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This Itechguide compares Windows 7 vs Windows 10 – it discusses the key features of Windows 7, then Windows 7. It then compares both.
Top Features
The features of Windows 7 discussed in this section will help you understand the similarities and differences with Windows 10.
Start Menu
The default Windows 7 Start menu has 2 columns. The left column gives you access to All Programs and some other tools.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHowever, on the right column, you can access your profile, Documents, Pictures, My Computer, and more.
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- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
The right column of the Start menu also offers you the option to Shutdown the computer – you can also Switch user, Log off, Lock and Restart your PC.
However, the Windows 10 Start menu is much more robust, with 3 columns.
On the first column (counting from left to right), you can Shutdown your PC by clicking the power button – you can Restart, Shutdown or put your computer to Sleep.
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In the second column of the Windows 10 Start menu, the programs and and apps are categorized alphabetically – making it easier to locate a program/app.
Moreover, in Windows 7, you have to click All Programs to display available programs. But in Windows 10, all programs are displayed when you click the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start menu has a 3rd column that displays access to more tools – this is not available in Windows 7.
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- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
File Explorer/Windows Explorer
Another important feature that helps compare Windows 7 vs Windows 10 is Windows Explorer vs File Explorer.
This is the tool that gives you access to Computer/This PC and the folders on your computer.
In Windows 7, this tool is called Windows Explorer (In Windows 10, it is called File Explorer).
You can open Windows/File Explorer by right-clicking the Start menu.
Another important difference between Windows 7 vs Windows 10 is that, in Windows 7, right-clicking the start menu only displays 2 options, but in Windows 10, it displays a lot more options.
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Moreover, when you open Windows 7 Explorer, it opens Libraries by default. But Windows 10 File Explorer opens to Quick Access by default.
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- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Another very important feature that differentiates Windows 7 from Windows 10 is that in Windows 7, the tool that gives you access to your drives is called Computer.
In Windows 10, this changed to This PC.
Search & Taskbar
Windows 7 has a search tool but it is not as robust as the new Windows 10 search. In Windows 7, the search box is available when you click the Start menu.
However, Windows 10 search is available in the taskbar and it is much better than the search in Windows 7.
Finally, the Windows 10 search also comes with Cortana – Microsoft’s virtual assistant.
The Windows 10 taskbar has some new additions which were not in Windows 7.
When you right-click the taskbar in Windows 7, it displays Lock the taskbar, Start Task Manager, Lock the taskbar, Show the desktop, and Toolbars.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Right-clicking Windows 10 retains some of the options available in Windows 7 but introduces more options – Start Task Manager changes to Task Manager, the following new options are available in Windows 10: Search, Show Cortana buttons, Show People on the taskbar, Task Manager settings, Show Windows link Workspace button and Show touch keyboard button.
Windows Settings vs Control Panel
Another major difference between Windows 7 vs Windows 10 is the introduction of Windows Settings in Windows 10.
This was not available in Windows 7. Most of the actions you can perform in the new Windows Settings was available in Control Panel. However, most of these settings are still available in Windows 10 Control Panel.
Moreover, even though Control Panel is available in both Operating Systems, Windows 10 made slight changes to the “look and feel” of Control Panel. For example, Windows 7 has User Accounts and Family Safety. But in Windows 10, it is simply called User Accounts.
Apps & Features vs Programs
Following up from Windows Settings vs Control Panel, another major change in Windows 10 is Apps & Features vs Programs.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows 10 has a setting called Apps & Features. This is the new tool for managing apps. To get to Apps and features, open Windows Settings, then click Apps.
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- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
However, in Windows 7, apps were known as programs and can be managed via Programs and Features.
To open Programs and Features, open Control Panel -> Programs
Summary
The table below summarizes the top features of Windows 7 vs Windows 10
| Features | Window 7 | Windows 10 |
| Start Menu | – Left-click displays 2 columns. – Shutdown available – Need to click All Programs to display available programs | – Left-click displays 3 columns. – Shutdown also available – Available programs are available directly on Start menu |
| File Explorer/Windows Explorer | – Windows Explorer gives you access to your files and folder – Windows Explorer defaults to Libraries – Computer gives you access to your drives | – File Explorer gives you access to your files and folder – Windows Explorer defaults to Quick Access – This PC gives you access to your drives |
| Search & Taskbar | – search box is available when you click the Start menu – Cortana NOT available – Right-clicking taskbar displays basic settings | – search is available in the taskbar – Comes with Cortana Right-clicking taskbar displays additional settings |
| Windows Settings vs Control Panel | – Settings configuration only available via Control Panel | – Settings configuration available via Control Panel and Windows Settings |
| Apps & Features vs Programs | – Apps can be managed in Programs and Features | – Apps can be managed via Programs and Features and Apps & features |
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