Changes in the appearance of Windows 7. How to return the standard theme to Windows? Detailed instructions. Configure using the Classic Shell program

For fruitful work on a PC, a properly functioning device is not enough. Many people want to create their own style of displaying visual elements of the OS. Windows 7 features allow you to change and customize it for each account separately.

Changing default dialog box fonts

By default, in all dialog boxes two fonts are used (Tahoma, Sans Serif). You can change the style of text display in them by changing their fonts to others (to your taste). To do this, you need to call the registry editor and change the font family to the desired one.

• We go to “Start”.
• In the “Search programs and files” field, enter the value “regedit”.
• The search result (regedit) will be displayed at the top.
• Click on it.
• This will launch a utility that allows you to change the registry value in Windows 7.
• The utility window displays a folder tree on the left side.
• Follow it to the one you need called “FontSubstitutes” (the path to it is highlighted in blue at the bottom of the picture).
• Double-click on the required values ​​on the right.
• In the “Change string parameter” dialog that appears, in the “Value” field, enter the name of the font to which you want to change the default one.
• And click on “Ok”.

Windows 7 comes with pre-installed fonts. To view the available font options that you can change to, or to find out the exact name of the desired family, you need to do the following:

• Go through “Start” to “Control Panel”.
• Find the “Fonts” shortcut and go through it.
• In the window that appears, among the available (installed) options, we find the one we need.
• To view the font spelling or name, click on it.
• By pressing the key on the right side of the mouse, we call up a submenu in which we select the “View” item.

Changing the theme

Windows 7 allows you to change the display style of all elements at once. To do this, the OS has built-in theme support. It is possible to significantly increase the performance level of low-power machines by installing simplified themes from which visualization effects (Aero style) are extracted.

All available themes in Windows 7 are available from the Control Panel in the “Personalization” tab. To change the theme, do the following:

• Go to the control panel menu.
• We find the “Personalization” icon we need and through it we get into the interface of the “Change sound and image on the computer” dialog.
• You can get here faster through the submenu called up by clicking the mouse button on the right. At the bottom, select “Personalization”.
• Here we select the design style theme we need.
• Any of the available themes is activated and installed by clicking on it with the mouse.

Replacing your account picture and desktop shortcuts

The personalization procedure in Windows 7 is not limited to the capabilities described above. Through the interface of the “Change sound and image on your computer” tab, you can change the picture of your account.

• Go through “Change your drawing”.
• In the window that appears, use the cursor to select the desired picture.
• And click on the “Change picture” button.

Similar to this procedure, you can change the display style of your desktop shortcuts and icons (via “Change desktop icons”).

Configuring cursor display and mouse options

Windows 7 has extensive options for customizing the display style of many elements. Including the cursor. This can be done by clicking on the appropriate tab (“Changing mouse pointers”). The dialog window that appears consists of several tabs:

• “Pointer” tab – allows you to configure the display of the cursor pointer in Windows 7. If you click on “Browse”, you can view the available replacement options. You can also upload your own samples. The "ani" (animated pointers) format is supported.
• “Pointer Options” tab – configures the cursor display style (location, home position).
• Wheel tab – allows you to change the mouse wheel scrolling settings.
• “Mouse Buttons” – adjusts the click speed, configuration and ability of mouse keys to stick.
• “Hardware” – view the properties of the mouse connected to the PC and their drivers.

Recently, I began to notice that most of the “Seven” users use a standard theme, which the developers affectionately called Aero.

In my opinion, it is too focused on tablets. This is evidenced by the huge window control buttons and excessively wide title bars and window frames - all this makes the interface somewhat cumbersome. In addition, the developers went overboard with the variety of colors: all these transparencies, shimmers, gradients and other delights create a kind of muddy effect.

Perhaps someone likes it this way, someone doesn’t care, someone is used to it, and someone simply doesn’t know that all this can be changed.

Visual Styles

Themes

Themes are simply a file describing what should be used. This includes the visual style itself, some icons, screensavers, wallpaper, cursors and some other elements.

It's worth mentioning that sometimes themes can be tailored to different Taskbar settings. So, for example, different themes can be designed for the large taskbar on the right and the small one at the top. Usually developers add an appropriate prefix to them, such as “Top” or “Left”.

Installing themes

But it's not that simple. Initially, it is prohibited to install themes that are not signed by Microsoft itself. To get around this limitation, you need to patch three dlls. For this there is a simple open-source program, called Universal Theme Patcher for Windows (Official site, download, mirror).
Disable UAC, run it with administrator rights and click on the three Patch buttons. This operation is absolutely safe, in addition, the program automatically makes a backup so that you can restore the original files if something happens. For 64bit it is recommended to patch with both versions, because The system contains both 32 and 64 bit dlls.
After this, restart the computer.

Now all that remains is to move the desired themes to %SystemRoot%\Resources\Themes\ and select them in “Personalization”. Having done this, you will see that the window design has changed, but the “Start” and navigation buttons remain. The thing is that they are tightly “hardwired” into the system files. Therefore, most themes now come with already modified files that will simply need to be replaced.

Replacing system files

• C:\Windows\exlporer.exe
• C:\Windows\System32\ExplorerFrame.dll
• C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll
• C:\Windows\System32\timedate.cpl

Now all we have to do is replace original files to those available in the topic. To do this, add to source files prefix _old, then move the patched file to the place of the old one. You can do it easier and use Theme Manager, the link to which is just below. He will do everything himself.

ATTENTION:

1. Theme developers usually make two versions system files: for x86 and for 64 separately.
2. Don't be lazy to check the file versions! If they do not agree, then most likely you will have to do a recovery via live-cd or “System Restore”
3. After replacing shell32.dll, you may lose multi-channel audio.

We reboot and see the updated appearance.

Additional setup

Icons

It automatically replaces icons required applications based on the rules described in package.xml. Everything here is quite simple, so there is no point in explaining it manually.

And on the same deviart there are ready-made packs that almost completely replace system icons. One of the most popular is Faenza IconPack, which is so hated on ENT.

Simplifying your life

Theme Manager (Official website, download, mirror)

Logon Screen Changer (download, mirror)

Navigation Panel Customizer (Official site, download, mirror)

Taskbar Item Pinner (Official site, download, mirror)

In the operating room windows system 7 Microsoft has made many design improvements appearance– a well-designed collection of styles, fonts and general interface design. But no matter how beautiful he is this interface– it is still standard and very quickly gets boring for a sophisticated (and not so experienced) user. Therefore, today I would like to talk about how to change the standard windows 7 interface.

Themes and styles

One of the options for changing the interface in Windows 7 is the ability to change windows theme 7 and install a variety of themes. To do this, you need to go to the website of themes for windows 7, decide on a suitable theme and, of course, install it. But changing the Windows 7 theme is not so easy; often, when downloading and unzipping a certain theme, the user receives a set of files that are unclear where and how to install. In this case, a wonderful program comes to our aid - Windows Themes Installer, which allows you to change the Windows 7 theme with just three clicks This program does not require installation and is very easy to use. We simply launch the program as an administrator, wait until it patches the system so that themes can be installed into it freely, and then simply specify the path to the theme files from the program window. Once the path to the theme files is specified, simply click on the “Install Theme” button. Installed theme will appear in the right list of themes and in order to apply this theme we just need to click on the Apply Theme button. We managed to change the theme, the appearance of the system will change according to your preferences.

Appearance of the start button

The design of the start button in the Windows 7 operating system can also be customized according to your own preferences. The most in a simple way change start windows 7 – This is to use a very good program called Windows 7 Start Button. The program comes with ten different design options for the start button. After applying the option you like, the explorer will reboot and you will see your Start button in a new design. Using this program, changing the start of Windows 7 will not be difficult.

Change windows 7 icons

Next, in order to change the appearance of your operating system, we will change the design of the icons installed programs. In standard windows set There are quite a lot of different icons, but if they do not suit you, then additional icons can be downloaded here. But, back to our article, we talked about how to change icons in Windows 7. But changing the appearance of icons for all programs is a rather long and tedious task. We won't waste time on it. Let's just download the very useful 7 conifier application, which allows you to change windows icons 7 for all programs is just one click and contains, as a bonus, several very beautiful design themes.

This program allows you to easily switch between all the icon sets we have. When you first start, I recommend making a backup of all your standard program signs; if you don’t like the changed design style of program signs, you can return to the standard design at any moment. As you can see, changing Windows 7 icons is very simple

In general, anyone can change the design in Windows 7, even those without special knowledge. Practice redesigning your operating system and create something truly unique.

Windows 7 OS has wide functionality for personalization and changing the appearance style of most controls. Many users, especially those who recently switched to 7 from XP, are still tormented by nostalgia for the well-known interface. I especially want to change the Start panel.

Installing the classic theme

Windows 7 comes with several pre-installed themes. Among them there are basic ones that can radically change graphic display interface of the entire OS. Including returning the Start panel to its classic look. Also, the use of simplified design themes can significantly save processor, video card and random access memory. To change the OS theme to classic, you need to do the following:

• Start menu.
• Select “Control Panel”.
• Here we find the “Personalization” item.

There is also another way to get here. Directly from your desktop. This method of transition is much faster and occurs through the right-click submenu.

• Right-click on the desktop.
• Select the bottom item “Personalization”.
• In the “Change sound and image on your computer” window, go to “Basic (simplified) themes”.
• Click on the “Classic” theme icon to activate it.

After this, the graphical display of all interface elements of Windows 7 will become classic. Including the Start panel. You can change the theme to the previous one by clicking on its mouse icon (left button).

We configure everything in detail

We managed to bring the Start panel back to its classic look. But still, the desired result may not be entirely satisfactory. Therefore, we will configure this panel in detail. To do this you need to do the following:

1. Right-click on any free space in the Start panel and go through Properties.
2. Go to “Taskbar and Start Menu Properties”.
3. Go to the “Start Menu” tab.
4. Here you can set the action of the Shutdown button in Windows 7.
5. To change the display and behavior of each group of elements, go to the “Customize Start Menu” dialog box through the “Customize” button.
6. Here you can also set the number of items to display in the menu.

Configure using the Classic Shell program

If you don’t have enough capabilities and such fine-tuning of Start in Windows 7, then you will need a small Classic Shell utility. With its help, you can customize the display of not only the start menu, but also Explorer, and return the classic look of IE 9. It is completely free. And its Russified version can be downloaded from the developer’s website. Need to do.

The most limited version of the Windows 7 family. It is intended for delivery in developing countries with new computers, as well as for working on modern generation netbooks. If you are the owner of a computer with such operating system, you will probably find that she, let’s say, can’t do everything.

Specifically, it lacks:

• Windows Aero and Glass interface (transparency)
• Aero Peek (logical, since there is no Aero Glass, there is no window preview or preview in the taskbar)
• Aero Shake (minimizing windows by shaking left and right with the current one will not work)
• Windows Flip 3D - no carousel of windows via Win+Tab either
• Quickly switch between users
• Encryption-enabled file system (EFS)
• Games Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers, Internet Spades, Mahjong Titans
• "Scissors" for taking screenshots
• Sticky Notes
• Windows DVD Maker
• Create a HomeGroup
• Windows Mobility Center

And a number of other possibilities.

So, if we have Windows 7 Starter, most likely we either have a netbook or a very cheap laptop. Some of these cars are quite suitable for Aero use, some are not. Personally, I am not a fan of using this interface on mobile device- why waste resources on it if you get nothing more than aesthetic pleasure? However, if you do not agree with me, the application will help solve the problem True Transparency. It allows you to emulate Aero on Windows XP, Windows Vista Basic and, of course, on 7 Starter/Basic. The program supports the Russian language, several design themes are already included in the distribution, and there are many others on the Internet. Moreover, in addition to its cute appearance, the program also implements Aero Snap and Aero Shake functions! Examples of the system appearance:

True, she will not be able to change the taskbar, it will remain the same.

There is another option for using the Stardock MyColors application - free version the famous WindowsBlinds utility. It will change both the taskbar and the windows. After installing it, you will get this interface:

Even if you are not a big fan of changing your desktop wallpaper, you will sooner or later get tired of looking at the same dull image of the Windows logo, and you simply cannot change it in Windows 7 Starter using standard tools. In this case, a tiny utility will come to our aid Starter Wallpaper Changer. Having a very simple interface, it does its job perfectly - select a picture, end the session, log in again - voila:

Download Starter Wallpaper Changer

WITH personalization menu somewhat more complicated. In the desktop context menu of “advanced” versions of the system there is a corresponding item that brings up a window like this:

But Starter doesn’t have it! You can only select gadgets and change the screen resolution. To configure, for example, sounds, window decorations, or just a screensaver, you will have to “poke a lot.” We'll fix it now.

It's no secret that in context menu desktop, you can add your own items, applications or something else. We will add options there that are present in “older” editions of Windows in the personalization panel

I have prepared a REG file that will add the following items to the system context menu:

• Screensaver
• Sounds

If you have problems with sound, then try this registry file option

Copy the text from the table, open Notepad and paste the text. Save under any name, and then change the extension from txt to reg

Place the program Starter_Wallpaper_Changer.exe to a folder C:\Program Files\Starter Wallpaper Changer or edit the registry file by running your file with the reg extension.

Essentially, it simply expands the desktop context menu and adds Control Panel applets to it. It turns out something like this:

I don’t consider this loss significant either, however, the lack of function is easily compensated for by the utility WinFlip:

The program supports Russian language and is free

Games and Scissors

Games can be customized to taste and color; this is the most minor loss of Windows 7 Starter. There are a large number of programs for taking screenshots. I prefer to use the XnView application for this purpose; we have already written about it. This is a great free watcher graphic files, it has a lot of different functions, including taking screenshots:

Sticky Notes

As in the case of "Scissors", there are also many analogues to the sticker utility. One great substitute is the DeskStickers app. Very functional and free, Russian language included.

Windows DVD Maker

Finding a replacement for this program will not be difficult either. You can use Movie Maker from the Windows Live package, and write the result to disk (if the device has a burner drive) using Useful Utils Disk Studio (see program review)

If you want something from the list of reduced features of Windows 7 Starter, you will have to think about purchasing a different, more functional edition of Windows 7. By the way, the Ad-hoc connection in Windows 7 Starter works, despite the stated lack of support

So, even if you have Windows 7 Starter, you can improve its functionality and capabilities to the level of “older” editions, albeit not completely, but nonetheless. Some simple steps- and the system will be much more pleasant to use.