In today’s technological landscape, change is inevitable. With each new iteration of an operating system, users are often faced with a learning curve and a need to adapt to new features and interfaces. This was particularly evident when Windows 10 was released, as many users who were accustomed to the familiar layout of Windows 7 found themselves struggling to navigate the new design. If you are one of those users who longs for the familiarity and simplicity of Windows 7, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will explore various methods to make Windows 10 more like Windows 7, allowing you to customize your operating system to suit your preferences.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Making Windows 10 More Like Windows 7
While Windows 10 offers a range of new and exciting features, some users may prefer the simplicity of Windows 7. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not provide a built-in option to revert the entire operating system back to the Windows 7 user interface. However, don’t be disheartened! There are several workarounds and customization options available to help you achieve a Windows 7-like experience on your Windows 10 machine.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods for making Windows 10 more like Windows 7, it’s important to note that some of these methods may require you to download additional software or make changes to your system settings. It is always recommended to create a system restore point before making any significant changes to your operating system. This will allow you to revert back to a previous state if anything goes wrong. Additionally, keep in mind that while these methods can help you bring back the look and feel of Windows 7, they may not replicate every aspect of the operating system’s functionality.
Method 1. How to Customize Windows 10 with Classic Shell
Classic Shell is a free and open-source software that allows you to customize various aspects of the Windows operating system. One of its key features is the ability to bring back the classic Start menu from Windows 7. Here’s how to use Classic Shell to make Windows 10 more like Windows 7:
Step 1: Download and install Classic Shell from the official website.
Step 2: Launch Classic Shell and navigate to the "Start Menu Style" tab.
Step 3: Choose the "Windows 7 Style" option from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Customize the Start menu appearance and behavior according to your preferences.
Step 5: Click on the "OK" button to save your changes.
Pros:
1. Classic Shell provides a seamless replacement for the Windows 10 Start menu, allowing you to bring back the familiar Windows 7 style.
2. The software is free and open-source, making it accessible to all users.
3. Classic Shell offers extensive customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the Start menu to your liking.
Cons:
1. Classic Shell is a third-party software, which means it may not receive regular updates or support from Microsoft.
2. The installation process requires downloading and installing additional software, which might not be preferable for some users.
3. While Classic Shell brings back the Windows 7 Start menu, it may not replicate every aspect of the original interface.
Method 2. How to Customize the Taskbar
The taskbar is an essential element of the Windows operating system, and customizing it can go a long way in making Windows 10 resemble Windows 7. Here’s how you can customize the taskbar to achieve a Windows 7-like experience:
Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Taskbar settings" option.
Step 3: In the taskbar settings window, customize the taskbar appearance and behavior to your liking.
Step 4: For a more Windows 7-like experience, consider enabling the "Use small taskbar buttons" option.
Step 5: Experiment with different taskbar settings until you achieve the desired look and feel.
Pros:
1. Customizing the taskbar is a straightforward process that does not require any additional software.
2. Changing the taskbar settings allows you to personalize the appearance and behavior of your Windows 10 machine.
3. The taskbar is a central element of the user interface, so customizing it can significantly impact the overall Windows 7-like experience.
Cons:
1. While customizing the taskbar can make Windows 10 resemble Windows 7 to some extent, it does not replicate the entire operating system’s look and feel.
2. Modifying the taskbar settings may require some trial and error until you find the perfect configuration.
3. The customization options for the taskbar are limited compared to third-party software solutions.
Method 3. How to Customize File Explorer
The File Explorer is another key component of the Windows operating system, and customizing its appearance can contribute to a Windows 7-like experience. Here’s how you can customize File Explorer in Windows 10:
Step 1: Open File Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the "View" tab in the ribbon menu.
Step 3: In the "Layout" section, click on the "Options" button.
Step 4: In the "Folder Options" window, navigate to the "General" tab.
Step 5: Under the "Navigation pane" section, select the "Show all folders" option.
Pros:
1. Customizing File Explorer allows you to replicate the appearance and behavior of the Windows 7 file management system.
2. The process of customizing File Explorer does not require any additional software.
3. By showing all folders in the navigation pane, you can easily navigate through your computer’s directory structure.
Cons:
1. Customizing File Explorer’s appearance is limited to a few options, so it may not closely resemble the entire Windows 7 file management system.
2. This method only affects File Explorer, and other aspects of the operating system will retain the Windows 10 design.
3. Modifying the navigation pane settings may require some adjustment to find the optimal configuration.
Method 4. How to Customize the Desktop and Taskbar Icons
Customizing the icons on your desktop and taskbar can greatly contribute to a Windows 7-like experience in Windows 10. Here’s how you can customize the desktop and taskbar icons:
Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu.
Step 2: In the personalization settings window, navigate to the "Themes" tab.
Step 3: Click on the "Desktop icon settings" link on the right-hand side.
Step 4: In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, select the desired icons to be displayed on the desktop.
Step 5: Click on the "Apply" button to save your changes.
Pros:
1. Customizing the desktop and taskbar icons allows you to personalize the appearance of your Windows 10 machine.
2. By selecting specific icons, you can recreate the look and feel of the Windows 7 desktop.
3. This method does not require any additional software and is a built-in feature of Windows 10.
Cons:
1. Customizing the icons only affects the desktop and taskbar, and other system elements may still retain the Windows 10 design.
2. The customization options for icons are limited to selecting specific icons or hiding them altogether.
3. While this method contributes to a Windows 7-like experience, it may not fully replicate the entire appearance of the operating system.
Why Can’t I Customize Windows 10 Completely?
1. Limited Customization Options: Microsoft has intentionally limited the customization options in Windows 10 to maintain consistency across devices and ensure a unified user experience. This restriction makes it challenging to customize the operating system to replicate the exact look and feel of Windows 7.
2. User Interface Changes: Windows 10 introduced several new features and changes to the user interface compared to Windows 7. These changes are designed to improve usability and support new functionalities. As a result, fully customizing Windows 10 to resemble Windows 7 may require extensive modifications that are beyond the capabilities of the average user.
3. Compatibility and Support: Windows 7 is an older operating system that is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. As a result, customizing Windows 10 to look like Windows 7 may introduce compatibility issues and potential security risks. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to the latest supported operating systems, such as Windows 10, for the best experience and security.
Additional Tips
1. Take Advantage of Themes: Windows 10 offers a range of themes that can modify the overall appearance, including wallpapers, colors, and sounds. Experiment with different themes to find the one that closely resembles the Windows 7 aesthetic.
2. Use Third-Party Tools: While not recommended for everyone, there are third-party tools available that can provide more extensive customization options for Windows 10. These tools often come with more features and settings to help you achieve a Windows 7-like experience.
3. Explore Registry Tweaks: For advanced users, exploring registry tweaks can unlock additional customization options in Windows 10. However, it is essential to proceed with caution as modifying the registry can have unintended consequences if done incorrectly.
5 FAQs about Making Windows 10 More Like Windows 7
Q1: Can I completely revert Windows 10 to look exactly like Windows 7?
A: No, Microsoft does not provide an official method to revert Windows 10 back to the Windows 7 user interface. However, various customization options and third-party tools can help you recreate a Windows 7-like experience to some extent.
Q2: Are there any risks associated with customizing Windows 10 to look like Windows 7?
A: While customizing Windows 10 can enhance aesthetics and provide a familiar experience, it may introduce compatibility issues and potential security risks. Additionally, third-party tools should be used with caution, as they may not receive regular updates or support from Microsoft.
Q3: Will customizing Windows 10 affect the performance of my computer?
A: Customizing Windows 10 to resemble Windows 7 should not have a significant impact on system performance. However, some third-party tools and extensive modifications may consume additional system resources, potentially affecting performance.
Q4: Can I undo the changes I made to customize Windows 10?
A: Yes, most customization options can be undone by reverting back to the default settings or uninstalling any third-party tools used for customization. It is always recommended to create a system restore point before making any significant changes to your operating system.
Q5: Should I upgrade to Windows 10 instead of customizing it to look like Windows 7?
A: While customizing Windows 10 can provide a Windows 7-like experience, it is important to consider the advantages of upgrading to a supported operating system. Windows 10 offers improved security, performance, and access to new features that may not be available in Windows 7.
In Conclusion
While Windows 10 may have introduced a new interface, there are various methods available to customize it and make it more like Windows 7. From utilizing third-party software like Classic Shell to customizing the taskbar, File Explorer, and desktop icons, users can achieve a personalized Windows 7-like experience. However, it’s important to remember that these methods may not replicate every aspect of Windows 7, and there are limitations to how much customization can be done. Before making any changes, it is always advisable to create a system restore point and consider the risks associated with customizing your operating system.