Sunday, September 25th 2011
Metro UI Tweaker: Make Windows 8 Look Like Windows 7
For those of you trying out the Windows 8 developer release who already hanker for the old Windows 7 look, help is now at hand! Enter Metro UI Tweaker from The Windows Club. From the screenshots below, you can see that things like the Explorer Ribbon and the Metro Start menu can be turned off. It can do a lot more, however.
Note: This application requires the enabling of .NET Framework 3.5.1 on the Windows 8 developer preview as follows:
1 Fire up Control Panel then click on More Settings and go Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off
2 Select .NET Framework 3.5.1 from the listing and click OK
3 Windows will connect to Windows Update to download the required files
4 When that's done, you're good to go
The tweaks currently being offered are:
1 Disable Metro Start menu: Disables only Metro Start menu screen. This function requires editing a system file. It does not remove the file
2 Disable Metro Ribbon: Disables only the Metro Ribbon UI. It requires taking ownership of a system file. It does not remove this file
3 Disable Metro Start menu and Ribbon: Disables the Metro Start menu UI, Ribbon UI, Metro Task Manager UI and the lock screen
4 Enable Metro Start menu and Ribbon: Re-enables all available Metro UI options
5 Add power options to the Metro Start menu screen: Logoff, Switch User, Lock, Sleep, Restart and Shutdown
6 Add any application/file to the Metro UI Start menu screen: Some applications/files may not be available to you to add to the Metro Start menu screen. This program allows you to add those applications/files which would otherwise be unavailable
When first run, the program will generate a folder in your Windows directory labelled Metro UI Tools. This folder is there to keep your power option apps in place without worrying about them having to be moved. Once generated and the files are unpacked from the program, do not remove the folder or the power apps from this folder as these options will no longer be available and may generate errors. The program works on 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. It's constantly being refined, so check the Windows Club website regularly for updates.
Sources: ZDNet | The Windows Club | Microsoft Developer Preview Intro | Windows 8 Developer ISO download page
1 Fire up Control Panel then click on More Settings and go Programs > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off
2 Select .NET Framework 3.5.1 from the listing and click OK
3 Windows will connect to Windows Update to download the required files
4 When that's done, you're good to go
The tweaks currently being offered are:
1 Disable Metro Start menu: Disables only Metro Start menu screen. This function requires editing a system file. It does not remove the file
2 Disable Metro Ribbon: Disables only the Metro Ribbon UI. It requires taking ownership of a system file. It does not remove this file
3 Disable Metro Start menu and Ribbon: Disables the Metro Start menu UI, Ribbon UI, Metro Task Manager UI and the lock screen
4 Enable Metro Start menu and Ribbon: Re-enables all available Metro UI options
5 Add power options to the Metro Start menu screen: Logoff, Switch User, Lock, Sleep, Restart and Shutdown
6 Add any application/file to the Metro UI Start menu screen: Some applications/files may not be available to you to add to the Metro Start menu screen. This program allows you to add those applications/files which would otherwise be unavailable
When first run, the program will generate a folder in your Windows directory labelled Metro UI Tools. This folder is there to keep your power option apps in place without worrying about them having to be moved. Once generated and the files are unpacked from the program, do not remove the folder or the power apps from this folder as these options will no longer be available and may generate errors. The program works on 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. It's constantly being refined, so check the Windows Club website regularly for updates.
Sources: ZDNet | The Windows Club | Microsoft Developer Preview Intro | Windows 8 Developer ISO download page
32 Comments on Metro UI Tweaker: Make Windows 8 Look Like Windows 7
I for one, don't mind trying out the metro UI for refreshment sake, not that I would use it on my workstation, but trying new things is fun for me.
the same people who whine about win8 are the ones who did for win7 while still holding onto the dinosaurs that is winxp.
why dont microsoft use something that normal, like docking than fill the whole desktop with it
while installing drivers is not a problem getting software to show digital Tv aint so easy
It kinda looks as if Microsoft is going a little TO off base with this jump.
I spend 15 hours a day on my computer, the extra time metro ui alone takes is simply ridiculous. the fact that you need a third party software to remove it is even moreso.
just because your limited imagination doesn't provide you with adequate reasoning as to why some people dislike win 8, doesn't mean your theory holds any water. so continue to insult others even though you have no idea what you are talking about, as that seems to be the goal of the majority of windows 8 defenders!
It's not obvious how you do basics such as shut down the PC and run your programs via the desktop. If this is the future of Windows I don't like it. This is why it's bad when restrictive products like the iPad are wildly successful. :mad: The Apple influence here is obvious.
This little utility is a godsend.
ps anyone tried using win 8 as an ics router? it made me go back to win 7
Easy to configure, make it as Windows 8 or 7 as you like.
In fact, the metro layout is designed for ARM and touch based tablet devices(which makes sense due to lack of KB and mouse), I've used WP7 and i thought the metro interface is quite intuitive, like i said, I wouldnt use it on my workstation, but I have no reason not to try it on my HTPC! life is about choices, and varity of them, you can very much run your win8 the same way as win7 if you choose. i would probably too on my workstation. this is not my "theory" so stop pointing fingers like you've got some sort of grudge against anyone who would give a chance to experience the final product before making judgement.
oh, and one more thing. Quit complaining.
if you can run win 8 in win 7 mode, what is the purpose of this third party software? if there is a simple option in win 8 that does the same thing, why does this even exist?
gates has already said he expects the touch interface to be used by everyone. he thinks touch monitors should be ubiquitous - despite the fact that they are ridiculously tiring to use for any extended period of time.
i like a lot of the features windows 8 offers. i don't like the metro screen. it is locked in unless you use third party software(or edit core files), and classic mode is still win8 with metro, unless hacked.
thanks for schooling me kid, but i know the variety out there and the chance was with the dev preview. of course i will try rcs as well, but with gate's own comments they don't plan to change anything.
in fact, the only way it WOULD be improved is by feedback from people like me, who actually care - rather than people who simply want to insult and demean others just because they have a different point of view. again, grow up.
and please, answer this: do you all really think the only valid comment about windows 8 is a positive one? you people attack everyone who doesn't have something nice to say - no matter how valid their negative feedback. that doesn't hint of intellectual honesty.