Install Classic Shell or any of the other Start menu replacements there’s a bunch of them.

Once you fix it, most of the time you actually have a hard time realizing you aren’t running Windows 7. This is really unfortunate, because it’s so easily fixed. It’s a bad first impression that colors their entire subsequent experience with the operating system. There are two problems with Windows 10 (and to a lesser degree, Windows 8 before it).įirst, when coming from Windows 7 or earlier editions, people tend to get all wrapped around the axle with the new start screen and Start menu. For the most part, it’s good, it’s solid, and it works. Windows 10 is also a fine operating system. Folks that are running Windows 10, in my opinion, have little reason to downgrade. As long as it’s supported (extended support ends in January of 2020), it’s not unreasonable to keep it. Folks who are running Windows 7 and are happy with it may not have a reason to upgrade. Now, I want to be clear about one thing: Windows 7 is a fine operating system. But knowing that sometimes there are reasons, I will tell you how. In my mind, there is rarely a reason to downgrade from Windows 10 or 8.1 to Windows 7. I am going to start by trying to talk you out of doing it at all.