As operating systems evolve, they bring along a myriad of design changes and feature upgrades. The taskbar in Windows 11, for instance, embodies this spirit of reinvention. This latest version has ushered in the ‘Centred Taskbar,’ placing it right at the center of the screen, a marked departure from the familiar positioning in Windows 10 and earlier iterations. But with change often comes nostalgia. Many long-time Windows users have a penchant for the traditional look and feel of the interface. This trend isn’t new; when Windows 7 was released, many clamored for the Windows XP aesthetic, and a similar sentiment echoed with the launch of Windows Vista, Windows 8.1, and now Windows 11/10. This particular nostalgia is heightened with the Windows 11/10 user base, with many users expressing their preference for the classic, non-tiled Start Menu over the new format. Recognizing this desire, this RiseWindows article introduces readers to “Open Shell” (previously known as Classic Start) – a worthy successor to the Classic Shell software.
Open Shell doesn’t merely restore the old Start Menu; its capabilities transcend that. Users can tweak settings to emulate the Windows 7 interface or even imbue elements of the Windows Vista and XP designs. Notably, on Windows 10, while the search box remains discreetly hidden, it springs to life the moment you begin typing, merging the charm of old with the utility of new. This updated search in Windows 11/10 seamlessly integrates local PC search with Bing, offering users the convenience of web-wide searches directly from the Start Menu. For those yearning for the Windows 7-style Start Menu on their Windows 11/10 systems, Classic Shell (now Open Shell) emerges as the perfect third-party solution. Join us as we delve deeper into this transformative software, guiding you to reclaim the familiar while harnessing the new.
Classic Shell for Windows 11 and 10
It is a free application that can change the Windows 11/10 Start Menu look to the Windows 7 Start menu.
How to Get the Old Start Menu on Windows 11 or 10?
Step 1. First, download Classic Shell freeware software.
Step 2. Now, install it on your Windows 11/10 PC.
Step 3. Then, open the installation folder of Classic Shell and double-click on Start Menu Settings to open the Classic Shell settings.
There is a dedicated Windows 7 Start Menu Style; select and click the OK button to apply.
Step 5. After completing the above steps, you should have Windows 7 Style Start Menu on your Windows 10/11 PC.
Download Classic Shell
You can download the Classic Shell from here.
Conclusion
Navigating the terrain of evolving operating systems can be both exhilarating and daunting. Each new version introduces fresh designs and enhanced functionalities, exemplified by the ‘Centred Taskbar’ in Windows 11. However, the allure of the familiar remains potent. Many users, especially those acclimatized to older Windows versions, often seek a blend of the novel and the known. Open Shell, formerly known as Classic Start, addresses this very sentiment. It not only revives the iconic Windows 7-style Start Menu but also offers a plethora of customization options, bridging the gap between the old and the new. As Windows continues its journey of innovation, tools like Open Shell ensure that users don’t lose touch with the cherished features of yesteryears. Whether you’re driven by nostalgia or practicality, Open Shell presents a formidable solution, enabling users to tailor their Windows 11/10 experience according to their preferences. In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s comforting to know that some things can remain unchanged.
