How To: Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7 (Start Menu)
Posted on September 27, 2016
It’s good news to many that Microsoft brought back the Start Menu in Windows 10, after a poorly-received change to a Start Screen in Windows 8 & 8.1. Although this is a great improvement for Desktop users, the menu itself is still nevertheless quite different than you may be used to, especially if your computer received the automatic upgrade to Windows 10 last July.
Fortunately, for those that much prefer the simple layout of the Windows 7 Start Menu, there is a quick and easy way to customise it in a way that is much more familiar. This is done through a free piece of software called Classic Shell. This program was originally created for Windows 8 and fully compatible with both Windows 8 and 10, meaning that the steps outlined in this post apply equally to either version, if the Windows 8 tablet-style Start Screen isn’t your preference.
Step 1:
Download Classic Shell
Clicking on the link above will take you to the official Classic Shell website. A link to download the latest version can be seen on the main page. Install the software by following the instructions.
Step 2:
Try it Out
After Classic Shell has been installed, you will notice that your Start Menu has been changed. If you like the appearance of this default menu you may stop here, though for the sake of this article we will make just one change to make the menu a little more familiar.
New Start Menu with standard settings
Step 3
Additional Settings
Right Clicking the Start Menu Icon and selecting “Settings” will allow you to quickly customise the settings of Classic Shell. The default under “Start Menu Style” is set to Windows 7, though you may change this if you wish.
Classic Shell Settings
Step 4
Select Skin
Clicking the “Skin” tab along the top of the Window will allow you to customise the appearance of the new Start Menu further. For extra-similarity with Windows 7, click the “Skin” dropdown menu and select “Windows Aero” instead of the default “Metro” setting, then press “Okay”.
Skin Settings
Voila
Your new start menu now looks and functions much similar to how you are used to. The additional “Start Menu (Windows)” button at the top, also allows you switch to the Windows 10 menu temporarily, ensuring you lose no functionality.
End Result
Now you know how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7, at least a little bit. I hope this post is of some help. Any changes made can be reverted by uninstalling the software in the usual way. Should you have need any help, be sure to leave a comment. For additional computer setup or technical support, be sure to Contact Us!