Windows 11 to Windows 7 [GUIDE]

Turn Windows 11 into Windows 7

Ever wondered how to turn your boring flat-styled Windows 11 to good ol' Windows 7? I am a big fan of frutiger aero and I decided to make this guide, which will surely help you in de-borifying your system.

⚠️ WARNING: THIS GUIDE USES PIRATED PAID SOFTWARE, IF YOU ARE NOT OKAY WITH THIS - LEAVE THIS PAGE

— REQUIREMENTS —

Since Stardock's CEO is a greedy childish moron, we will pirate his software software his beautiful team has made. To save your time and make it easier I will put all required software in archive. I tested every executable on my primary machine and proved them to be safe and free of viruses. But if you don't trust me - that's okay, just search and download all the needed files yourself! With this being said, let's begin!

You will need:

• Stardock Start11
• Stardock WindowBlinds 11
• ExplorerPatcher
• 7TSP GUI
• Windows Vista/7 Icon pack by chloebubba
• Machine running Windows 11 or Windows 10 (1903 or above)
• Brain (optional)

0. Create Restore Point

ALWAYS make a restore point before messing around with your system files! Search (WIN+S) for "Restore Point", and click "Create Restore Point", then click "Create..." and follow Wizard's instructions.

1. Start11 Configuration

Either grab it from my archive or download/buy it yourself. Install and open the app. Choose either "Windows 7" or "Windows 11" style depending on what you need more: aesthetics or flexibility.

1.1 If you chose Windows 11 style:

Click "Configure Menu" > "Adjust Transparency" and set it like shown on the screenshot. Also make sure "Mica effect" is turned off.

Now go one page back and remove all shortcuts from the Shortcut List excluding "Control Panel" and "Settings".

1.2 If you chose Windows 7 style:

You don't need to make any additional configurations here.

1.3 Taskbar

Go to Taskbar tab and turn on "Let Start11 enhance the taskbar". Then click "Configure Enhanced Taskbar" and set button style to "Windows 10".

2. WindowBlinds Configuration

Again, either grab it from my archive or download/buy it yourself. Install and open the app.

Click "Download more styles" and search for Aero11 (yes, without spaces).

Download and apply it through the STYLE TAB!!! Choose any substyle you want. Applying new styles for the first time may take a while (about ~1 min).

After that, go to "Advanced" tab and check "Allow styles to use 3rd party plugins". Restart Explorer. Reboot!

3. ExplorerPatcher Shenanigans

It's a free program that lets you get old Windows 7-like explorer without additional system tweaks. Be careful, however: installing this program on Windows 24H2 as a "Shell Extension" may result in FREQUENT Explorer crashes! After installation is complete, reboot and then search for ExplorerPatcher in your start menu and run it elevated (with administrative privileges). Set everything in the "File Explorer" tab as shown on the screenshot. Restart Explorer.

4. 7TSP Configuration and Icons Setup

Grab 7TSP and the Icon Pack itself from my archive, open it. Select the pack and click "Start Patching". It will take about 15-35 minutes to patch all image libraries with new icons, be patient, DO NOT exit the program even if it looks like it's not responding or stuck, give it some time. After the process is complete, reboot your PC.

Note: I could not find Windows 7 icon pack, so I went with Vista, but the patcher should work with any icon pack you choose!

Aaand here's the final result! How good is that?? Looks pretty decent to me!

— Extras —

• If you are not afraid of wiping your system clean you should definitely try Reunion7. It’s basically a Windows 10 ISO that looks exactly like Windows 7. 99% accurate.
  
• For Windows 10 you can go with Revert8Plus transformation package. Works like a charm!
• If you want to dive even deeper, you can install custom MSN clients like Escargot MSN or AeroChat (Discord client)
• You can adjust blur amount/style for WindowBlinds (and any other) translucent modals using MicaForEveryone (requires running elevated)
• Grab the archive I made with all required stuff using this link! (brain not included)

— Known Issues —

• Some of Windows 11 builds may falsely claim Stardock Patcher from my archive as a virus, it’s a common issue with self-built executables, don’t worry.  You always have a choice of avoiding it and searching for a pirated/legal version yourself!