Choose Windows 7 style in Open-Shell to use that menu layout on a supported Windows PC. This changes Start navigation, not the operating system. Configure the layout first, then select a compatible skin and the links you want in the second column.
What to do
- Open the menu settings and select Windows 7 style under Start Menu Style. Apply a supplied skin before evaluating any downloaded appearance package.
- Add or remove destinations through Customize Start Menu. Keep the right-hand column focused on folders and tools you actually open.
- Verify search and the program list using applications installed on your PC. Do not assume shortcuts shown in someone else screenshot will be present after choosing the style.
- Save an XML backup, then adjust appearance. Windows 7-style skin resources use their own format; check the skin documentation before installing custom files.
Check the result
Open Start, type part of a known app name, and use a configured destination in the second column. Confirm that both keyboard and pointer navigation remain clear.
Limits & precautions
The visual result depends on skin, Windows build, and display scale. This is not a method for restoring unsupported Windows 7 components or disabling Windows security.
Questions & answers
Does this turn Windows 11 into Windows 7?
No. It provides a familiar Start menu layout while Windows remains the installed operating system.
Can I use any .skin file?
Check style compatibility. Windows 7-style skins use .skin7 in the linked skinning reference.
Sources & scope
Documentation checked October 30, 2026. These instructions are documentation-led, not a claim of hands-on testing on your Windows build.