Bring Back the Windows 7 Start Menu on Windows 10 - Classic Shell
Restoring the Classic Start Menu in Windows 10
A common reaction following a new Windows release often centers around changes to the Start Menu. Many users express frustration with alterations to its appearance and functionality.
For those who prefer the familiar interface of the Windows 7 Start Menu, a restoration is possible within Windows 10.
How to Revert to the Windows 7-Style Start Menu
Windows 10 offers a straightforward method to revert the Start Menu to its classic appearance. This allows users to maintain a workflow they are already comfortable with.
- Access the Settings App: Begin by opening the Settings application in Windows 10.
- Navigate to Personalization: Within Settings, select the "Personalization" option.
- Select Start: From the Personalization menu, choose "Start."
- Toggle the Option: Locate the option labeled "Use the full Start menu layout" and toggle it to the "On" position.
Activating this setting will immediately transform the Windows 10 Start Menu to resemble the one found in Windows 7. This includes the removal of Live Tiles and the restoration of the traditional list of applications.
Understanding the Changes
Switching to the classic Start Menu layout primarily affects the visual presentation and organization of applications. The core functionality of searching for programs and accessing system settings remains unchanged.
The Start Menu will now display a list of all installed applications, organized alphabetically. It will also include shortcuts to frequently used folders and settings.
Users can customize the pinned applications within the classic Start Menu, similar to how they would in Windows 7. This allows for quick access to frequently used programs.
The Appeal of a Familiar Start Menu
For some users, the Windows 10 Start Menu, a development and refinement of the Windows 8 iteration, is perfectly acceptable. The tile-based Metro UI may not be considered disruptive, and the departure from traditional Start Menu aesthetics might not be an issue.
If this describes your experience, this guide is likely unnecessary, and it’s positive that the current layout doesn’t evoke feelings of nostalgia for older graphical user interfaces.
Addressing User Preferences
However, not all users share this sentiment. Many have become accustomed to navigating the Start Menu in previous Windows versions, and prefer that established workflow.
A significant number of users bypassed Windows 8 entirely, and the widespread adoption of Windows 10 introduces them to a fundamentally different Start Menu experience that may not align with their preferred methods or expectations.
For those new Windows 10 users seeking a more traditional approach, assistance is available.
Acknowledging Windows 10's Strengths
It’s important to clarify that our discussion of the Windows 10 Start Menu doesn’t reflect a general disapproval of Windows 10 itself. We have successfully installed Windows 10 on a variety of devices, including desktop computers and older laptops.
We’ve been notably impressed by the overall enhancements found within the operating system, with older hardware experiencing significant performance improvements.
Essential Requirements
Fortunately, this process doesn't involve complex registry modifications or manual editing of system variables. No compromises are necessary to ensure a successful outcome.
All that is required, alongside your existing Windows 10 installation, is a useful application called Classic Shell. This program offers a comprehensive Start Menu overhaul, enabling you to replace the Windows 8/Windows 10 interface with the traditional single-column Start Menu reminiscent of Windows XP.
Alternative layouts, including a two-column arrangement and the Windows 7 style, are also available. Beyond customizing the Start Menu – the primary focus of this guide – Classic Shell incorporates Classic Explorer, a suite of enhancements for the Windows Explorer experience.
While we haven't yet explored the Explorer tweaks extensively, they are readily accessible should you wish to modify how Windows 10 manages file navigation. You can obtain Classic Shell from the official project website here.
As of this article's writing, utilizing the beta version is recommended to benefit from the latest Windows 10 adjustments. Over time, these beta improvements will be integrated into the stable release as Windows 10 matures.
Important Note: Development of Classic Shell has ceased. However, the project is now actively maintained by volunteers under the name Open Shell. We suggest exploring Open Shell as a viable alternative.
Before proceeding, consider supporting the Classic Shell project with a donation if you find the software beneficial. This program has been freely available since 2009, sustained by the dedication of a single developer. Continued support helps ensure ongoing maintenance and updates.
Installing and Configuring Classic Shell
The installation executable can be downloaded from the project’s homepage, as referenced earlier. Execute the downloaded file to begin the installation process. While it’s possible to selectively install components, such as the Classic Explorer features, activating them requires a separate step. Therefore, installing the complete package initially is generally recommended.
Upon completion of the installation, the Start Menu configuration is initiated by simply clicking the Start Button on the taskbar. This action will bring up the following configuration menu.
Within this menu, you have the option to choose between the Classic, Classic with two columns, or Windows 7 style menu layouts. Given the objective of this guide is to replicate the Windows 7 experience, the default selection will be maintained.
We will revisit this menu shortly. For now, confirm that Windows 7 is selected and then click OK to proceed.
Let’s now access the Start Menu by clicking the Start Button once more.
The screenshot above is presented at the same scale as the original Windows 10 Start Menu screenshot shown in the introduction. The resulting Start Menu is both concise and well-organized. The developers of Classic Shell have also included a Metro-inspired skin as the default option.
This provides the familiar layout and functionality of the Windows 7 menu, seamlessly integrated with the visual elements of Windows 10.
Importantly, the original Windows 10 Start Menu remains accessible. Should you require any feature available in the Windows 10 menu that is not present in the Classic Shell menu, or if you encounter difficulty locating a specific item, simply click the "Start Menu (Windows)" entry at the top of the Windows 7 Classic Shell menu.
This will temporarily switch you to the native Windows 10 Start Menu. However, the next time you click the Start Button, you will automatically return to the Windows 7 style menu.
Customizing the Classic Menu Experience
A significant number of users find the default configuration – the Windows 7-style menu combined with the Metro theme – perfectly satisfactory. However, for those desiring further personalization, adjustments can be readily made by right-clicking the Start Button and accessing the Classic Start Menu settings through the "Settings" option.
This action will return you to the initial menu presented upon first launching Classic Start Menu, allowing for modifications such as switching to a "Classic with two columns" layout. Exploring the additional tabs reveals a comprehensive array of tweaks and settings available for customization.
Beyond altering the menu's column structure, the Start Menu button icon itself can be replaced. This functionality is enabled by selecting "Replace Start button" located at the bottom of the "Start Menu Style" tab. Options include Aero, Classic, or the ability to utilize a custom image.
Fortunately, creating a custom image isn't necessary, as numerous user-created designs are readily available online. A simple Google search for "Classic Start Menu buttons" – potentially including a descriptor like "Windows 10" for theme-specific results – will yield a wealth of options. The official forum also provides a valuable resource.
The "Basic Settings" tab allows adjustment of Start Menu functions triggered by the Windows key or key combinations. It also controls how the Programs Menu opens, the default shutdown action (consider Hibernate to avoid accidental shutdowns), and the on-menu search box.
The "Skin" tab enables switching between different skins for the Classic Shell Menu, including the default Metro theme and Windows Aero. While the Windows 7 style is popular, the updated Windows 10 UI may make the Aero look feel dated and incongruous.
Finally, the "Customize Start Menu" tab is highly recommended for exploration.
This tab presents a multitude of toggles for personalized adjustments. A direct link to the Downloads directory can be added, while unnecessary folders like Music or Games can be removed. Metro app access can also be configured, allowing direct links from the Classic Shell without opening the standard Windows 10 Start Menu.
For advanced users, selecting "Show all settings" unlocks an extensive range of customization options, expanding from four to thirteen tabs. This provides control over minute details like menu timing and icon loading. However, the settings retain defaults, and a backup function is available to save tweaks to an XML file for later import.
Implementing Classic Shell requires only a few minutes for installation and a couple more for basic settings adjustments. The result is a Windows 10 Start Menu resembling Windows 7, with all desired elements readily accessible – free from tiles.
