. Click on the small arrow icon in the top right corner of File Explorer. This hides the ribbon and provides a cleaner look.

Restoring Classic Navigation

Windows 10 has a different navigation pane. You can change it to look like Windows 7. Open File Explorer and go to the “View” tab. Click on “Navigation pane” and select “Show all folders.”

This will display all folders, including the Control Panel and Recycle Bin. You can also enable the “Expand to open folder” option. This automatically expands the folder tree. It makes navigation easier and more like Windows 7.

These tweaks help you enjoy a familiar File Explorer. They bring back the look and feel of Windows 7. Happy customizing!

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Adjusting System Sounds

One of the most nostalgic elements of Windows 7 is its distinct system sounds. If you’re looking to make your Windows 10 experience feel more like Windows 7, adjusting the system sounds is a great place to start. These sounds can instantly transport you back to the familiar environment you loved.

Downloading Sound Schemes

First, you need to find the Windows 7 sound scheme. A quick search online will lead you to various sites where you can download the authentic Windows 7 sounds. Look for a reputable site to avoid any malware risks.

Once downloaded, save the files in a location you can easily access. Using these files, you’ll be able to replace the default Windows 10 sounds with the classic Windows 7 ones.

Don’t forget to check the file format. Ensure they are in .wav format for compatibility with Windows 10.

Applying New Sound Settings

Now it’s time to apply these sounds to your system. Open your Control Panel and navigate to ‘Hardware and Sound’. From there, click on ‘Change system sounds’. This will bring up the ‘Sound’ window.

In the ‘Sound’ window, click on the ‘Sounds’ tab. Here, you can manually change each system sound by selecting an event and then browsing to the Windows 7 sound file you downloaded.

After you’ve replaced all the relevant sounds, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’. You’ll immediately hear the familiar Windows 7 sounds as you interact with your computer.

With these adjustments, you can enjoy the nostalgic sounds of Windows 7 while benefiting from the modern features of Windows 10. Have you ever wondered how much a simple sound can affect your user experience? Give it a try and see how it feels!

Additional Tips

After following the primary steps to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, you might still crave a touch of the classic experience. Here are some additional tips to help you refine the appearance and maintain the performance of your system.

Using Third-Party Tools

Third-party tools can be a game-changers. One popular tool is Classic Shell, which brings back the traditional Start menu style. It’s easy to install and offers various customization options.

Another handy tool is OldNewExplorer. It tweaks the File Explorer to resemble the one in Windows 7. This includes classic details pane, command bar, and more.

If you miss the Aero Glass effect, try the Aero Glass for Windows 8+ application. It brings back the transparency effects from Windows 7. Keep in mind, these tools may need periodic updates.

Maintaining System Performance

While making these visual changes, it’s crucial to ensure your system remains fast and efficient. Regularly check for updates to avoid compatibility issues.

Keep your system clean by removing unnecessary files and applications. Use tools like CCleaner to help with this task. This helps maintain speed and responsiveness.

Monitor system performance through Task Manager. Disable any startup programs that you don’t need. This reduces boot time and improves overall performance.

Are there any other tweaks you’ve tried to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7? Share your experience and tips in the comments!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Get Windows 10 To Look Like Windows 7?

Install a tool like Classic Shell or Open-Shell. Customize the Start menu, taskbar, and window borders to mimic Windows 7.

How Do I Make Windows 10 Look Like Classic Windows?

Install Classic Shell or Open-Shell. Change the start menu, taskbar, and file explorer to classic style. Adjust themes and colors.

How To Get Windows 7 Theme In Windows 10?

Download a Windows 7 theme pack. Install it by double-clicking the downloaded file. Apply the theme from the Personalization settings.

How To Make Windows 10 To 7?

To make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, use third-party tools like Classic Shell. Adjust settings and themes for a familiar interface.

Conclusion

Transforming Windows 10 to look like Windows 7 is simple and rewarding. You can enjoy the classic feel with just a few steps. Follow the guide to tweak settings and install tools. Your PC will have a familiar look in no time.

The changes help bring back fond memories while maintaining modern features. Enjoy the best of both worlds. Happy customizing!