How to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7

Windows 10’s modern interface is quickly taking over Windows users. But while it’s becoming a favorite among many, some users prefer keeping the Windows 10 features but retain their Windows 7 looks. 

Windows 10 is the latest OS version from Windows and comes with improvements in security, performance, and efficiency. With new features such as Cortana, Classic Start Menu and Universal Apps, Windows 10 is enjoyable to use for most Windows users. However, despite Windows 10 being the latest version, Windows 7 remains the most popular and widely used Windows OS. 

If you want a blend of Windows 7 and Windows 10, try our tips below:

1. Change Windows 10 Start Menu to Windows 7 Start Menu

If you would love to switch to Windows 7 quickly, then you should start by changing the Start Menu. You can change the Windows 10 Start Menu to appear like the Windows 7 Start Menu by using a Classic Shell Tool. To modify the Start Menu Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download and install the classic shell program (Currently, the latest version of classic shell program is version 4.3.1, and you can download it at www.classicshell.net )

Step 2: Launch the program and select the “Start Menu Style” from its list of options 

Step 3: From the list of options, select  ‘Windows 7 style‘ 

Additionally, you can click on ‘Replace Start button’  and pick one of the Start Menu icons displayed such as Aero, Classic. 

Additionally, you can pick an image of your choice by clicking on ‘Custom‘ . Next download the Start buttons pack and later click on  ‘Pick Image‘ to select on of the Start button icons.  Once you have selected your Start Menu icon, click ‘OK‘ to save the changes.

Watch your default Windows 10 start button transform into the default Windows 7 Start button!

2. Hide Cortana

Cortana feature is prominent in Windows 10. Cortana search box is unavailable for Windows 7 users, and removing helps to revert to the old Windows 7 look. Though it is useful, you can use the in-built search box that comes with the Classic Shell program:

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen 

Step 2: On the pull-up menu that appears, uncheck the   ‘Show Cortana button‘ option to hide the Cortana icon on the taskbar.

3. Change the Windows Color Scheme

Windows 7 computers come with a default navy blue color. You can change the default color in Windows 10 to the navy blue to make it look like Windows 7. To change the color, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I 

Step 2: In the settings window, click on the   ‘Personalization‘ option

Step 3: Click on  ‘Colors‘  option on the left pane.  Next, select the pale-blue color  that is Windows 7’s  default theme color and double-click it to apply it to your PC

4. Turn Off the Action Center Account

Action center is an optional feature in Windows 10 which allows you to access utilities and notifications easily. If you would like to switch to a Windows 7 view, then it’s important to turn off the Action Center. To turn the Action Center off, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I 

Step 2: On the settings search bar, type  ‘Notifications & Action settings‘ option and click on it.

Step 3:Toggle the  ‘Notification‘ slider to turn off the action center.

5. Use A Local Instead of The Microsoft Account

Windows 7 only supports logging in with the default Windows account. On the other hand, Windows 10 by default prompts you to login with your default Microsoft account. To change to local account sign-in option, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I 

Step 2: On the settings page, click on ‘Accounts‘ option

Step 3: In the next Window, click on  the ‘Sign-In Options‘ on the left side menu panel

Step 4: Choose the Password or PIN authentication and set a password for either of the two before restarting your PC for the changes to take effect.

6. Replace Internet Edge with Internet Explorer

Windows 10  comes with Microsoft Edge as its default internet browser. On the other hand, Windows 7 default browser is Internet Explorer. To change the default browser to Internet Explorer, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I 

Step 2: On the settings page, click on ‘Apps‘ option

Step 3: Select ‘Default Apps’ and navigate to the Web browser section. Select  Internet Explorer as the default browser.

7. Change the Icons to Windows 7

You can download different icon packs on the internet to make your computer look like Windows 7.  Also, you can try this Windows 7 icon pack to change your Windows 10 icons to those of Windows 7. It not only brings a Windows 7 feel and look to your desktop but also improves on the desktop outlook.

Our list of options makes it possible to retain Windows 10 security, performance, and health while maintaining a Windows 7 outlook. Ensure you try one or more of our solutions, and enjoy using Windows 7 outlook without overlooking Windows 10’s best features.

Margaret

Hey, this is Margaret, a Windows Systems Administrator who’s in love with everything about tech.