How To Make Windows 10 Look and Feel Like Windows 7 [1]
If you want to use Windows 10 and it's new features (or have to use Windows 10 for various reasons) but would be happier with the Windows 7 interface, then this article is a must read.
The article outlines 15 ways to make Windows 10 look and feel like Windows 7, getting you as close to the familiar Windows 7 interface as possible. Windows 10 has made some improvements over Windows 8 (bringing back the Start menu for one) but it's still quite a difference to anyone using Windows 7. With Windows 8, installing a Start Menu Replacement [3] made Windows 8 look and act like Windows 7 for the most part. In Windows 10, it's not quite as easy.
Here's a list of the various changes that make Windows 10 more like Windows 7:
- Windows 7 like Start Menu
- Aero Glass Transparency
- Disable the Lock Screen
- Remove Cortana search box from the taskbar
- Disable Windows Explorer ribbon
- Disable Quick Access
- Disable Action Center
- Install desktop gadgets
- Get Windows 7 like folders
- Uninstall and remove Edge browser
- Get rid of default modern apps
- Use a local account to sign in
- Enable the classic Personalization window
- Set Windows 7 wallpaper as your desktop background
Here are two additional helpful Windows 10 articles - one on blocking Windows 10 updates (I'm not in favor of forced updates), and this article has options for Home versions of Windows 10. Windows Pro and up have some options for blocking Windows Updates that the Home version doesn't. The other one addresses six of the most common Windows 10 annoyances and how to fix them.
Block Windows 10 forced updates without breaking your machine [4]
Six Windows 10 annoyances: How to make them go away for good [5]
You may have noticed that there are 14 (instead of 15) items listed. I left off the "Install Windows 7 games" because the link goes to a forum where you have to register to see the information. You can find a direct link to the download listed in our article here: Get Classic Windows 7 Games in Windows 8 and 10 for Free [6].
15 ways to make Windows 10 look and feel like Windows 7 [7]
You can find more Tech Treats here [8].