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Classic Start Menu on Windows 7

Published: April 28, 2010
Updated: December 22, 2015
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Windows 7 does not offer an option for a classic start menu; this is the first version of Windows since Windows 95 that has not had this Start Menu, so it may be missed. However, a reasonable facsimile of the classic Start Menu can be created by following the instructions below. Modification of the Windows Registry is required to complete this process, so it is recommend only for Advanced Users.

1. Click Start and choose Run. Type regedit and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

3. Double-click the Favorites entry. Replace the existing path with the following: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

4. Now navigate to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

5. Double-click the Favorites entry. Replace the existing path with the following: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

6. Close Regedit and restart the PC.

Now when browsing the Start Menu a Programs menu should be visible on the right side. Hover the cursor over Programs and a very familiar menu will appear.

If the above steps are completed and the Programs menu is not visible, then the Start Menu settings will need adjustment. Right-click the start button and choose Properties. On the Start Menu tab, choose Customize. Locate the entry for the Favorites menu and ensure its check box is clicked; follow this by pressing OK twice. The Programs menu should now be available.