How to install a standard Windows 10 theme

The design of Windows 10 contains elements of both versions 7 and 8 of the operating system. For example, the Start menu returned again, but in a slightly modified form. On the left side are recently opened programs, and on the right side there are live tiles instead of a list of applications.

Despite the fact that the developers listened to users and made the design more familiar - they changed the start screen, returned the Start menu, and so on, not everyone is satisfied with the existing system design. Therefore, there are several ways to make Windows 10 look like Windows 7.

Appearance

When the user first logs in to the desktop, they will see nothing but the Recycle Bin. In version 7 of the system, in addition to it, there were shortcuts to the desktop, network environment and user folders on the screen.

In the new version of the system, the design themes and icons have changed. This parameter is the easiest to change. The Internet is full of topics, among which there is Aero 7 - the standard design of the seven. It changes in the same place as the shortcuts - in the “Personalization” section.

Taskbar Settings

In Windows 10, the taskbar contains some elements that were not there in version 7 - the search bar and task view. These functions are more convenient for tablets than for the desktop version and therefore can be hidden.

The search bar takes up a significant amount of space on the panel. To save space, and to make the Windows 10 desktop more similar in design to the 7, you can do two things: either remove the search bar completely, or make it in the form of a small icon that will be pinned to the taskbar.

For the first option, you need to right-click on the panel, click on “Search” and check the box next to “Hidden”. If necessary, you can call it with the Win button. To leave the search on the panel as an icon, instead of “Hidden”, select “Show search icon”.

The task view button shows all open processes and allows you to create a virtual desktop. You can remove it by right-clicking on the taskbar and unchecking the box next to “Show task view button”. You can see open programs and windows using the standard Alt+Win command.

Returning the standard Start menu

You can make the Start menu like Windows 7 either using system tools or using third-party programs. You can return the Start menu using system tools or using additional utilities. In the first case, you just need to remove all the extra tiles from the right side of Start.

Open Start and right-click on the icons, selecting “Unpin from Start Screen”. The tiles will disappear and the menu will become more similar to version 7 of the operating system. You can also resize the menu so that the empty tile space doesn't take up too much space.

For quick access to programs, you can pin them to the left side. Right-click on any empty space in the menu and select Properties. In the window that appears, go to the “Start Menu” and select “Settings”. Next, another window will appear with a list of applications that can be placed in the menu. This could be the Control Panel, Documents, and so on.

If this method is not suitable and you want a standard Start menu, then only special programs will help. For example, you can use Classic Shell - this is the most popular utility.

Download any of the above programs, run the installation file and follow the program instructions. Many of them have flexible Start settings.

Windows 10 provides more opportunities to return to a familiar look than Windows 8. Users may like some innovations and decide to leave everything as is, some decide to completely redo the appearance.

Video

Attention! These instructions are exclusively for installing themes on Windows 10 1607/1703/1709/1803/1809/1903

Before you start installing third-party themes on your OS, keep in mind that all your further actions you take at one's own risk, no one except you is responsible for a possible system crash, even if the instructions are correctly followed. Before you start installing the patch and copying theme files, we recommend making a restore point or OS backup.

Step 1: Prepare the OS to support third-party themes

In your screenshot the theme has transparency, but I don’t have it, why?
Answer: By default, Windows 10 does not support transparency, use the program.

I installed the theme but the icons have not changed, what should I do?
Answer: Icons are not part of the theme and must be downloaded and installed separately. All icons in the screenshots of themes on the site are used from ours.

Window headers have a background that is different from the background of the frame (text in a stripe), how can I fix this?
Answer: This can be completely corrected only by using the program.

In the screenshot of the theme, the start menu and taskbar are like in Windows 7, designed to match the general theme style, how can I do this?
Answer: Download and install the program, in its settings select the theme style if it is supported.

The theme is installed, but the window control buttons (minimize, minimize to window, close) are standard, why?
Answer: As a rule, this happens if the program is not installed correctly, carefully read the description of the program.

After pressing the CTR+ALT+Delete keys in dark themes, some parts of the interface become white, how can I fix it?
Answer: Apply the registry tweak.

Hello dear readers.

Continuing on changing the design in different operating systems, I would like to tell you how to use third-party themes for Windows 10. The fact is that this version provides a new algorithm for the security system compared to previous parts. In addition, the update center works independently, independent of the user, and therefore installs additional packages without asking permission. Therefore, you need to resort to non-standard solutions. In this article I will tell you how to change the OS interface using other tools not provided by the developers.

Probably all computer users know that Microsoft is trying to do more than just offer new versions of the product. At the same time, developers constantly release various updates to help improve the operation of the operating system.

It is known that new versions of Win do not have standard features that allow you to install third-party themes. To do this you need to use special software. Moreover, for different OS builds you need to find your own version. And first, I will tell you what you need to do to change the design in Windows 10 1511.

Important! Before you begin, it is worth warning that all actions related to changing the operation of the system through a patch for third-party themes may lead to partial or complete failure of the OS. Therefore, users should understand that they do this at their own risk. Even with complete and consistent implementation of each step of the instructions. It is in this regard that before starting any action, it is better to create a restore point. If something happens, it will help you quickly return everything to its place.

The whole process is divided into two main steps: preparation and installation of themes from third-party developers. How to patch Windows 10 for the desired result?

We need to perform a series of movements:

How to install another theme? We make several movements:

For update 1607( )

It’s worth saying right away that for Windows 10 build 1607, installing the patch is easier than in the previous version.

"Home Screen" Windows 10 borrowed some elements from previous versions of the OS. With Windows 7, the usual list was taken, and with Windows 8, live tiles were taken. The user can easily change the appearance of the menu "Start" built-in tools or special programs.

This article will look at some applications that change the appearance "Home screen", and will also describe how to do this without unnecessary software.

Method 1: StartIsBack++

StartIsBack++ is a paid program that has many configuration tools. Opening "Desktop" occurs without the Metro interface. Before installation, it is advisable to create a “Restore Point”.

Method 2: Start Menu X

The Start Menu X program positions itself as a much more convenient and improved menu. There are paid and free versions of the software. Next we will look at Start Menu X PRO.

Method 3: Classic Shell

Classic Shell, like previous programs, changes the appearance of the menu "Start". Consists of three components: Classic Start Menu (for the menu "Start"), Classic Explorer (changes the toolbar "Conductor"), Classic IE (also changes the toolbar, but for the standard Internet Explorer browser. Another advantage of Classic Shell is that the software is completely free.

Method 4: Standard Windows 10 Tools

The developers have provided built-in tools for changing the appearance "Home screen".

As in previous versions of operating systems, Microsoft limits the number of desktop themes in Windows 10. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to change or add a different theme. There are several ways to do this.

Methods to install and change the theme in Windows 10

If you don't like the classic Windows 10 desktop theme, to change it or install a new one, you should follow these steps.

Click “Start”, “Settings” and select “Personalization”.

Go to the “Themes” section, and then select “Theme Options”.

A control panel window will open with a list of available themes for design.

Select the theme you like and double-click to install it. If you click on the "More themes on the Internet" link, a Microsoft page with new themes will open. Among them you can choose the popular “Star Wars”, “Marvel”, “Aero” and others.

Download the “Star Wars” theme or any other and launch it on the PC. Go to the control panel and click “Save Theme”, giving it a name.

If you were unable to install the desired theme, you need to try adding pictures to the desired folder.

Themes in Windows 10 are stored in the “Themes” folder, which is located on the C drive in the “Windows” and “Resources” folders.

This is where the classic Aero themes are mostly stored. You need to download new themes here, restart your computer and try installing them again.

For those who like a dark theme, you can resort to editing the registry. To do this, perform the following steps:

Press “Win+R” and enter “regedit”.

We make a copy of the registry. In case of incorrect editing, the registry can be restored.
Go to the branch “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”, “SOFTWARE”, “Microsoft”, “Windows”, “CurrentVersion”, “Themes”, “Personalize”. If you do not have a “Personalize” section, you will need to create it yourself.