Making Windows 10 Feel More Familiar

When Windows 10 came out, many people felt it looked different compared to Windows 7 or XP. The good news is that you can change settings and make it feel more familiar. This guide shares easy tips anyone can follow.

1. Simplify the Start Menu

The Windows 10 Start menu is big and full of tiles. You can make it look smaller and more like Windows 7.

• Open the Start menu.
• Right-click any tile > Unpin from Start.
• Remove tiles you don’t use.
• Drag the edge of the Start menu to make it smaller.

Disable Live Tiles under Personalization > Start for a static, traditional menu look.

2. Personalize the Taskbar

The taskbar is where you open apps. You can make it feel closer to older Windows versions:

• Move icons left: Right-click > Taskbar Settings > Alignment: Left.
• Hide Cortana: Right-click taskbar > Uncheck "Show Cortana button".
• Clean system tray: Choose which icons appear in Taskbar settings.

3. Hide Cortana Completely

Cortana is Microsoft’s assistant, but you may not need it. Hide it for a cleaner look:

• Right-click the taskbar.
• Click Show Cortana button to uncheck.

4. Use the Control Panel

Instead of the new Settings app, you can still use the classic Control Panel.

• Press Windows key.
• Type Control Panel and press Enter.

This gives you access to older-style menus and settings you might recognize.

5. Adjust Appearance and Themes

The look of your desktop matters. Here’s how you can make it more personal:

• Change Themes: Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes.
• Change Icons: Right-click shortcut > Properties > Change Icon.
• Turn Off Animations: Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects > Switch off animations.

6. Use Microsoft Edge Instead of Internet Explorer

Microsoft Edge is faster and safer than Internet Explorer. Set it as your default browser:

• Go to Settings > System > Default apps.
• Under Web browser, select Microsoft Edge.

7. Create System Restore Points

If you change settings and don’t like them, restore points let you go back easily.

• Press Windows key and type Create a restore point.
• Select your main drive and click Configure.
• Turn on System Protection.
• Click Create to save a restore point.

FAQs about Making Windows 10 Familiar

Conclusion

Windows 10 may look modern, but with a few tweaks, it can feel like the older versions you know. Customize your Start menu, taskbar, and desktop themes. Hide Cortana, use the Control Panel, and keep restore points ready. With these steps, Windows 10 will feel simpler and much more familiar.