Windows 11, heralded as Microsoft’s latest operating system, has garnered praise for its sleek design and improved functionality. However, as with any evolution, some users find themselves yearning for the familiar tools and features of previous versions. Fortunately, a vibrant community of developers and users has emerged, creating solutions that allow individuals to restore a sense of nostalgia and comfort to their computing experience.
8 Gadgets
Remember Windows Vista?
While Windows Vista may evoke mixed feelings, it introduced several innovative features, including Gadgets, which were later removed in Windows 8. Enter GadgetPack, a tool that resurrects these beloved Gadgets for Windows 11 and 10. Not only does it bring back the classic look, but it also modernizes many of the included gadgets. Users can enjoy an expanded selection, including a clipboard history tool that outperforms the built-in Windows version, a battery meter, and CPU monitors that support multiple cores. The active support for GadgetPack suggests that even more features may be on the horizon.
7 Windows Media Player
A classic player with modern capabilities
Microsoft’s recent shift from the classic Windows Media Player to a new Media Player app has left some users longing for the simplicity of the original. While the classic version remains available, it is no longer updated and may struggle with modern file formats. For those seeking a straightforward media player, Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) serves as an excellent alternative. This open-source project, revived by the community after its discontinuation in 2017, offers robust support for contemporary file formats and additional features like subtitle retrieval.
6 Classic Start Menu
Windows 7, XP, or even 95
The Start menu has always been a focal point of user experience in Windows, often sparking debate with each new iteration. OpenShell stands out as a tool dedicated to restoring the classic Start menu experience, offering styles reminiscent of Windows 95, XP, or Vista. With extensive customization options, users can tailor the appearance and functionality to suit their preferences. Best of all, OpenShell is free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to recapture the classic feel.
5 Taskbar
Make it movable
The taskbar underwent significant changes in Windows 11, limiting its versatility. ExplorerPatcher emerges as a popular solution, restoring the classic taskbar functionality from Windows 10, including the ability to resize and move it. This tool not only addresses taskbar concerns but also aims to reinstate various features that were removed in Windows 11, enhancing the overall user experience.
4 File Explorer
Get back the classic control menu
ExplorerPatcher also extends its capabilities to File Explorer, allowing users to revert to the familiar command bar from Windows 10 or even the simpler Windows 7 command bar. Additionally, it restores the classic context menu, addressing some of the major pain points users have encountered with Windows 11.
3 Task Switcher
Miss the simple old days?
For those who prefer the classic task switcher experience, ExplorerPatcher offers options reminiscent of earlier Windows versions. Users can choose from various styles, including a simplified view with just icons, harkening back to the days of Windows XP. While some features may be temporarily unavailable due to updates, the flexibility offered by ExplorerPatcher allows users to customize their experience significantly.
2 Aero Theme
It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty good
WinAero Tweaker provides users with the opportunity to bring back a theme that evokes the Aero style of Windows 7. Although it doesn’t replicate the glass effect perfectly, it offers a nostalgic aesthetic that many users appreciate. This theme can be paired with tools like OpenShell to further enhance the Windows 7 experience.
1 Windows Photo Viewer
No apps needed
Windows Photo Viewer, a staple of previous Windows versions, has been hidden in Windows 11 but can be easily re-enabled through a simple registry tweak. Users can restore this feature without additional software, allowing them to enjoy a familiar image viewing experience alongside the new Photos app.
These tools and tweaks enable users to embrace the modern capabilities of Windows 11 while retaining the comfort of familiar features from previous versions. As the landscape of operating systems continues to evolve, the ability to customize and adapt remains a vital aspect of user satisfaction.
