There are many modding projects for Windows. Some of them are intended for everyday use, others less so. An application that is more for ‘experts’ now replaces the entire start menu and taskbar in Windows 10 and 11 with that of Windows 7.
The start menu is one of the elements of Microsoft’s operating system that has undergone many restructurings and design adjustments over the course of its existence. Redmond has had to endure at least as much criticism for this. Many users want a version of the menu and taskbar from days gone by.
That’s why there are always modding projects that are concerned with restoring an old Windows look to a modern system. Some projects not only turn back time for the start menu, but also transform the entire look of the operating system. For example, Windows 10 can be completely transformed into Windows 7. Likewise, Windows 11 can be visually transformed into Windows 10 with just one click.
However, the use of such unofficial mods is never without risk. They sometimes interfere deeply with the system and can lead to serious problems. This is also the case with Explorer7. The new tool is intended to update the taskbar and start menu of Windows 7 to the latest versions of the operating system.
How Neowin reported, the public beta of the program has just started. Daredevils who install the mod should expect bugs. Although Explorer7 also works with Windows 10 and 11, the program is primarily being developed for Windows 8.1. This is surprising, because hardly anyone uses this version of Windows anymore. In addition to the application itself, users also need an image of Windows 7 for the transformation.
The necessary files and components are extracted from this. The biggest drawback of the mod at the moment, however, is that you cannot yet start “modern” programs on Windows 8.1, 10 and 11 with it. This applies not only to apps from the Microsoft Store, but even to applications that are integrated into the system, such as Windows Settings.
This means that Explorer7 is definitely not an option for everyday use. The beta is only suitable for modding enthusiasts who enjoy playing around with Windows on a spare device or in a virtual environment to see what is possible.
However, those who belong to this group can download the application via the GitHub page of the project. Anyone else who would like to return their start menu to the days of Windows 7 is better off using other programs such as Start11 or StartAllBlack.
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