This transformation pack is designed using the best available tools and resources to closely replicate the look and feel of Windows 7. Unlike many other packs, it is highly customizable and fully open-source.
Warning: This pack is still in active development. The author is not responsible for any issues or data loss caused by using this pack. Please make sure to create a full backup before installation or use.
- Windows 10 version 22H2 (earlier versions have not been tested, but may work)
- You must configure PowerShell to allow script execution. Run PowerShell as an Administrator and execute the following command:
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned - To use Explorer7 and Windhawk, you’ll need a Windows 7 ISO or DVD that matches the type and language of your current system. Currently, only the en-US version is supported..
- Windhawk
- Theming
- Logon screen
- Control Panel Restoration 4.0 H1
- Windows 7 Logo Branding
- (Optional) HackBGRT for bootscreen
- (Optional) Install Win7 Games & Apps
- (Optional) Sounds, Wallpapers and User tiles
- Done!
Just install this wonderful tool, it will be neccessary in next steps. Use Windhawk\installWindhawk.ps1 for silent install.
First you need to enable unofficial themes support. To do so install SecureUx.
Then copy aero theme by running Themes\copy.ps1.
To enable transparent title bars copy DWMBlurGlass by running DWMBlurGlass\copy.ps1 and manually apply the patch.
To change icons look, install Resource Redirect mod for Windhawk. Copy resources with Windhawk\copyResources.ps1 and set theme path to C:\Windows\ResourceRedirect\theme.ini
For taskbar install Explorer7
For sounds run Sounds\copyAndApplyWindows7Sounds.ps1
Install AuthUX v0.0.1-beta\AuthUX-setup-x64.exe
I've created a PowerShell script that makes the installation of the control panel much easier. It's still not complete, so please go through each step carefully and read every README file.
You can select which control panel pages you want to apply:
- Backup and Restore -
BackupAndRestore.ps1 - Biometric Devices -
BiometricDevices.ps1 - Display -
Display.ps1 - Game Controllers -
GameControllers.ps1 - Genuine Center -
GenuineCenter.ps1 - HomeGroups -
HomeGroups.ps1 - Language - TODO - DUMMY
Language.ps1 - Mobility Center - TODO
- Network and Sharing Center - TODO
- Network Map - TODO
- Notification Tray Icons -
NotificationTrayIcons.ps1 - Parental Controls-Family Safety -
ParentalControls-FamilySafety.ps1 - Performance Information and Tools -
PerformanceInformationAndTools.ps1 - Personalization - CAN'T BE DONE IMPORTANT README
Printers - redundant Vista style pagePrinters.ps1- Recovery -
Recovery.ps1 - Region and Input - TODO - DUMMY
RegionAndInput.ps1 - Security Center and Firewall CPL - Vista style page
SecurityCenterAndFirewall.ps1 - System -
System.ps1 - User Accounts CPL -
UserAccounts.ps1 - Windows Cardspace - IN PROGRESS
WindowsCardspace.ps1 - Windows Update - only for decoration
WindowsUpdate.ps1
Run Branding\copy.ps1
Please know that HackBGRT is UEFI-only and you must disable Secure Boot in your BIOS setup! Otherwise, it will not work.
You can easily access BIOS setup by doing this (would be recommended to print this out or remember it yourself): Go to the start menu, hold left shift key and restart. Go to advanced settings and look for an UEFI firmware option. Click on it. Don't be scared of what it shows. If you have a BIOS password, enter it. Go to the boot tab (or something similar) and disable Secure Boot. Save settings and exit. It should restart the computer. Now you can use HackBGRT! It is still advised you use it with caution, as it can brick your Windows installation.
- Automated Setup Script - A unified PowerShell-based installer that can guide users step-by-step through the installation and configuration process.
- Localized Language Support - Currently only en-US is supported. Support for additional languages (e.g. pl-PL, de-DE, etc.) is planned.
- Improved Personalization Options - More pre-configured themes and color schemes resembling Windows 7 Aero styles.
- Control Panel Restoration 4.0 H1 Automatic Setup - Work is in progress on a unified PowerShell script to simplify the installation of legacy Control Panel pages. The goal is to allow users to select desired modules and apply them with minimal manual steps. Some .ps1 scripts are functional, while others are still in development, marked as TODO, DUMMY, or IN PROGRESS in the respective file headers. Please read all accompanying README files carefully before use.
This project wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of the open-source and customization community. Special thanks to the following creators and tools:
- Windhawk
- Explorer7
- AuthUX
- (v4.0 H1) Restoring Control Panel Pages/Links(1507-10 22H2)
- SecureUxTheme
- HackBGRT
- Resource Hacker
- PowerRun
- Fifty Dinar, a creator of a pack similar to this, his pack contained the Sounds folder which I decided to gather it here.
- Winaero, for making Windows 7 games and apps work on Windows 10. (Not 8GadgetPack, that belongs to someone/something else). Also made Winaero Tweaker, too.
- Scritperkid2 on DeviantArt, for exporting Windows 7 cursors.
- NewInfinitePro and fytuf for making the Windows 7 aero theme.