To make Windows 11 resemble Windows 7, use Open Shell for the Start Menu and Explorer, apply a Windows 7 theme, and tweak the taskbar. Set a Windows 7 wallpaper and window color to finish the retro transformation.
Achieving the Windows 7 Visual Experience
The key to transforming Windows 11 into Windows 7 lies in a combination of software and system tweaks. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.
1. Installing Open Shell/Classic Shell (Start Menu & Explorer)
Open Shell (originally Classic Shell) is the cornerstone of this transformation. This free software replaces the Windows 11 Start Menu with a customizable replica of the Windows 7 Start Menu. Here’s how to install and configure it:
Download Open Shell: Visit the official Open Shell download page. Be very careful you are on the real site, and not a malicious imitation.
Installation: Run the installer. During installation, you can choose which components to install. At a minimum, install “Open Shell Menu” and “Open Shell Explorer” for the full Windows 7 experience.
Configuration: After installation, the Open Shell Menu Settings window will appear when you click the Start button.
- Choose the Style: Select the “Windows 7 style” for the most authentic look.
- Basic Settings: Adjust basic settings like the Start Menu button image (you can find Windows 7 Start Orb images online) and the action when pressing the Windows key.
- Customize: Dive into the Customize tab to add or remove items from the Start Menu, just like in Windows 7. I personally added quick links to Control Panel and frequently used programs.
Open Shell Explorer: This component adds features to File Explorer, such as a classic-style toolbar and the ability to display file sizes in KB/MB/GB. Configure it from the Open Shell settings.
2. Applying a Windows 7 Theme
While Open Shell handles the Start Menu, applying a Windows 7 theme changes the look of windows, buttons, and other visual elements.
- Finding a Theme: Search on websites like DeviantArt for “Windows 7 theme for Windows 11”. Several creators offer themes that closely mimic the Windows 7 look and feel.
- Theme Installation: Most themes come with installation instructions. Typically, you’ll need to copy theme files (.theme and .msstyles files) to the
%windir%\\Resources\\Themesdirectory. You may need to take ownership of the folder for the operation to work. - Theme Patchers (Optional): Some themes require a theme patcher like UltraUXThemePatcher to allow Windows 11 to use custom themes. Use these with caution, as they modify system files and can potentially cause instability. I recommend creating a system restore point before using a theme patcher.
- Applying the Theme: After copying the theme files and patching (if required), go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and select your newly installed Windows 7 theme.
3. Taskbar Tweaks
The Windows 11 taskbar is quite different from the Windows 7 taskbar. Here’s how to make it more Windows 7-like:
- Small Icons: Unfortunately, Windows 11 no longer supports small taskbar icons through the settings GUI. Registry edits or third-party tools are required. Using third-party programs can often lead to instability.
- Combine Taskbar Buttons: Windows 11 groups applications of the same type into one icon. To disable this go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, and set “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels” to “Never”.
- Taskbar Location: Windows 11 no longer allows you to natively move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. Third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher can restore this functionality. Again, proceed with caution.
4. Wallpaper and Color Customization
- Wallpaper: Find a Windows 7 wallpaper online (the default “Bliss” wallpaper is a great choice) and set it as your desktop background. Right click the picture, and select “Set as desktop background”.
- Window Color: Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and choose a blue accent color similar to the default Windows 7 blue. Adjust the intensity as desired.
5. Sound Scheme (Optional)
To complete the transformation, you can also change the Windows 11 sound scheme to the Windows 7 sound scheme. You can find the sound scheme as a downloadable file online, and install through the Sound control panel.
Addressing Common Challenges
During my testing, I encountered a few hurdles.
- Theme Compatibility: Some themes designed for older versions of Windows may not work perfectly on Windows 11. Look for themes specifically designed for Windows 11.
- Performance: Applying custom themes and using third-party tools can sometimes impact performance. Monitor your system’s performance and adjust settings accordingly.
- Updates: Windows updates can occasionally break theme compatibility or third-party tools. Be prepared to reapply themes or update tools after major updates.
My Experience & Quick Fix
While implementing these steps, I initially struggled with getting the correct Windows 7 start orb to display correctly in Open Shell. I tried various image formats and sizes, but the orb remained distorted. Then, I realized I needed to ensure the image was a PNG with transparency and the correct dimensions (30x30 pixels worked best for me). Once I used the correct image format and size, the orb displayed perfectly, completing the Windows 7 Start Menu look. This simple fix made a huge difference in the overall aesthetic.
Costs and Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved and a quick comparison between native Windows 11 and the transformed version:
| Feature | Native Windows 11 | Transformed Windows 11 (with Windows 7 Look) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Menu | Modern, tiled | Windows 7 style | Free (Open Shell) |
| Window Appearance | Fluent Design | Windows 7 Aero | Free (Themes) |
| Taskbar Icons | Large, combined | Small, combined/separated | Free/Paid (3rd party) |
| Wallpaper | Customizable | Windows 7 Default | Free (Download) |
| System Performance | Baseline | Potentially Lower (with themes/tools) | N/A |
| Software Required | None | Open Shell, Themes (optional patchers) | Free (Mostly) |
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively transform Windows 11 into a reasonable facsimile of Windows 7. While it won’t be a perfect replica, the combination of Open Shell, themes, and taskbar tweaks will bring back the familiar look and feel of the older operating system. Remember to proceed with caution when using theme patchers or third-party tools, and always back up your system before making significant changes. Good luck, and enjoy your Windows 7-esque Windows 11 experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use theme patchers for Windows 11?
Theme patchers modify system files and can cause instability. Create a system restore point before using them.
Will Windows Updates break the Windows 7 transformation?
Yes, major Windows Updates can sometimes break theme compatibility or third-party tools. Be prepared to reapply themes or update tools.
Does Open Shell cost money?
No, Open Shell (originally Classic Shell) is free, open-source software.
Can I move the taskbar to the top of the screen?
No, Windows 11 does not natively allow you to move the taskbar to the top of the screen. However, you can use a 3rd party app to make this change.