Revert to the classic Start Menu in Windows 7
Posted on October 31, 2009 at 5:12 am
So you just purchased a new Windows 7 PC, but don’t like the new start menu? In earlier version of Windows, you could easily go back to the Classic Start Menu by simply going to the properties of the taskbar and choosing that option.
In Windows 7, however, there is no way to revert back to the Classic Start Menu, they have simply removed it completely.
Now you can change some aspects of Windows 7 to resemble earlier versions of Windows by bringing back the quick launch bar or changing the settings for the taskbar to act like it used to.
SevenClassicStart is a small program that you can buy to get the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7. Of course, you really really must hate the new Start Menu in order to slap down $25 on this program.
![windows 7 classic start menu[6]](http://www.online-tech-tips.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/windows7classicstartmenu6.png "windows 7 classic start menu[6]")
However, for some people or organizations, it might be worth the money if it helps someone work more efficiently. It can be used to smooth over the transition to the new look and interface, just as many tools were released to go from Office 2007s new ribbon interface to the standard one in older versions.
It has all the features of the original Start Menu and looks just like it. I personally love the new look and feel, but that’s just me.
Lastly, it is compatible with with all 32 and 64-bit editions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, including the Home, Professional and Ultimate versions. Enjoy! [via Windows Bytes]
» Filed Under Windows 7
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11 Responses to “Revert to the classic Start Menu in Windows 7”
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Restore the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7 Says:
[...] another option, check out my previous post on how to get the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7 using SevenClassic. AKPC_IDS += "5041,";Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to Help Desk Geek via RSS Feed [...]
December 27th, 2009 at 5:01 am
Excellent tip. I like Windows 7 quite a bit but I’m sure there are people who will want to stay with the “comfortable” old Start Menu. Some people are just funny that way. Good to know about SevenClassicStart, thanks.
THANK YOU! I hate the new Start Menu in Windows 7 and was avoiding upgrading from XP for the longest time! I was finally forced to by family and I like Win 7, but I really missed the classic Start Menu. Thanks!
First thing I do when I get a new computer is set the taskbar for Classic Mode. I like to customize the menu with my most frequently-used document folders and documents instead of rummaging through the new ridiculous interface. This program might be useful when I get my new Thinkpad with Windows 7. Microsoft, newer is not always better.
I was so stupid to upgrade my Vista to Windows 7. I’ve never felt so regret by trying to improve efficiency for another inefficiency.
If microsoft is not going to provide the more “mind” efficient menu, I will never buy their new OS in the future.
The new menu requires more thinking than before when your brain should be used for something more important. I do recognised that people usually work with no more than 5 programs frequently at work and from what I saw they usually put them on desktop. For seldem used programs without knowing the names, it’d best looking from the program menu.
I don’t understand how people define “advanced” and “out dated”. It reminded me when we have the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) here in Australia, the government was saying that we need the more “advanced” tax system. I guess it summarised the case — We are the one who pay.
You can get the classic menu and explorer for free at http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/ Very good program.
I don’t understand why so many people would want to go back to the old classic view in Vista or 7. I guess people just hate change thats all. No worries I suppose, good article.
Answer to Ryan Dozier. The Classic menu is easier to navigate thats whay I want it back.
FIX FOUND: USE THIS
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/
It is free and PERFECT for getting back the classic Start Menu in Windows 7.
For me the classic menu is better because I can add my own start short cuts and start all my favorites without using a mouse. The mouse is a slowdown and an interruption of mind flow. You have to stop thinking through your fingers, refocus on finding your mouse, move the tiny pointer to tiny targets, one by one, until you start your program.
Then get back to keyboarding. In the classic menu you can select a program by keyboard alone and if it is the only item starting with that letter on the menu, you can key it without looking, as selecting a unique first letter also starts it. Pre-7 I could create a personal folder (called Bill since no default programs start with b) in my user start menu (the user start menu folder is now completely hidden from me). In my Bill folder I would have a shortcut for each favorite and if each started with a unique letter, I could start a new program without taking my hands from the keyboard or breaking my thought integration with my keyboard. e.g. I would press flag-B-W and start up Word or flag-b-x for xExcel.
The “Improved” Vista and 7 menus don’t pick items by first letter, and instead attempt to search. My manual method takes 1-2 seconds and is done without thinking versus mouseing requiring 30-60 seconds plus a break of concentration. I can pin a folder with my short cuts, but there is little gain as I still have to use a mouse to open the folder, start the program and then close the folder. As The Onion put it, I use my computer for work and not to just dick around. The mouse is over-used and keyboarding is increasingly crippled in each new version.
Bill,
Thanks for your comments. This was the behavior of the start menu for a looong time and it is heads and shoulders above the new system for efficiency. I am always looking for keyboard shortcuts and can work circles around anyone who constantly mouses around. I am personally amazed that Microsoft took this away from us.