PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYou can make Windows 11 feel more familiar by moving the taskbar icons to the left, simplifying Start and the taskbar, and changing the desktop theme. For a Windows 7-style Start menu, you’ll need third-party software such as Open-Shell. These changes recreate selected parts of the experience, not the complete Windows 7 interface.
Start with Windows 11’s built-in settings
Native settings are the lowest-friction way to make navigation feel closer to Windows 7. They let you adjust alignment, Start content and taskbar buttons without replacing Windows components.
Move the Start button and taskbar icons to the left
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Set Taskbar alignment to Left, if the option is available in your Windows build.
This moves the taskbar icons, including Start, to the left; it does not turn the taskbar into the Windows 7 taskbar. See Microsoft’s Start menu customization guidance.
Make Start more useful and less cluttered
Go to Settings > Personalization > Start. Remove pins you do not use, group related pinned apps into folders, and choose the Start layout options available on your build. You can also add shortcuts such as Documents or Downloads beside the power button where that option is available. Microsoft documents these controls in its Start menu guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
Simplify the taskbar
In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, turn off taskbar buttons you do not need, such as Task View, where available. Pin the apps you use often so they are easy to reach. Microsoft’s taskbar customization instructions cover the available controls.
Change the colors, background and other desktop details
For a less modern-looking palette, open Settings > Personalization > Colors. Choose Light, Dark or Custom mode, select an accent color, and decide whether to show that accent on Start and the taskbar or on title bars and window borders. You can also adjust transparency effects. Some apps use their own appearance settings, and not all apps support dark mode; see Microsoft’s Windows color options.
Then open Settings > Personalization > Themes to choose or customize a theme. Windows lets you adjust the background, color, sounds and mouse cursor, and save a custom theme for later. These settings change the desktop’s visual tone, but they do not replace the Windows shell or recreate Windows 7’s interface. Microsoft explains the controls in its themes guide.
Use Open-Shell if you specifically want a classic Start menu
If left alignment and Start pins are not enough, Open-Shell is a third-party option. Windows Central’s setup guide describes choosing a Windows 7 style menu, optionally replacing the Start button, selecting the Windows Aero skin and enabling a classic Explorer bar: Bring back a more classic Start menu to Windows 11.
That describes specific menu and Explorer changes—not a complete Windows 7 shell. Open-Shell changes how parts of Windows behave, so check the current project documentation and compatibility information for your Windows build before installing it. The guide is not a guarantee of compatibility with every current Windows 11 release.
Consider other Start-menu tools carefully
ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack and Start11 are other tools to investigate if you want more shell customization. Their project or product pages are ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack and Start11. The available documentation does not establish a complete, current, build-by-build comparison of these tools, so check each one’s support information against your installed Windows version rather than assuming it will reproduce Windows 7 or work with every build.
Rank #4
Choose the level of change you actually need
| What you want | Approach | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Start and taskbar icons on the left | Windows taskbar settings | Alignment only; it does not replace the taskbar. |
| A more organized Start menu and fewer taskbar buttons | Windows Start and taskbar settings | Pins, shortcuts and selected taskbar controls. |
| A different desktop palette or theme | Windows Colors and Themes settings | Colors, background, sounds, cursor and related appearance options. |
| A Windows 7-style Start menu or classic Explorer bar | Open-Shell, a third-party utility | Selected shell elements described in Windows Central’s guide; not a full Windows 7 recreation. |
For alignment, colors and a simpler taskbar, start with native controls. Install a shell utility only if replacing the Start menu or changing Explorer is important enough to justify checking a separate tool’s compatibility and maintenance requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Blue-Gradient Colorful Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo】2022 is the most popular color, to attract more people's eyes, give you a different Typing feel, enjoy a different keyboard experience, create a colorful desk, and be a pleasant mood for you!
- 【Ergonomic Keyboard Mouse Combo】- Geezer full-size color keyboard and mouse. Provide you with the most comfortable inclination, Relieve wrist fatigue from long hours of typing and protect your wrist from this hidden injury.
- 【Plug & Play 2.4Ghz Wireless Keyboard】- Just one mini USB Nano receiver can connect both the wireless keyboard and mouse to your computer. Plug & play, no additional driver required. Enjoy wireless Freedom and working range up to 10m/33ft. ( NOTE: The USB receiver is stored in the mouse.)
- 【Sleep Function】- If you do not use the keyboard for more than a minute, the keyboard will go into sleep mode, which is a good extension of battery life, click the mouse or any button on the keyboard to wake up the keyboard.
- 【Wireless Optical Mouse - Enjoy Comfortable Hand-feeling】 - This wireless mouse was an optical design, with smooth surfaces, comfortable touch, precise control can be obtained. (NOTE: Battery not included)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
