Windows 11 has made its mark as a modern operating system, boasting a plethora of features that enhance user experience. However, for those who find themselves yearning for the familiar charm of Windows 7, there are ways to evoke that nostalgia while still enjoying the advancements of the latest version. By employing a combination of built-in settings and third-party applications, users can transform their Windows 11 interface to reflect some beloved elements from the past.
5
Move the taskbar back to the left
Starting simple
One of the simplest adjustments you can make is relocating the Start menu back to its traditional left-side position. Microsoft has made this easy to accomplish through the Settings app. Navigate to Personalization, select Taskbar, and expand the Taskbar behaviors section. Here, you will find the Taskbar alignment option, which you can set to Left. This small change can significantly enhance the familiarity of your workspace.
4
Get the background(s)
This counts, right?
Another nostalgic touch comes from the iconic wallpapers of Windows 7. While Windows 11 offers its own aesthetic, many users remember the vibrant backgrounds from its predecessor fondly. Fortunately, a collection of these classic wallpapers is available online. Simply download your favorite and set it as your desktop background by right-clicking on the image and selecting Set as desktop background. For those who prefer a rotating display, you can create a slideshow in the Settings app under Personalization > Background.
3
Enable the Aero Lite theme
Bringing back the glass effect
The glass effect was a hallmark of Windows 7, lending a sleek appearance to application windows and the taskbar. While Windows 11 has evolved, you can still recreate this aesthetic by enabling the hidden Aero Lite theme. The easiest method is to use Winaero Tweaker, a customization tool that allows you to enable this theme with just a few clicks. After installation, navigate to the Aero Lite section and select Enable Aero Lite (default). This will instantly refresh your interface, making it feel more reminiscent of Windows 7.
2
Enable the Windows 7 Start menu
Open-Shell to the rescue
For those who miss the classic Start menu, Open-Shell is a powerful tool that can restore the Windows 7 Start menu style. After downloading and installing Open-Shell from GitHub, your Start menu will transform into a familiar layout. To further customize your experience, access the Open-Shell settings and adjust the Skin and Menu Look tabs to enhance the glass effect and color options, tailoring it to your liking.
1
Restore some Windows 7 flyouts
It’s still possible
Finally, to recapture some of the taskbar flyouts from Windows 7, consider using ExplorerPatcher. This tool allows you to restore the battery, volume, and calendar/clock flyouts. By adjusting settings in the Taskbar section to the Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher) style, you can achieve a more classic look. Additionally, you can modify the File Explorer interface to resemble its Windows 7 counterpart by changing the Control Interface option to Windows 7 Command Bar.
With these adjustments, users can successfully blend the nostalgic elements of Windows 7 into their Windows 11 experience, creating a personalized environment that pays homage to the past while embracing the future.
