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Windows 10 provides a modern and sleek user interface that many people enjoy. However, some users prefer the classic and familiar look of Windows 7. If you’re one of those users, you may be wondering how to change the appearance of Windows 10 to resemble Windows 7. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to achieve this transformation, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Windows 10 while maintaining the look and feel of Windows 7.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Windows 10 to Windows 7 Style
Microsoft designed Windows 10 with a focus on modernizing the user interface. As a result, changing the appearance to resemble Windows 7 can be a bit challenging. While Windows 10 does not provide an out-of-the-box option to revert to the Windows 7 style, there are several methods you can use to modify the user interface and achieve a similar look. Let’s explore these methods in more detail.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare for to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the things you should consider:
1. Backup your important files: Whenever making significant changes to your operating system, it is essential to back up your important files. This ensures that you can restore them if anything goes wrong during the transformation process.
2. Research and choose the desired Windows 7 theme: There are various Windows 7 themes available on the internet. Take some time to research and choose the one that suits your preferences. Ensure that you download the theme from a reputable source to avoid any potential security risks.
3. Familiarize yourself with the customization options: Windows 10 provides several customization options that can help you achieve the Windows 7 style. Familiarize yourself with these options to make the transition easier.
Method 1: Using Windows 10 Themes
Windows 10 allows you to customize the overall look and feel of the operating system using themes. While there may not be an official Windows 7 theme available, you can find third-party themes that resemble the classic Windows 7 style. Here are the steps to apply a Windows 7-style theme using Windows 10 themes:
1. Download a Windows 7-style theme: Search the internet for Windows 7-style themes compatible with Windows 10. Download the theme files to your computer.
2. Install a third-party theme patcher: Windows 10 restricts the installation of third-party themes by default. To bypass this restriction, you need to install a theme patcher. Download a reputable theme patcher and install it on your computer.
3. Apply the Windows 7-style theme: Once the theme patcher is installed, navigate to the folder where you downloaded the Windows 7-style theme files. Open the folder, select all the theme files, right-click, and choose "Copy." Navigate to the following location in File Explorer: C:\Windows\Resources\Themes and paste the theme files here.
4. Apply the theme using the Settings app: Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. Go to Personalization > Themes. Under Apply a theme, click on the Windows 7-style theme you pasted in the previous step to apply it.
Pros:
– Easy and quick way to change the appearance of Windows 10.
– Allows you to choose from various Windows 7-style themes available online.
– Customizable and can be reverted back to the original Windows 10 theme if desired.
Cons:
– Third-party themes may come with security risks. Ensure that you download themes from trusted sources.
– Requires the installation of a theme patcher, which may not be suitable for all users.
– Some Windows 7-style themes may not be fully compatible with Windows 10, resulting in visual inconsistencies.
Method 2: Using a Windows 7 Start Menu Replacement
One of the most significant differences between Windows 7 and Windows 10 is the Start Menu. Windows 10 introduced a new Start Menu design, which may not be appealing to users who prefer the classic Windows 7 Start Menu. Fortunately, there are Start Menu replacement tools available that emulate the Windows 7 Start Menu. Here’s how you can use a Windows 7 Start Menu replacement:
1. Research and choose a Start Menu replacement tool: There are several Start Menu replacement tools available, such as Classic Shell and Open-Shell. Research and choose the tool that best suits your preferences.
2. Download and install the Start Menu replacement tool: Go to the official website of the chosen Start Menu replacement tool and download the installer. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your computer.
3. Customize the Start Menu: After installing the Start Menu replacement tool, you can customize its appearance to resemble the classic Windows 7 Start Menu. Adjust the layout, colors, and other settings according to your preferences.
Pros:
– Provides an authentic Windows 7 Start Menu experience on Windows 10.
– Customizable to match your preferences.
– Does not require modifying system files or installing additional themes.
Cons:
– May not be as visually consistent with the rest of the Windows 10 interface.
– Some Start Menu replacement tools may not receive regular updates or support.
– Additional software running in the background may impact system performance.
Method 3: Modifying the Taskbar and Start Menu Settings
Windows 10 allows you to customize the Taskbar and Start Menu to some extent. While this method may not completely transform the appearance into a Windows 7 style, it can help you make certain adjustments to resemble the classic design. Here’s how you can modify the Taskbar and Start Menu settings:
1. Right-click on an empty area of the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.
2. In the Taskbar settings window, you can choose to automatically hide the Taskbar, move it to different positions, and adjust its size.
3. Enable "Use small taskbar buttons" to make the Taskbar buttons more compact.
4. Under the "Start" section, customize the "Start menu" and "Show app list in Start menu" options to your preferences.
5. Disable the "Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar" option to prevent recent items from being displayed in the Start Menu.
Pros:
– Uses built-in Windows 10 customization options.
– Allows you to make adjustments to the Taskbar and Start Menu without the need for third-party tools.
– Does not require modifying system files or installing additional themes.
Cons:
– Limited customization options compared to other methods.
– May not achieve the exact Windows 7 style but can make certain adjustments.
– Visual inconsistencies may still be present in other areas of the user interface.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Windows Shell Replacement
Although this method requires more advanced knowledge and technical skills, it provides the most comprehensive customization options to achieve a Windows 7 style. Third-party Windows shell replacement tools allow you to modify not only the Taskbar and Start Menu but also other elements of the user interface. Here’s how you can use a Windows shell replacement tool:
1. Research and choose a Windows shell replacement tool: There are several Windows shell replacement tools available, such as WindowBlinds and Aston. Research and choose the tool that best suits your preferences and meets your requirements.
2. Download and install the Windows shell replacement tool: Go to the official website of the chosen Windows shell replacement tool and download the installer. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your computer.
3. Configure the Windows shell replacement tool: After installing the Windows shell replacement tool, you can configure its settings to modify various aspects of the user interface, such as the Taskbar, Start Menu, window borders, and icons. Explore the tool’s settings and customize them according to your preferences.
Pros:
– Provides extensive customization options to achieve a Windows 7 style.
– Allows you to modify various elements of the user interface.
– Can be customized to match your preferences and create a unique look.
Cons:
– Requires more advanced technical skills and knowledge.
– May impact system performance depending on the complexity of customization.
– Some Windows shell replacement tools may not receive regular updates or support.
Why Can’t I Change Windows 10 to Windows 7 Style?
While it is possible to modify the appearance of Windows 10 to resemble Windows 7, there are a few reasons why you may encounter difficulties:
1. Limited built-in customization options: Windows 10 does not offer extensive built-in options to revert to the Windows 7 style. Microsoft designed Windows 10 with a focus on a modern and unified user interface.
2. System compatibility: Some Windows 7-style themes or customization tools may not be fully compatible with Windows 10. This can result in visual inconsistencies or other issues.
3. Ongoing support: Windows 7 is an older operating system that is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. This means that there may not be as many resources or updates available for achieving a Windows 7-style appearance on Windows 10.
Here are a few potential fixes for these challenges:
1. Explore third-party customization tools: Third-party tools, such as Windows shell replacement tools, provide more extensive customization options beyond what is available in the built-in settings of Windows 10.
2. Research and seek community support: Many online communities and forums are dedicated to customizing Windows. Research and seek advice from users who have successfully achieved a Windows 7-style appearance on Windows 10.
3. Experiment and find the right balance: Achieving a Windows 7-style appearance on Windows 10 may require some experimentation and tweaking. Find the right balance between customization and system compatibility.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you in your quest to change Windows 10 to a Windows 7 style:
1. Use Windows 7 wallpapers: Find and download Windows 7 wallpapers to complete the visual transformation. Set the downloaded wallpapers as your desktop background.
2. Customize icons: Use icon packs that resemble the Windows 7 icons. There are several icon packs available online that can be used with third-party customization tools.
3. Explore additional customization options: Beyond the methods mentioned in this blog post, there are other ways to customize Windows 10 appearance. Explore additional customization options, such as using Rainmeter for desktop widgets or modifying system fonts.
5 FAQs about Changing Windows 10 to Windows 7 Style
Q1: Can I revert back to the default Windows 10 style after I have made changes?
A: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default Windows 10 style. Simply uninstall any third-party themes or customization tools you have installed and reset the Taskbar, Start Menu, and other settings to their default configurations.
Q2: Are there any risks involved in changing the Windows 10 style?
A: While changing the Windows 10 style itself does not pose significant risks, it is essential to be cautious when downloading third-party themes or customization tools. Only download from trusted sources to avoid any potential security risks.
Q3: Will changing the Windows 10 style affect system performance?
A: Depending on the complexity of the changes and the customization tools used, there may be a slight impact on system performance. However, modern computers should be able to handle these changes without significant performance degradation.
Q4: Can I combine multiple methods to achieve the desired Windows 7 style?
A: Yes, you can combine multiple methods mentioned in this blog post to achieve a more comprehensive Windows 7-style appearance. However, be mindful of potential conflicts between different customization tools or settings.
Q5: Is it recommended to change the Windows 10 style?
A: The decision to change the Windows 10 style to resemble Windows 7 is subjective and depends on personal preference. If you are more comfortable with the Windows 7 user interface and nostalgic for its classic look, then changing the style may be suitable for you.
In Conclusion
While Windows 10 offers a modern and sleek user interface, some users prefer the classic Windows 7 style. Although changing the Windows 10 style can be challenging, it is possible to achieve a similar appearance with the methods mentioned in this blog post. Whether you choose to apply a Windows 7-style theme, use a Start Menu replacement, modify the Taskbar and Start Menu settings, or go with a more advanced Windows shell replacement, customization options are available. Remember to always back up your important files, research and choose reputable tools, and experiment to find the right balance between customization and system compatibility.