Windows 7 start menu on a Windows 11 desktop using Open Shell

Many users love the simplicity and familiarity of the Windows 7 start menu. If you’re on Windows 11 but miss the old Windows 7 start menu, there’s good news. You can bring back the classic Windows 7 start menu using a free program called Open Shell. In this guide, I’ll show you how to install and configure Open Shell to get that nostalgic Windows 7 look on your Windows 11 machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Shell is a free program that allows you to replace the Windows 11 start menu with the classic Windows 7 start menu.
  • Installation and setup are quick and easy, with customizable options to enhance your user experience.
  • You can choose to align your taskbar to the left or keep it centered and still use Open Shell’s start menu.
How to Get the Windows 7 Start Menu in Windows 11

What Is Open Shell?

Open Shell is an open-source application that revives the classic Windows start menu experience. Originally known as Classic Shell, this tool has been updated by the community to work with modern versions of Windows, including Windows 11. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for users who prefer the simplicity of the Windows 7 start menu.

Open Shell start menu with 'Windows Aero' theme.

How to Install Open Shell on Windows 11

To install and set up Open Shell, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Download Open Shell

Open-Shell main GitHub page.
  1. Open your web browser and head over to the Open Shell GitHub page.
  2. Scroll down to the Releases section on the right-hand side and click on the latest release.
  3. On the Releases page, scroll down to the Assets section and download the latest Open Shell setup .exe file.
Downloading OpenShellSetup.exe from GitHub.

Step 2: Install Open Shell

Launch Open Shell Setup application to install Open Shell on Windows 11.
  1. Once the download is complete, open the .exe file to run the installation.
  2. If you encounter any SmartScreen prompts, click on More Info and then Run Anyway.
  3. Follow the setup wizard:
    • Click Next to start.
    • Accept the license agreement.
    • Keep the default settings, then click Next.
    • Finally, click Install to start the installation.
  4. If prompted to close Windows Explorer, click OK. Once the installation is finished, click Finish.
Accept license terms during Open-Shell setup process.

Step 3: Configure Open Shell

Changing Start Menu Style in Open Shell Menu settings window.
  1. After installation, clicking on the start menu will open the Open Shell settings.
  2. Select the Windows 7 style option under the “Style” tab.
  3. Switch to the Skin tab and choose Windows Aero to complete the classic look.
  4. Click OK to apply the settings.
Changing Open Shell Start Menu Skin to 'Windows Aero'.

Now, when you click on your start button, you should see the Windows 7-style start menu with links to the Control Panel, Devices and Printers, Documents, Pictures, and more.

Open Shell Menu with Control Panel items open.

Taskbar Alignment for a Seamless Experience

Depending on your Windows 11 version, you might need to adjust your taskbar alignment to avoid having two start buttons on your screen.

Align Taskbar to the Left

Access Taskbar Settings on Windows 11.
  1. Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings.
  2. Scroll down to Taskbar Behaviors and set the Taskbar Alignment to Left.
Change Taskbar alignment to the left on Windows 11.

This will move the start button to the left and ensure you only see the Open Shell start menu when you click it.

Centered Taskbar with Open Shell

Open Shell Menu and Start Button centered on Windows 11.

If you’re using the latest version of Windows 11, you can keep the taskbar centered while still using the Open Shell start menu. Open Shell works perfectly with the centered taskbar, giving you the best of both worlds.

Customizing Open Shell for a Personalized Experience

Open Shell offers several customization options to fit your preferences:

Access the Open Shell Menu settings.
  1. Change Start Menu Skin: You can revisit the Open Shell settings anytime by right-clicking the start button and selecting Settings. From here, you can switch to different skins or adjust settings.
  2. Customize Start Button Behavior: In the settings, you can configure what happens when you click or shift-click the start button. For example, a regular click could open the Open Shell menu, while holding down Shift and clicking could open the default Windows 11 start menu.
Customizing the Start Menu in the Open-Shell Menu Settings.

With these options, you can tweak your start menu experience to suit your needs.

Open Shell Menu with Control Panel items open.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ve successfully transformed your Windows 11 start menu into the familiar Windows 7 start menu with the help of Open Shell. This easy-to-use tool not only brings back a beloved feature but also offers customization options to enhance your user experience. Whether you prefer the taskbar aligned to the left or centered, Open Shell gives you the flexibility to set things up just the way you like them.


FAQs

1. Is Open Shell safe to use?

Yes, Open Shell is a safe and open-source program. It’s widely used by people who prefer the classic Windows start menu style.

2. Can I uninstall Open Shell if I don’t like it?

Absolutely. You can uninstall Open Shell through the Control Panel or Settings just like any other program. Your Windows 11 start menu will return to normal after uninstallation.

3. Will Open Shell slow down my computer?

No, Open Shell is lightweight and doesn’t significantly affect system performance. It’s designed to run smoothly even on lower-end hardware.

4. How do I update Open Shell?

To update Open Shell, visit the GitHub Releases page and download the latest version. You can install the new version over the existing one without losing your settings.

5. Can I switch back to the Windows 11 start menu anytime?

Yes, simply open Open Shell settings and change the start button behavior to default to the Windows 11 start menu, or uninstall Open Shell to revert completely.

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