Getting The Windows 7/8 Window Animations and X button in version 1709

AeroGlass · 04 Aug 2021

Hello, all! (If this is not allowed in this forum i will remove it)
So i got an old computer running windows 10 version 1709 (Build 16299.1087) I am trying to make it look like Windows 7 (for testing purposes) [I can't get windows 7 on the machine as it's hardware is too new.]

I have gotten really close to getting the look (Screenshot included)

Getting The Windows 7/8 Window Animations and X button in version 1709-untitled.png

The only thing i need to do is get the longer close button and the window animations seen in windows 7/8 back.
Any idea how?

dalchina · 04 Aug 2021

Hi, there are Win 7 themes for Win 10 out there- Deviant Art for example. Some use UXthemepatcher for example. Those that use Aeroglass- which produces frames with configurable opacity and can be set up with Noel's theme for rounded corners- there are various ones to change its appearance- are only valid up to a certain build of 1903, so could work for you. The program seems no longer developed - it needs work for each new build of Win 10.

When I upgraded to 20H2, which meant Aeroglass was incompatible (it also provides buttons with glow effect etc) I changed to use Stardock's Curtains and Iconpackager, which are pretty non-intrusive. The first provides a range of frames and buttons, and allows you to build your own. There are some that attempt to emulate Win 7.

It can produce frames with a degree of opacity.

I found one I like, without making my own, although not identical to Win 7 looks pretty good. Here's my example- you can make out the limited amount of translucency provided by this particular theme:

Getting The Windows 7/8 Window Animations and X button in version 1709-1.jpg

I had been using win 7 icons, but this time opted to get a Vista pack..