we've come a full circle everyone old enough remembers the following 😂😂 2007: Make Windows XP look like Windows Vista 2009: Make Windows XP look like Windows 7 2020: Make Windows 10 look like Windows Vista
I remember trying to turn XP into 7 back in the day without knowing much of anything about WIndows customization, I got as far as making the taskbar button size stupidly small and changing the wallpaper
I remember a program who will make your windows 3.1 look and behave like 95... It was called "Calmira". Now, that is cool: Imagine not only changing the UI, but how the Operative system operates!
I remember using an installer called Isso Pack 5 to change my XP to vista back in the day, and it did a pretty good job. It changed everything in just a few clicks.
Well, I don't know what to say. This is close to my heart. I grew up with Vista and I love it and it's look, but I also want to run new programs. This is perfect.
I have a feeling that a lot of people didn't realize that in Vista, you could drag the widgets out of the dock and put them anywhere on the desktop. I liked to hide the dock. If anyone remembers, Windows 7 still had the widgets minus the dock.
Vista's glassy icons were works of art, light years ahead of Xp. Like the folder icons, I don't see what Microsoft dropped them in favor of the yellow ones in W7.
MJD, my dude. This is amazing! I've been watching your videos for the past year and I've just been loving the content. You got me to get my old installs and install VMs of all of them so that I could play around. But now, I can just make my PC like one of the most underrated OS's with the latest functionalities that didn't exist in Vista's time. DUDE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Hey Michael, for that Open-Shell skin you need to add the "StartMenuL10N" file into the Open-Shell program folder. It basically changes the language file so the fake "Text" in that area gets stretched out to the right size. Edit: Also I believe the glass override color doesn't work if you don't enable the menu glass.
Nice video! I thought I'd add on some of my own suggestions to make it a bit more authentic: - Go into the taskbar settings, and change the taskbar window view to "never combine labels." This will make the windows open in the taskbar work more like Windows Vista. - Right click the taskbar and add a new toolbar. It can be to any folder, but you can use the original Quick Access folder if you want, it's under Internet Explorer's directory. Put shortcuts to whatever programs you use most in here. This will make it look more like the Vista taskbar. - In Winaero Tweaker, enable the colored title bars setting. Then, change the system color to a color resembling the light blue color that Aero Basic's title bars had. This will make it look a little bit more authentic. You could also enable the Aero Lite theme, which gives windows thicker window borders like in Windows Vista, but it looks a bit strange in some places. - Change the icons displayed for shortcuts and folders you normally use to ones from Vista. - If you have a Vista ISO handy, you can replace certain programs like MS Paint with the version from Windows Vista. - This is not recommended, but there technically is a way to get the old Aero Basic theme in Windows 10, but it's completely impractical and probably won't work. To try it, right click a program and change the compatibility settings. Set the Windows version to Windows 95. Now, try opening the program. Chances are there will be some kind of error message, but if there isn't, the titlebar should look like the Windows Vista Aero Basic one. This is because Windows 10 keeps it as a fallback theme, or for programs that would break if the Windows 10 theme was being used. - Do not try this, but there *is* a way to get this fallback theme on all windows. It requires you to replace dwm.exe with a dummy application which doesn't actually do anything. This causes a bunch of problems, such as the login screen, Start menu, and UWP applications not working, but all windows will use the Aero Basic theming.
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I've hated the Start Menu since I first got my windows 10 and it's nice to finally have one that makes sense again after 3 years
Cool! Was my first OS I used extensively using my first laptop. I kind of favour Windows 7 due to it just feeling and working a lot better, sort of feels like a completed Vista, but glad that people still are messing around and talking about it.
Honestly it might be a better idea to use Windows 8.1 if you still want support but want an older look - THAT you can make look near identical to 7 or Vista, including the themes.
Well 8.1 is out of support now, but pfft, I still use Windows 7 in a VM and it hasn’t been supported for 3 years (excluding professional with that extended support plan which ended on the 10th of January 2023.).
I'm yet to watch your follow up video on this, but for the taskbar, I did use the WinAero installer, and then replaced the Program Files with the ones from Vista, which enabled the same old Sidebar we all knew and loved.
Thank your for this guide, I grew up using windows vista, a lot of people said I'm weird for using vista because its buggy and slow and I should just get a new mac, but I did not care and gave it a chance, and it turned out to be a very great experience, sadly the os ended support so now I just use windows 10, I thought the theme was boring so I wanted to make it look just like windows vista, and with out the help of this video I would have just the same boring windows 10 theme, when I was finished setting up all the themes, It through me back to old memory's I had using windows vista. thank your for this video once again.
I loved the Vista look so this'll sure come in handy : ) also i didnt have to do the icons because i already installed a vista pack. edit: now i am dualbooting win 7 and win 10
Really nice video 🥺 I really want to do all of that on my windows 11 pc. upgrading to windows 10 to windows 11 on my pc was a BIG MISTAKE. it now lags more on games. and the new features are bag and making the operating system unstable. all what microsoft did is changing the skin and the look and the sounds + a bit of changes that will make windows 11 a mobile more than a pc. Idk why but microsoft took all the fun from windows xp and vista and 7. I used these operating system when I was young. And I hated the fact that microsoft ends these operating system's life. All these operating systems will stay in our heart. And also thanks for the video I love it 😊.
For some reason, you have to go to the registry and fix the auto refresh when changing the recycle bin. For example, if you have items in there, it may not show up as full unless you refresh the desktop. Also, you would want to add the quick launch. If you want a desktop with aero that is very close to 7, you can purchase Windowblinds. A very cool theme pack that alters the UI of your desktop. One time, I altered one of the default aero themes. using the Windows Blind editor. I actually deleted the taskbar that came with it because it says "vista style" but it looks nothing like a true vista taskbar. Then I used Open Sell. So it was very close.
Every time i see the Vista UI, I feel in heaven. I used to mix longhorn with Vista and 7 on my windows 7 system. Now using the same theme on Manjaro Linux KDE Plasma.
Ever tried StartIsBack++? I think it does a better job of providing an Aero-style start menu as accurately as possible, with pixel-perfect alignment and animations. It also handles taskbar appearance. Good customization, too.
can windowbinds themes be applied correctly after this transformation tutorial? i can use a theme called aero frost on wincustomize, but the problem is that the taskbar is too thick, and also there are supposed to be transparent parts on the edges of the taskbar, (in vista or 7, the transparency is full, but on 10, the transparency is only partial and looks weird). also, i'd like to be able to skin the side bar, possible? (custom skin, not their included ones)
Thanks for the video, and the links to Open Shell. I've been, and still am using Classic Shell, and have been looking all over the place for the real links to Open Shell, so I could update. I've been using Classic Shell, ever since it came out, and have it on all of my machines. Can't stand win10's tablet looking interface.
I'm definitely going to try this on my computer at work and see if anyone notices. I really miss Vista's gorgeous looks but still want to keep modern support and functionality.
The more Windows evolves, the more we miss XP, Vista and Se7en. Miss you guys, you made our childhood, now we have something to feel like you, but you are not there now.❤
I LOVE IT! Not a big fan of the layout and design of Windows 10 so I have decided to stick with Windows 7 for now. I know I will have to upgrade in the future. Do you have a video tutorial like this that will make W10 look like W7? I looked on your video tab and I can't find anything. I may be passing it without knowing.
Is there a tweak to open the network and sharing centre when right clicking on the network icon in the system tray instead of the pointless windows 10 network thing?
Well, i use open shell, ( i used your guide for making it look like windows xp) so i can just change the settings on it from xp to vista if i want. You just make the taskbar black, get the right start button, set the menu, and tada. On the window frames, i got an aero theme (which i use for xp as it looks more like it than aero) but you can change the settings and make it ice blue, like vista with aero off. Get a program to change the sounds, I don’t care about the icons, and tada
Vista's usage is only 0.39% so most people don’t seem to be missing it as nearly all upgraded to 7 even before Vista ended mainstream support in 2012 which was also when 7 overtook XP. It was only in the last few years Vista’s decline slowed right down after ending support in 2017 but few if any viruses ever got created for it
we've come a full circle
everyone old enough remembers the following 😂😂
2007: Make Windows XP look like Windows Vista
2009: Make Windows XP look like Windows 7
2020: Make Windows 10 look like Windows Vista
I remember trying to turn XP into 7 back in the day without knowing much of anything about WIndows customization, I got as far as making the taskbar button size stupidly small and changing the wallpaper
I remember a program who will make your windows 3.1 look and behave like 95... It was called "Calmira". Now, that is cool: Imagine not only changing the UI, but how the Operative system operates!
@@SkyeWeebi also did that back in the day by following a video by tinkernut took me months to restore back to normal xp
I remember using an installer called Isso Pack 5 to change my XP to vista back in the day, and it did a pretty good job. It changed everything in just a few clicks.
I used to theme my Windows XP to turn into OS X hahaha
reject minimalism, return to frutiger aero
FROZEN!!!!!
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
@@Zzsillykitty_Vi tf does that mean?
Shut up
tf does that mean x2@@Zzsillykitty_Vi
I remember seeing the Windows Aero UI for the first time and being mesmerized by the transparency effects. Nice throwback.
Sadly enough this tutorial does not bring aero glass back.
@@vistaero anyway you know how to?
@@skunkop windowblinds theme
@@skunkop i know :Windows Areo 8.1.1
@@Galaxy.Windows thats for windows 8.1 you know
Well, I don't know what to say. This is close to my heart. I grew up with Vista and I love it and it's look, but I also want to run new programs. This is perfect.
Same
I grew up with Vista too, nice. 😁👍
Just so you know, his pc Is never gonna give you up.
U little...
never gonna lte you down!
@@fjfjjdj1570 or, 4g you!
Lol
It will Never gonna say goodbye
Hey it’s the return of C:\Users\Rick Astley!
yes it certainly is!
Yes the user is rick
Hooray
i actually feel bad for any ones whos last name is astley and first names rick
Astley*
I have a feeling that a lot of people didn't realize that in Vista, you could drag the widgets out of the dock and put them anywhere on the desktop. I liked to hide the dock. If anyone remembers, Windows 7 still had the widgets minus the dock.
It's Call Gadjets and Sidebar
you could click win7gadgets to place them on the right side ofthe screen
Vista's glassy icons were works of art, light years ahead of Xp. Like the folder icons, I don't see what Microsoft dropped them in favor of the yellow ones in W7.
Wow I didn’t expect one of, if not my favourite RUclipsr do a tutorial like this and not hav to worry about getting hacked or losing all of my data
The user's name is Rick Astley cause Vista's never gonna give you up
i was about to say that
But Vista let us down when playing Solitaire out of the box.
MJD, my dude. This is amazing! I've been watching your videos for the past year and I've just been loving the content. You got me to get my old installs and install VMs of all of them so that I could play around. But now, I can just make my PC like one of the most underrated OS's with the latest functionalities that didn't exist in Vista's time. DUDE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Hey Michael, for that Open-Shell skin you need to add the "StartMenuL10N" file into the Open-Shell program folder. It basically changes the language file so the fake "Text" in that area gets stretched out to the right size.
Edit: Also I believe the glass override color doesn't work if you don't enable the menu glass.
Nice video! I thought I'd add on some of my own suggestions to make it a bit more authentic:
- Go into the taskbar settings, and change the taskbar window view to "never combine labels." This will make the windows open in the taskbar work more like Windows Vista.
- Right click the taskbar and add a new toolbar. It can be to any folder, but you can use the original Quick Access folder if you want, it's under Internet Explorer's directory. Put shortcuts to whatever programs you use most in here. This will make it look more like the Vista taskbar.
- In Winaero Tweaker, enable the colored title bars setting. Then, change the system color to a color resembling the light blue color that Aero Basic's title bars had. This will make it look a little bit more authentic. You could also enable the Aero Lite theme, which gives windows thicker window borders like in Windows Vista, but it looks a bit strange in some places.
- Change the icons displayed for shortcuts and folders you normally use to ones from Vista.
- If you have a Vista ISO handy, you can replace certain programs like MS Paint with the version from Windows Vista.
- This is not recommended, but there technically is a way to get the old Aero Basic theme in Windows 10, but it's completely impractical and probably won't work. To try it, right click a program and change the compatibility settings. Set the Windows version to Windows 95. Now, try opening the program. Chances are there will be some kind of error message, but if there isn't, the titlebar should look like the Windows Vista Aero Basic one. This is because Windows 10 keeps it as a fallback theme, or for programs that would break if the Windows 10 theme was being used.
- Do not try this, but there *is* a way to get this fallback theme on all windows. It requires you to replace dwm.exe with a dummy application which doesn't actually do anything. This causes a bunch of problems, such as the login screen, Start menu, and UWP applications not working, but all windows will use the Aero Basic theming.
Thank you so much for this tutorial, I've hated the Start Menu since I first got my windows 10 and it's nice to finally have one that makes sense again after 3 years
You can remove all of the tiles and only the app list will remain.
this is the only tutorial with downloads that isn't clickbait or bullshitting people into downloading stuff with surveys, thanks a lot man
mans is everywhere in my recommended now haha wait its says rick astley as the the user
Oof
Get rickrolled.
Never gonna give you up
its happened again
Never gonna give you up
never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
Cool! Was my first OS I used extensively using my first laptop. I kind of favour Windows 7 due to it just feeling and working a lot better, sort of feels like a completed Vista, but glad that people still are messing around and talking about it.
Windows Vista will always be my favorite themed OS. It was so elegant.
I decided to actually try this out, and holy, this looks absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for making this!
OMG I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR MONTHS AAAAAAA YESSSSSSS TY SO MUCH
I loved the Vista look so this'll sure come in handy : )
69 likes!
73 Likes!
same
Wait a minute, is HE rickrolling us?
genuinely, thank you so much. brought me to tears seeing the old photos viewer lol definitely gonna have my pc like this for a while. subscribed :3
I missed the gadgets so much from vista. I’m so happy we can get them again ❤️
3:22 How noticed "Rick Astley"
i noticed it
Me.
Me
if you click read more here you would see a part of rickroll(since im bored and his username)
never gonna give you up
Oof
Perfect video. Easy to follow instructions with a satisfying result. Thank you again Michael!
Glad you found it helpful!
@@MichaelMJD can you do one of these tutorials for windows 11?
Honestly it might be a better idea to use Windows 8.1 if you still want support but want an older look - THAT you can make look near identical to 7 or Vista, including the themes.
Use Linux, much more customizable in terms of UI.
@@anacondadope550 Well that much is obvious.
@@anacondadope550 No
Well 8.1 is out of support now, but pfft, I still use Windows 7 in a VM and it hasn’t been supported for 3 years (excluding professional with that extended support plan which ended on the 10th of January 2023.).
I'm going this tomorrow, it looks so nostalgic and comforting
ayyy now this is a nice video, might use for my computer ❤
@FBI Federal Bureau Of Investigation yes
@FBI Federal Bureau Of Investigation windows vista is the best
Lol he’s here
why is the FBI here?
@@markusTegelane cause why not ?
3:19 nice username
I'm yet to watch your follow up video on this, but for the taskbar, I did use the WinAero installer, and then replaced the Program Files with the ones from Vista, which enabled the same old Sidebar we all knew and loved.
the best rick roll ive ever had :)
Agreed
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Start Menu
05:43 - Taskbar
06:52 - Start Button
07:53 - Winaero Tweaker
13:00 - Desktop Gadgets
14:56 - Windows Explorer
17:31 - Icons
24:51 - Outro
Thank your for this guide, I grew up using windows vista, a lot of people said I'm weird for using vista because its buggy and slow and I should just get a new mac, but I did not care and gave it a chance, and it turned out to be a very great experience, sadly the os ended support so now I just use windows 10, I thought the theme was boring so I wanted to make it look just like windows vista, and with out the help of this video I would have just the same boring windows 10 theme, when I was finished setting up all the themes, It through me back to old memory's I had using windows vista. thank your for this video once again.
yeah
I have a pc that shipped with windows vista sp1 so this brings back some memories:)
23:36 thanks a lot for this, i didn't know that i can move icons from there, and btw, thanks a lot for this video!!
Ah, that username for this win10 installation is perfect, just says: never gonna give you up
cuz windows vista is never gonna give you up
Never gonna *SAY GOODBYE*
I loved the Vista look so this'll sure come in handy : )
also i didnt have to do the icons because i already installed a vista pack.
edit: now i am dualbooting win 7 and win 10
that cities skylines screenshot as a wallpaper was pretty unexpected but made my smile for whatever reason haha, love this game
thank you very much, i love the aero theme so much
I really wish to have this on my Windows 10. Thanks Michael for your tips. :)
@LinuxFanboyPL His native language doesn't transfer good to the english language, due to his grammar
You ought to use the Windows Vista styling for WindowBlinds that got recently uploaded to DeviantArt.
Nice!!! I was waiting since 2018!
Really nice video 🥺 I really want to do all of that on my windows 11 pc. upgrading to windows 10 to windows 11 on my pc was a BIG MISTAKE. it now lags more on games. and the new features are bag and making the operating system unstable. all what microsoft did is changing the skin and the look and the sounds + a bit of changes that will make windows 11 a mobile more than a pc. Idk why but microsoft took all the fun from windows xp and vista and 7. I used these operating system when I was young. And I hated the fact that microsoft ends these operating system's life. All these operating systems will stay in our heart. And also thanks for the video I love it 😊.
For some reason, you have to go to the registry and fix the auto refresh when changing the recycle bin. For example, if you have items in there, it may not show up as full unless you refresh the desktop. Also, you would want to add the quick launch. If you want a desktop with aero that is very close to 7, you can purchase Windowblinds. A very cool theme pack that alters the UI of your desktop. One time, I altered one of the default aero themes. using the Windows Blind editor. I actually deleted the taskbar that came with it because it says "vista style" but it looks nothing like a true vista taskbar. Then I used Open Sell. So it was very close.
How did you delete the Taskbar in windowblinds so it doesn't interfere with the OpenShell Taskbar?
@@MrVuckFiacom Oh gosh...I can't remember you have to use the windows blinds editor and delete the files?
@@chrisdigitalartist You dont need to buy it, just sue tempmail and use that email then use it in a loop
2:56 Lets just take this take to appreciate that he names him self Rick Astley
i love how this dude is both useful and funny
Awesome video, Michael!
Windows Vista is and will always be the best looking Microsoft operating system
I really didn't like the green bar in File Explorer in Vista, I liked it better that they made it gray in Win7.
Windows Vista is beautiful and all but are we gonna talk about how we got rick'd with the username?
grounded
Thanks ! I discovered Winaero Tweaker today and restore the original W7 sticky Notes thanks to it... Thanks for this usefull video. Have a nice day.
Every time i see the Vista UI, I feel in heaven. I used to mix longhorn with Vista and 7 on my windows 7 system. Now using the same theme on Manjaro Linux KDE Plasma.
Rick Astley username? Rickrolling? Lol
Yes
THIS WILL BE A PERFECT PRANK ON MY DAD. HEHE
Nice
Ever tried StartIsBack++? I think it does a better job of providing an Aero-style start menu as accurately as possible, with pixel-perfect alignment and animations. It also handles taskbar appearance. Good customization, too.
can windowbinds themes be applied correctly after this transformation tutorial? i can use a theme called aero frost on wincustomize, but the problem is that the taskbar is too thick, and also there are supposed to be transparent parts on the edges of the taskbar, (in vista or 7, the transparency is full, but on 10, the transparency is only partial and looks weird). also, i'd like to be able to skin the side bar, possible? (custom skin, not their included ones)
now i can act like im using a bad windows os thank you I have been looking for this for 10 years
lol
windows vista is still better than 10
@@thesurfacepen "Wrong, wrong, wrong."
You know, I think this guy is actually pretty funny. The Rick Astley username just shows it.
yeah
That's what I did before I saw your video and I also installed classic shell but I need more info, so thanks!
Thanks for the video, and the links to Open Shell. I've been, and still am using Classic Shell, and have been looking all over the place for the real links to Open Shell, so I could update. I've been using Classic Shell, ever since it came out, and have it on all of my machines. Can't stand win10's tablet looking interface.
still my favorite design!
Love your videos!!!
I'm definitely going to try this on my computer at work and see if anyone notices. I really miss Vista's gorgeous looks but still want to keep modern support and functionality.
Thanks buddy I knew something was off on my task bar lol. I did this before on my old computer but couldn't figure out what was wrong.
Finally I can get the most secure and beautiful windows
Edit: Gonna use this on my AME (Customized Security) Windows 10
3:28 Rick Astley On User Name
Bruh
Yup.
@David he was trying to be funny, and i got it.
plot twist: michael mjd is actually rick astley
Hold Shift while right clicking a file in explorer to see advanced options in the menu, like copy file path, or run as different user.
Great video Michael!!
Username=Rick Astley. Nice
Vista has a different version of the Segoe UI font which you never changed
@Mr. Person Guy You can do it safely using WinAeroTweaker.
I grew up on Vista as a young teenager. So many memories …I want it back 😞
i do agree.. so nostalgic. widgets, media center, the backgrounds.. connect to consoles… windows live messenger.. so sad. :c
The more Windows evolves, the more we miss XP, Vista and Se7en. Miss you guys, you made our childhood, now we have something to feel like you, but you are not there now.❤
Micheal: mhhh i need a name for the VM
Micheal 3 seconds later: rick astley
thanks michael for rickrolling me lol
Hell yes ima do this to my pc and laptop. I love the nostalgia
You can also use the aero lite theme wich is hidden by default, but you can activate this theme in winaero tweaker.
Oh wow I’ve done this already several years ago, this a really good guide for this.
Edit: sorry, English is not my first language.
I like how u put Cities Skylines as the default wallpaper
Another tip is to select *combine taskbar items > never* in taskbar settings. Combined taskbar icons wasn't introduced until 7.
Half hour MichaelMJD video,popcorn and juice ready
10:01 Rick Astley HAHAHAH
Make Manjaro look like Vista haha.
If you wanna take it to the extreme you can disable DWM and enable Basic theme.
I LOVE IT! Not a big fan of the layout and design of Windows 10 so I have decided to stick with Windows 7 for now. I know I will have to upgrade in the future. Do you have a video tutorial like this that will make W10 look like W7? I looked on your video tab and I can't find anything. I may be passing it without knowing.
Did Michael just rickroll us because his VM Username's literally called Rick Astley?
xD
is it just me or why do I see you Rick Ashley on the top of the start menu nearby documents
this is useful for me because i just got windows 10 and am mad at how simple it is and want to make it more comfterble for me since im a vista user
Is there a tweak to open the network and sharing centre when right clicking on the network icon in the system tray instead of the pointless windows 10 network thing?
2:19 haha rick astley
2:28 _bruh_
Windows Vista is the best! I was looking for a video like this.
Well, i use open shell, ( i used your guide for making it look like windows xp) so i can just change the settings on it from xp to vista if i want. You just make the taskbar black, get the right start button, set the menu, and tada. On the window frames, i got an aero theme (which i use for xp as it looks more like it than aero) but you can change the settings and make it ice blue, like vista with aero off. Get a program to change the sounds, I don’t care about the icons, and tada
Vista's usage is only 0.39% so most people don’t seem to be missing it as nearly all upgraded to 7 even before Vista ended mainstream support in 2012 which was also when 7 overtook XP. It was only in the last few years Vista’s decline slowed right down after ending support in 2017 but few if any viruses ever got created for it
I love the look of vista but I don’t want to install all the stuff that needs to be installed it looks shady...
Ah ok thanks
That is true
this maked my windows desktop look way better than windows 10 default. thanks very much dude
I grew up with windows vista and it was my first ever laptop so thank you for telling me how to make my windows 10 look like windows vista
did anyone notice that his username was "Rick Astley"? XD
The Classic Shell was useful in Windows 8 since Windows 8 didn't have a start menu
Great video my man, subbing.
There are also programs to change the start up sound to make it be more vista like