Microsoft has completely removed the classic Start Menu in Windows 7 and the users have no choice but to use the modern Start Menu. If you have become comfortable with the classic style of Start Menu and want to use it in Windows 7, then you have to install the open source Classic Shell which imitates the classic Start Menu. Here is how :
- Download Classic Shell from http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/.
- Run the setup by running ClassicShellSetup_2_8_1.exe (the file name may be different). Immediately after the installation, you would be able to use the classic Start Menu.
- To change various settings related to the classic Start Menu, right click on the Start Menu orb (on the bottom-left) and choose Settings as shown,
- In the Settings window, you can choose options from a huge plethora of options. You can choose what happens when you click on the Start Menu orb or when you press the Windows logo key. You can show what items are to be shown on the classic Start Menu. You can choose the skin of the Start Menu. And many more options.
If later you want to access the modern Windows 7 Start Menu, you will have to press the Shift key while clicking on the Start Menu orb on the bottom-left of your screen. If you want to open the modern Windows 7 Start Menu using the Windows logo key, then you would have to press Shift + Windows logo key instead of just the Windows logo key. Of course, this behaviour can be changed through the Settings window.