Get the Windows 7 Start Menu Back

Reviving the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7 with CSMenu

Do you appreciate the new Start Menu introduced in Windows 7, yet still desire the functionality of the Classic Menu? CSMenu provides a solution, allowing you to utilize both simultaneously.

It’s important to note that CSMenu is available in both executable installation and portable formats.

CSMenu – A Visual Comparison

Consider the standard Start Menu in a typical Windows 7 installation. Now, let’s explore how to reinstate the Classic Menu experience!

Initiate the process by double-clicking the CSMenu executable file. The installation procedure is designed to be rapid and uncomplicated.

Upon completion of the installation, a notification will appear, indicating that CSMenu will begin indexing your Start Menu. The indexing progress will be visually displayed in a dedicated window.

Once the indexing process is finished, a system logoff and subsequent login will be required.

After logging back into your user account, navigate to the Start Menu to find the newly created CSMenu folder. Right-click the “Show CSMenu” shortcut and choose “Pin to Taskbar”. This will add the Classic Menu Start Button alongside the original one; you may need to reposition it within the taskbar.

Observe that the CSMenu Start Menu button is marginally smaller in size compared to the default button.

Here's an expanded view showcasing the new Classic Menu within our Windows 7 environment.

Removing the Default Windows 7 Start Button

If you prefer to exclusively utilize the Classic Menu Start Button, the original can be hidden using a utility known as Start Killer.

Execute the Start Killer executable file and allow the program to automatically launch after installation. This simplifies your taskbar to a single Start Button (a welcome simplification!).

To ensure Start Killer activates with each Windows startup, right-click its taskbar icon and select “Settings”. Confirm that “Load on system startup” is enabled.