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Expanding on How can I make Windows 8 use the classic theme? and Windows 10 TenForums: Windows Classic Look Theme in Windows 10 -- how does one use Windows 10 with the old classic theme?

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There's a Windows 10 theme over at DeviantArt but it does not work with the final RTM:

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Also, your vote over at Windows 10 UserVoice: Windows Classic Look Theme in Windows 10 would be much appreciated.

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  • 1
    Have you tried any of those solutions? They might do it.
    – Jared Allard
    Commented Aug 6, 2015 at 21:55
  • How to change Theme, Lock Screen & Wallpaper in Windows 10
    – DavidPostill ♦
    Commented Aug 6, 2015 at 22:10
  • 1
    @JaredAllard yes, I tried Anixx' solution but it broke my system and I had to reinstall.
    – Mark Boulder
    Commented Aug 8, 2015 at 14:40
  • @DavidPostill I'm afraid it's not that easy when it comes to the old classic theme.
    – Mark Boulder
    Commented Aug 8, 2015 at 14:40
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    @MarkBoulder Option 1 from Anixx' solution worked for me when using the "enable classic theme now (for new processes only)" option, I didn't try the permanent install.
    – Luna
    Commented Aug 13, 2015 at 21:51

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
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Have a look at this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=113024&p=777781&hilit=classictheme#p777781

They're discussing/testing how to modify windows binary files to "get back" to classic interface by "unusual" methods, rather than just turning colors into gray! But it appears to be very complex due to totally different structure of explorer, windows manager and whatelse in Windows 10 w.r.t. previous versions. Note: be sure to create a restore point before running ClassicTheme.exe for testing! It can screw up whole interface!

For the start menu, things are easier thanks to ClassicShell: http://www.classicshell.net/gallery/

Additionally, try googling for: Classic AE by Saarineames (download from deviantart) Aero Lite Theme (among other things, make windows border larger than one pixel, for better resize and better visibility)

You can also play (carefully) with registry keys:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\DWM (you can add AccentColorInactive key here, or edit existing keys)
  • KEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/get-colored-window-title-bar-windows-10

Ultimate Windows Tweaker is also an amazing tool:

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/image-gallery-for-uwt4

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On Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 1903 and above I suggest to use Explorer Patcher and ClassicThemeTray:

Windows 11 in classic theme, with the help of ExplorerPatcher and OpenShell

Check this GitHub discussion for a detailed tutorial.

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  • Why is the downvote?
    – Anixx
    Commented Nov 7, 2021 at 19:21
  • This really, really should have been the accepted answer. Very nice solution by integrating ExplorerPatcher and OpenShell!
    – march_happy
    Commented Mar 12, 2022 at 8:31
  • @march_happy thanks. Updated this as EP now supports latest versions of Win10 as well.
    – Anixx
    Commented Mar 12, 2022 at 12:56
  • This is looking very interesting, but unfortunately it looks like you have to build it yourself.
    – convert
    Commented Dec 31, 2022 at 21:10
  • @convert build what?
    – Anixx
    Commented Jan 1, 2023 at 4:00
1

Its impossible to change it to:

Windows XP

If you are REALLY desperate for the classic theme, downgrade to Windows 7. Or go along with this

Windows 8 Version of classic

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