How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7
Ever felt a pang of nostalgia for the good old days of Windows 7, especially its simple, functional Start menu? You’re not alone, my friend. Many of us find the Windows 10 Start menu a bit too busy or just not quite right. Luckily, you don’t have to live with it. You can totally transform your Windows 10 Start menu to mimic the classic Windows 7 look and feel by using a fantastic, free third-party program. This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and configuring a tool called Open-Shell, which lets you restore that familiar interface with just a few clicks, making your daily computer use much more comfortable.
**Table of Contents** show
1 Tutorial – How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7
2 How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7 Tips
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Summary
5 Conclusion
## Tutorial – How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7
Alright, let’s get down to business! The following steps will guide you through installing a program that lets you swap out your current Windows 10 Start menu for a customizable one that looks a whole lot like the beloved Windows 7 version. It’s like giving your computer a little makeover to suit your personal style.
### Step 1: Download Open-Shell
Your first move is to grab the Open-Shell program from its official website.
Open-Shell is the modern, free, and open-source version of what was formerly called Classic Shell, which many of you might remember. It’s a really popular and safe choice for bringing back that classic Start menu experience, so don’t worry about downloading anything sketchy. Just make sure you’re getting it from a trusted source, usually GitHub, to ensure you have the latest and greatest version.
### Step 2: Install Open-Shell
Once you have the installer file, run it and follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
During installation, you might see options for which components to install. For our goal of getting a Windows 7-style Start menu, you’ll definitely want to keep the “Classic Start Menu” component selected. You can uncheck other things like “Classic Explorer” or “Classic IE” if you’re not interested in changing those parts of Windows, but it’s generally fine to leave them all checked. Just click through, agreeing to the terms, until it’s done.
### Step 3: Launch Open-Shell Menu Settings
After installation finishes, click the Start button, and you’ll likely see the Open-Shell menu pop up, along with a “Settings” or “Configure” option.
Sometimes, the settings window might even appear automatically right after installation is complete. If it doesn’t, simply click your new Start button, and you should see a “Open-Shell Menu Settings” item there. This is your control panel for all the customization we’re about to do, so dive right in.
### Step 4: Select the Windows 7 Style
In the Open-Shell Menu Settings window, click on the “Start Menu Style” tab and choose the “Windows 7 style” option.
This is the big moment! You’ll see several choices here, often including “Classic style,” “Two columns style,” and “Windows 7 style.” Go ahead and pick the “Windows 7 style.” This tells the program exactly what look you’re aiming for, instantly changing how your Start menu behaves and appears.
### Step 5: Customize and Refine
Explore the other tabs in the settings, like “Skin” and “Start Button,” to make further tweaks to your new menu.
This is where you can truly make it your own. Want a different color scheme? Check out the “Skin” tab. Fancy a custom Start button icon instead of the default or the Open-Shell logo? The “Start Button” tab is your friend. You can also adjust things like search bar behavior, how items are displayed, and even how quickly menus open. Don’t be shy, play around with the options until it feels just right.
After you complete these steps, your Windows 10 Start menu will instantly transform into the familiar, functional layout of Windows 7. You’ll notice a significant difference in how you interact with your applications and system settings, bringing back a sense of order and simplicity that many users truly miss. If you ever want to access the original Windows 10 Start menu, you can usually do so by holding down the Shift key while clicking the Start button.
## How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7 Tips
* **Explore All Settings:** Don’t just stick to the basics. Open-Shell has a ton of options under different tabs like “General,” “Basic Settings,” “Menu Look,” and “Search Box.” Spend some time browsing through them to discover all the ways you can personalize your Start menu, from icon sizes to hover delays.
* **Change the Start Button Icon:** The default Open-Shell icon is fine, but you can actually replace it with the classic Windows 7 orb or even a custom image. Look for the “Start Button” tab in the settings to upload your own picture or choose from built-in options.
* **Pin Programs with Ease:** Just like in Windows 7, you can easily pin programs to your new Start menu or taskbar by right-clicking them and selecting “Pin to Start menu” or “Pin to taskbar.” It makes it super quick to access your favorite apps.
* **Access Windows 10 Features:** Remember that even with Open-Shell running, you can still get to Windows 10’s unique features. As mentioned, holding Shift and clicking the Start button usually brings up the Windows 10 menu. You can also right-click the Start button for the power user menu.
* **Backup Your Settings:** If you spend a lot of time customizing your Open-Shell menu, consider backing up your settings. There’s usually an option to “Backup” or “Export” your settings within the program, which is super handy if you ever reinstall Windows or move to a new PC.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Is Open-Shell safe to install on my computer?
Yes, absolutely. Open-Shell is a very well-known, respected, and open-source program. This means its code is available for anyone to review, making it highly transparent and trustworthy. It contains no malicious software and has been used by millions of people to customize their Windows experience without issues.
### Can I easily go back to the original Windows 10 Start menu if I don’t like Open-Shell?
You bet! You have a couple of easy ways to do this. First, as mentioned, you can typically hold down the Shift key and click the Start button to temporarily bring up the Windows 10 menu. Second, if you decide you don’t want Open-Shell at all, you can simply uninstall it through Windows Settings like any other program, and your original Windows 10 Start menu will return instantly.
### Will installing Open-Shell slow down my computer?
No, not really. Open-Shell is a very lightweight program. It’s designed to be efficient and doesn’t consume many system resources. You won’t notice any significant slowdown in your computer’s performance after installing it. In fact, many users find that the classic Start menu feels snappier than the default Windows 10 one.
### Are there other programs that can make Windows 10 Start menu look like Windows 7?
Yes, there are a few alternatives out there, such as StartIsBack++ and Classic Start Menu (which is a different program from the original Classic Shell). However, Open-Shell is widely regarded as one of the best free options. StartIsBack++ is also very popular but is a paid program that offers similar features and customization.
### Can I customize the appearance of the Windows 7-style menu even further?
Definitely! Open-Shell offers extensive customization beyond just picking the Windows 7 style. You can change skins to alter the menu’s colors and transparency, adjust icon sizes, modify the number of items displayed, control search behavior, and even fine-tune menu animations. Just dive into the settings and explore all the available options.
## Summary
1. Download Open-Shell from its official site.
2. Install the program, keeping “Classic Start Menu” selected.
3. Launch Open-Shell Menu Settings after installation.
4. Select “Windows 7 style” under the “Start Menu Style” tab.
5. Customize skins, Start button, and other settings.
## Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! If you’ve been longing for the familiar comfort and straightforward functionality of the Windows 7 Start menu on your Windows 10 machine, you now possess the knowledge and tools to make that happen. It’s not just about nostalgia, though that certainly plays a part for many of us who grew up with or simply preferred the older interface. This transformation is about reclaiming control over your computing experience, tailoring it to your preferences, and making your daily interactions with your PC more efficient and enjoyable.
The beauty of a tool like Open-Shell lies in its simplicity and powerful customization options. You’re not just getting a static replica, but a dynamic, adaptable menu that you can fine-tune to your heart’s content, from the skin and transparency to the very icon that launches it. Think of it as putting on your favorite, most comfortable pair of shoes after trying on a few fancy, but less practical, options. It just feels right. This ability to **make Windows 10 Start menu look like Windows 7** truly empowers you to optimize your digital workspace.
In a world where operating systems are constantly evolving and sometimes taking away features we love, it’s reassuring to know that the community provides solutions like Open-Shell. It’s a testament to user demand and the flexibility of the Windows platform itself, allowing for such deep personalization. So, go ahead, give your Start menu that much-needed makeover. Experiment with the settings, find the perfect balance of classic feel and modern functionality, and rediscover the joy of a Start menu that truly works for you, not against you. Your Windows 10 experience is yours to define, and sometimes looking back on the past is the best way to move forward with confidence.
Matthew Burleigh
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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How to Make Windows 10 Start Menu Look Like Windows 7 Ever felt a pang of nostalgia for the good old days of Windows 7, especially its simple, functional Start menu? You’re not alone, my friend. ...
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