Welcome to Windows Reversed home page!

Windows Reversed - Project for restoring (or emulating) Aero in new systems.

But why?

Because why not? Aero was once the pinnacle or at least one of the most beautiful and visually appealing interfaces ever created by Microsoft. This design is not only beautiful, it is associated with former warm times for many users to this day.

Our main project - Windows 7 Reversed

Windows 7 Reversed build is a complete recreation of Windows 7 interface based on Windows 10 LTSC 2021.

Features of Windows 7 Reversed:

  • Fully restored Windows 7 interface with support for all visual effects
  • Desktop gadgets
  • Classic Start Menu
  • Classic games
  • Fully restored support center
  • DirectX 12 support and modern games
  • Security updates from Microsoft
  • Improved performance compared to original Windows 7

MSN Messenger works again!

The Escargot service allows you to use MSN Messenger again on modern systems. Connect with old friends and remember the old times!

Go to Escargot

Windows 7 Reversed

Windows 7 Reversed build is a complete recreation of Windows 7 interface based on Windows 10 LTSC 2021.

Advantages of Windows 7 Reversed

  • Fully restored Windows 7 interface with support for all visual effects
  • Desktop gadgets
  • Classic Start Menu
  • Classic games
  • Fully restored support center and partially control panel
  • DirectX 12 support and modern games
  • Security updates from Microsoft
  • Improved performance compared to original Windows 7
  • Hardware support released after 2020
  • Built-in protection against modern threats

System requirements

  • Processor: 2-core 1.5 GHz or higher
  • RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
  • Disk space: 25 GB for installation
  • Graphics card: DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver
  • Screen resolution: 1024x768 or higher

Interface features

Windows 7 Reversed includes all original Windows 7 interface elements:

  • Old network control center
  • Classic Start Menu
  • Aero Glass effects for windows
  • Desktop gadgets
  • Support center
  • Windows 7 system sounds and notifications
Download Windows 7 Reversed

Aero Reversed ++

Windows Aero Reversed - guide to recreating Aero effects in Windows 10 yourself, without using ready-made builds.

The Aero effect in Windows was advanced for its time. But fashion has changed: instead of voluminous and realistic design (skeuomorphism), everyone fell in love with minimalism - a simpler and flatter style. Because of this, the original Aero was eventually abandoned.

However, its appearance can be partially emulated on modern versions of Windows using registry tweaks, custom themes and third-party software.

Important warning: Before applying any tweaks and themes, it is strongly recommended to create a system restore point. This is your main insurance mechanism in case of errors.

Step 1: Theme, glass emulation program, Explorer7

Theme

The optimal choice is probably Aero10. This is currently the best theme for implementing Aero on Windows 10/11. You are given a choice between two styles - Vista and 7, and which one to install is up to you. We will use style 7.

Move all contents of the Themes folder (from the theme archive) to the system directory:

C:\Windows\Resources\Themes

But don't rush to apply. For third-party themes to work in modern versions of Windows, a patcher is needed. The best solution is SecureUxTheme. Download the latest version of the program from its official GitHub repository.

Aero10 Theme SecureUxTheme

Aero effect program

OpenGlass Legacy is a specialized tool for recreating transparency visual effects (Aero glass effect) in Windows 10-11 systems.

OpenGlass Legacy

Shell program

Explorer7 (also known as Ex7forW8) - This is a set of tools that replaces the standard Windows 10/11 shell with the shell from Windows 7. It is important to understand that we are talking about the shell - that is, the explorer.exe process, which is responsible for the desktop, taskbar and Start Menu.

Explorer7

Step 2: Windhawk Modifications

To get started, you need to go to the official Windhawk website at https://windhawk.net and click the "Download" button to download the program installer. Run the downloaded file and follow the installer wizard prompts, which will guide you through the entire process.

After installation is complete, the Windhawk application will open automatically. Now in its interface, use search to find the following modifications:

Basic Themer
Applies the classic Windows Basic theme to desktop windows.
Disk Pie Chart
Replaces the graph in disk properties with a pie chart.
Favorites in Navigation Pane
Replaces Windows 10's "Quick Access" with "Favorites" in the navigation pane.
Old This PC Commands
Restores using Control Panel instead of "Settings" for commands in "This PC".
Restore Button Pulse Animation
Restores button pulse animation like in Windows Vista/7.
Classic Winver
Allows restoring the Winver dialog from different Windows versions.
DWM Unextend Frames
Makes applications think that DWM is disabled.
Fix Basic Caption Text
Fixes incorrect caption colors in windows without DWM and UIRibbon.
Open With – Remove Microsoft Store Menu Item
Removes the "Search in Microsoft Store" item from the "Open with" menu.
Text Replace
Replaces any text with other text in any program.
Custom Desktop Watermark
Allows you to set your own watermark text on the desktop.
Eradicate Immersive Menus
Removes "immersive" menus throughout the system.
Legacy File Copy
Restores the file copy dialog from Windows 7.
Resource Redirect
Allows setting alternative files for loading resources (e.g., icons) for easy theming without changing system files.
Transparent Screensaver Fix
Allows transparent screensavers to display the desktop again.
UIRibbon Caption Icon Fix
Fixes the position of the caption icon in UIRibbon.
Windows 7 Style UAC Dim
Restores desktop dimming when UAC prompts, like in Windows 7.
Windows 7/8.x Alt+Tab Loader
Loads Alt+Tab switching from Windows 7/8.x into Windows 10.

Tip: Install Windhawk and find these modifications in the program's mod store. Installing each mod usually takes just a few clicks!

How to use Windhawk mods:

  1. Install and run Windhawk
  2. Go to the "Mod Store" tab
  3. Use search to find the needed modifications by name
  4. Click "Install" for each mod you want to install
  5. After installation, activate the mod using the toggle switch
  6. Restart Explorer (or reboot the computer) to apply changes
Go to Windhawk website

Software

As part of the Windows Reversed project, we develop special programs for Windows.

AeroAutoPlay
Emulation of autoplay from Windows 7 and Vista.
ClassicAutoPlay
Same thing, but with interface from Windows XP.
Wallpaper Manager
Program for managing desktop wallpapers without using Explorer. Supports slideshow.

MSN Messenger works again!

The Escargot service allows you to use MSN Messenger again on modern systems. Connect with old friends and remember the old times!

Go to Escargot

Download Windows Reversed

All Windows Reversed builds are distributed for free and available for download via the links below.

Windows 7 Reversed
Complete recreation of Windows 7 interface based on Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
Download (4.2 GB)

System requirements: 64-bit processor, 4 GB RAM, 25 GB free disk space, DirectX 9 compatible graphics card.

Help & Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows Reversed as the main system?

Yes, all Windows Reversed builds install as full operating systems. A clean installation is recommended. It's worth knowing that this is just a build, many things may be unstable.

Will my hardware work?

Since Windows Reversed is based on Windows 10 LTSC 2021, it supports all modern hardware, unlike original Windows XP/Vista/7.

How to restore the original Windows 10 interface?

To put it briefly - not at all. The original interface can be restored in parts, but not completely.

Discord Community

Join our Discord server to discuss builds, troubleshoot, and share experiences:

Join Discord Server

Instructions

Detailed installation and setup instructions are available in the Aero Reversed ++ section.

Technical Support

If you have problems installing or using Windows Reversed builds, contact our Discord server for help. Our community is always ready to help!

Featured Links

Links for site navigation and third-party resources