Quick overview:
The user interface of Windows 8, which Microsoft has retained in version 8.1, divides the community into two camps: some appreciate the tile look and the focus on mobile devices with touchscreens, others are not happy with this control on PCs and notebooks. If you don't like the handling, you can change it: With a few steps, users can realize Windows 8.1 with Windows 7 design.
First remove components from Windows 8.1
Before you make the following changes, you should carry out a backup as a precaution. You can use the free Drivelmage XML program, for example. Such a backup proves to be valuable if something goes wrong during the changes. Better safe than sorry - even if problems only occur in rare cases.
Tiles, charms, apps on the screen: Many users find these Windows 8 innovations annoying. To use Windows 8.1 with Windows 7 Design, these elements can simply be deleted:
- Click with the right mouse button on an unoccupied area of the taskbar and go to "Properties".
- The "Navigation" menu is of interest there. Remove all checkmarks in the "Corner navigation" section. In the "Home page" section, only the following four items should be checked:
- "Show the desktop instead of the start page when logging in or closing all apps"
- "Automatically display the 'Apps' view when the start page is called up"
- "When searching in the "All apps" view, search everywhere (not just in my apps)."
- "List desktop apps first in the "All apps" view when sorted by category"
These settings mean, among other things, that the charms no longer appear on the right-hand side of the screen and that the desktop interface appears instead of the Metro interface after start-up.
Windows 8.1 with Windows 7 Design: Create functions of version 7
Now you can restore important Windows 7 functions:
- Install the start menu, you can use various offers for this. For three US dollars, for example, you can download the "StartIsBack" program, while "Classic Shell" is available free of charge.
- Turn off the lock screen: In Windows 8.1 Pro, press the key combination Windows + S and enter "Group Policy". Click on "Edit Group Policy" and then on "Computer Configuration", "Administrative Templates", "Control Panel" and "Customization" in the menu. There, click on "Do not show lock screen".
- The Windows library is hidden by Microsoft in Windows 8.1, but you can make it visible. To do this, start the Explorer, click on "View" and "Options". Check the box next to "Show library" and confirm with "Ok".
Article image above: http://startisback.com/ (screenshot)
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already we have been "tweaking" Windows since 1998 and just won't stop!
