Trying to make Windows 10 look like the old good Windows 7 is kind of weird, but it can be satisfying for those missing the classic feel – plus, it’s surprisingly doable if you know where to look. There’s a lot of steps involved, but honestly, it’s mostly just about tweaking settings, installing a couple of tools, and swapping out some icons and sounds. The goal here is to get that familiar, no-fuss Windows 7 aesthetic while still running Win10 under the hood, with its security updates and modern features. Sometimes, it just feels nicer not to have everything looking like a futuristic spaceship, especially if you’re used to the old layout. Just keep in mind, some tweaks might need a bit of trial and error—especially when it comes to theme stuff or third-party tools—but once it’s done, you’ll almost forget you’re not on Windows 7 anymore. Or, well, at least you’ll get close enough that it’s like home—trust me, it’s kind of fun to experiment with.
How to Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7
Install a Classic Start Menu
Start by grabbing a classic-style Start Menu like Winhance or Open-Shell (which is the successor to Classic Shell).These tools let you replace Windows 10’s awkward Start menu with a more familiar, Windows 7-esque layout. On some setups, the first install might give you a blank screen or a bit of lag, but a quick restart or logging out usually helps. It’s worth noting that Open-Shell is actively maintained and free, which makes it a solid choice. Once installed, you can just right-click the Start button, go into the menu options, and pick a classic style that looks just like Windows 7.
Adjust Taskbar Settings
Right-click your taskbar, hit Taskbar settings, and then toggle some options. For example:
- Use small taskbar buttons – this helps the taskbar resemble the thin, minimal look from Windows 7.
- Uncheck Use peek to preview the desktop – that’s what makes it feel cleaner and more Windows 7-like.
- Disable or hide the Search box to clean up the space.
This isn’t just about looks; it also makes the whole desktop less cluttered, which is a core part of that older vibe.
Change the Window Color Scheme
Head over to Settings > Personalization > Colors. Pick a calming, light color or even go for the classic blue or gray shades that Windows 7 was known for. Turning off transparency effects and unnecessary accents helps sell the old-school look. If you want to get really fancy, you can even disable the accent color for different folders or window borders, making everything less flashy but more like Windows 7.
Disable Cortana
To get rid of Cortana and simplify your search experience, click on the search bar, then the gear icon, and toggle off Cortana. If you want a faster way—because Windows 10 loves to sneak these stuff in—you can also turn it off via PowerShell: Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
. That command will remove Cortana completely on some setups. Just remember, doing this might break some of Cortana’s integrations, so only do it if you’re sure. But honestly, Windows 7 didn’t have Cortana at all, so removing it makes sense for that classic feel. Plus, it could potentially free up some resources, and Windows doesn’t have to keep running that background service.
Use Windows 7 Icons and Sounds
Download a Windows 7 icon pack and sound scheme from trusted sites—suppliers like DeviantArt or custom theme forums are usually good. Just apply the icons via Right-click a folder, select Properties, then head to Customize > Change Icon. For the sounds, you can replace the default system sounds by heading to Control Panel > Sound > Sounds tab, and choose your Windows 7 sound scheme. On top of that, replacing your system sounds with the classic ones gives that extra nostalgic punch every time you get a notification or open something.
Gotta warn ya, after all these tweaks, your computer will resemble Windows 7 quite a lot, but underneath, it’s still Windows 10 being smart about security and performance. Some things might look old but still act modern, which is kinda perfect for anyone wanting both worlds.
Tips for Making Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7
- Experiment with different third-party Start Menu tools—sometimes one works better on certain machines than others.
- If you’re into gadgets or sidebar stuff, check out Windows Sidebar clones for that extra Windows 7 flavor.
- Keep your third-party tools updated — compatibility can get wonky otherwise.
- Backup your system or at least create a system restore point before making big visual changes. Windows 10 still updates and resets stuff occasionally, so it’s safer that way.
- Check out themes in the Microsoft Store or look for custom packs online—some of them even mimic Windows 7 icons and wallpapers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these tweaks slow down my system?
Usually, no. Most of the changes are just visual, like icons and themes, which shouldn’t impact actual performance. Just be cautious with third-party tools—stick to trusted sources to avoid bloat or malware.
Can I get back to the normal Windows 10 look if I hate the changes?
Absolutely. Removing the third-party start menu and resetting theme settings will revert most visual tweaks. Just remember, a system restore point helps if things go haywire.
Are third-party tools safe?
Mostly, if you get them from reputable sources—like official GitHub pages or well-known theme sites. Always scan downloaded files with antivirus software and read recent reviews. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Will I still get Windows updates after all this?
Yep, these are just cosmetic tweaks. Your system’s core updates and security patches will keep working normally, so no worries there.
Summary
- Install a Classic Start Menu tool like Open-Shell or Winhance.
- Adjust the taskbar to look simpler and less cluttered.
- Change the color scheme to light blue or gray, and disable transparency.
- Remove Cortana from search.
- Replace icons and sounds with Windows 7-themed ones.
Wrap-up
Honestly, messing around with these tweaks can make your Windows 10 experience way more familiar if you’re nostalgic or just tired of the modern look. It’s not perfect, and sometimes some tweaks might need a reboot or two, but overall, it’s a fun project and, on one setup it worked pretty smoothly. Now, your desktop should look and almost feel like the old Windows 7, but with the security and performance benefits of Win10 underneath. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few hours or at least makes them smile every time they click that Start button.