Retro makeover
Make Windows 11 look like Windows 7
There are two good routes: a free one with RetroBar, a community Windows 7 theme and Open-Shell, which we tested on Windows; and a paid one with StartAllBack, which changes Windows 11's own taskbar, Start menu and File Explorer. Here is what each covers.
On this page 4 sections
Short answer
How do I make Windows 11 look like Windows 7?
Free: install RetroBar, add the community Windows 7 Aero theme (copy its Themes and Resources folders to %LOCALAPPDATA%\RetroBar), and add Open-Shell with its Windows 7 menu style. Paid: StartAllBack gives a Windows 7-style taskbar, Start menu and File Explorer in one program. Window title bars stay Windows 11 either way unless you add a skinning tool.
The two routes
| Part | Free: RetroBar + Open-Shell | Paid: StartAllBack |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar | Community Windows 7 Aero theme: orb, 40 px glass bar, icon-only or labelled buttons (tested) | Windows 7 style, made from Windows 11's own taskbar |
| Start menu | Open-Shell, Windows 7 style (tested with our Vista preset) | Windows 7-style Start menu |
| File Explorer | Unchanged | Ribbon or command bar, details pane and more, per its makers |
| Window title bars | Unchanged | Unchanged (it can recolour apps, per its makers) |
| Cost | Free | $4.99 per PC, with a trial |
| How it works | Separate programs; Windows' taskbar is hidden, not changed | Changes Windows' own taskbar and Explorer |
StartAllBack facts from its official site, 30 October 2026, and our own test of its styles (RetroBar vs StartAllBack). Do not combine StartAllBack's taskbar with RetroBar (why).
The free route, step by step
Add the Windows 7 theme
Download DimonByte's Windows 7 Aero theme and copy its
ThemesandResourcesfolders into%LOCALAPPDATA%\RetroBar. In RetroBar's Properties, pick “Windows 7 Aero - Hidden Labels” for Windows 7's default icon-only buttons, or “Shown Labels” for titles. All five variants, tested.Add the Windows 7 Start menu
Install Open-Shell (only the Open-Shell Menu part) and load our Vista preset, which uses Open-Shell's Windows 7 style with the Windows Aero skin.
Finish the details
Clock click action: Open Aero calendar (RetroBar Properties › Notification area). A Windows 7-style wallpaper of your choice completes the first impression.
What will stay Windows 11
With either route: Settings, notifications and quick settings, Store apps and, without extra tools, window title bars. Windows 7's Aero glass window frames cannot be brought back with these programs.
Questions
Is there a Windows 7 Start orb for RetroBar?
Yes, in the community Windows 7 Aero theme. RetroBar's built-in Vista Aero theme has the Vista orb, which looks very similar.
Can I get Aero glass windows back?
Not with RetroBar, Open-Shell or StartAllBack. Glass window frames need a dedicated, unofficial tool that hooks into how Windows draws windows; we have not tested any.
Keep going
Found something out of date or wrong? Tell us at hello@retrobar.dev and we will fix it.