How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 7

Windows 11 has introduced a fresh, modern interface that many users appreciate for its sleek design and enhanced performance. However, some users may prefer the classic look and feel of Windows 7, which is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use. If you’re nostalgic for Windows 7 or simply want to customize your Windows 11 experience, this article will guide you through the steps to achieve a Windows 7-like appearance on your Windows 11 operating system.

1. Change the Taskbar

Center to Left Alignment

Windows 11 centers the taskbar icons by default, which is quite different from Windows 7’s left-aligned icons. To change the alignment:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Scroll down to the Taskbar behaviors section.
3. In the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu, select Left.

Taskbar Color

To make your taskbar resemble Windows 7:

1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Personalize.
2. Choose Colors from the left menu.
3. Under Choose your mode, select Custom and then choose Light for your Windows mode.
4. Scroll down and enable Show accent color on Start and taskbar. Choose a color that closely resembles the default Windows 7 blue.

Use Classic Taskbar Icons

You can replace Windows 11 taskbar icons with those reminiscent of Windows 7 by:

1. Downloading a Windows 7 icon pack from a reputable source (ensure it is safe and virus-free).
2. Right-click on the Taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
3. Scroll to Taskbar corner overflow and disable icons you don’t need.
4. For apps, right-click the app icon in the taskbar, select Unpin from taskbar, then find the app in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Pin to taskbar.

2. Customize the Start Menu

The Windows 11 Start Menu is a significant departure from its predecessor. To get a more Windows 7-like Start Menu:

• Use a Third-Party Application:
  • Open-Shell: This free program allows you to customize your Start Menu. Download and install Open-Shell from its official website.
  • After installation, open Open-Shell and choose the Classic Style. You can select different styles and customize the appearance, including icons and colors, to mimic Windows 7.
  • Customize the Start button by selecting the Start Menu Style tab and choosing the Windows 7 button image.

3. Change the File Explorer

Windows 11 has revamped File Explorer, but you can modify it to reflect the look of Windows 7:

• Use a Third-Party Tool: There are tools like OldNewExplorer that can revert some of the modern design changes in File Explorer back to a more classic layout.
• After downloading OldNewExplorer, install it and check options that revert the interface back to a style closer to Windows 7.

4. Adjust Window Borders and Fonts

To mimic the aesthetics of Windows 7:

1. Window Borders: You can change the color of the window borders by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting Personalize, then going to Colors. Set the border color to a lighter shade, similar to the classic theme of Windows 7.
2. Fonts: Windows 11 doesn’t allow you to change system fonts as easily as in Windows 7, but you can adjust fonts in specific applications. For an overall theme, consider using a program like WinAero Tweaker, which allows for deeper customization of fonts.

5. Change the Wallpaper

Windows 7 is known for its iconic wallpapers. To set a Windows 7 wallpaper:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Click on Background, and choose Browse to select a Windows 7 wallpaper you can find online.
3. Set the wallpaper and choose Fill for the best display.

6. Use Classic Sounds

If you miss the sounds of Windows 7:

1. Download the Windows 7 sound scheme online.
2. Right-click on the Start Menu and choose Settings.
3. Navigate to System, then Sound. Scroll down to Advanced sound options and click App volume and device preferences.
4. Under Sound Control Panel, you can set sounds by navigating to the Sounds tab and selecting the Windows 7 sounds.