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Windows 10 is the latest operating system from Microsoft that comes with a range of new features and improvements. However, if you are still using Windows 8, it can feel outdated. The good news is that you can make your Windows 8 look like Windows 10 without upgrading your operating system. This is possible by using third-party software and a bit of customization. In this blog post, I will show you how to make Windows 8 look like Windows 10.
The reason why you may want to do this is because of the added benefits that come with Windows 10, such as faster boot times, better security features, and enhanced user interface. By making Windows 8 look like Windows 10, you will be able to enjoy these benefits without spending money on an expensive upgrade. Without any further ado, let’s get started.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you get started, you will need the following:
- A Windows 8 computer/laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Third-party software (which will be discussed in detail later in this blog post)
- Basic knowledge of how to install and use software applications on your computer
What Requires Your Focus?
When trying to make Windows 8 look like Windows 10, there are a few areas that you should focus on. These include:
- The Start Menu: Windows 10 has a new Start Menu that combines elements of the traditional Windows 7 Start Menu with the Windows 8 Live Tiles. You will need to customize the Start Menu on your Windows 8 to look like the one on Windows 10.
- Taskbar: The taskbar on Windows 8 is quite different from the taskbar on Windows 10. You will need to make some changes to your taskbar to make it look like the one on Windows 10.
- Visual style: Windows 10 has a modern and flat design language. You will need to download and install a theme or skin that makes your Windows 8 look like Windows 10.
- Icons and wallpapers: You will need to download and install icons and wallpapers that resemble those found on Windows 10.
Different Methods to Make Windows 8 Look Like Windows 10
Method 1: Using Start Menu Reviver
If you want a Start Menu that looks like the one on Windows 10, then Start Menu Reviver is the perfect software for you. This third-party application enables you to add and customize the Start Menu on your Windows 8 computer. Here’s how to use it:
- Open your browser and visit the Start Menu Reviver website.
- Click the "Download Now" button to download the software.
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
- Launch Start Menu Reviver on your desktop.
- You can now customize your Start Menu by adding tiles, changing colors and more. You can also import tiles from your Windows 10 Start Menu.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Customizable
Cons:
- Some features are only available in the paid version
Method 2: Using Classic Shell
Classic Shell is another third-party software that will help you to customize your Windows 8 to look like Windows 10. It enables you to add a Start Menu, change the taskbar, and customize other features of your operating system. Here’s how to use it:
- Visit the Classic Shell website and download the software.
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
- Launch Classic Shell on your desktop.
- Select the Start Menu style you want. You can choose from the Classic, Windows 7, or Windows 10 style.
- You can now customize other features of your operating system like the taskbar and visual style.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Customizable
- Supports different Start Menu styles
Cons:
- Can be a bit complicated for beginners
Method 3: Using Rainmeter
Rainmeter is a popular software that enables you to customize the desktop of your Windows 8 computer. With Rainmeter, you can add skins or widgets that display information like clock, weather, and system performance. You can also customize the icons and visual style of your operating system. Here’s how to use it to make Windows 8 look like Windows 10:
- Visit the Rainmeter website and download the software.
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
- Launch Rainmeter on your desktop.
- Select the skins or widgets that you want to add to your desktop. You can download them from the Rainmeter website.
- You can now customize other features of your operating system by adding icons and changing the visual style.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Customizable
- Supports different widgets and skins
Cons:
- Can be a bit complicated for beginners
Why Can’t I Make Windows 8 Look Like Windows 10?
If you are facing issues while trying to make your Windows 8 look like Windows 10, here are some possible reasons why:
1. Limited customization options:
The level of customization that you can achieve on Windows 8 is limited compared to Windows 10. Some features on Windows 10 cannot be replicated on Windows 8.
Fix:
You can try to use third-party software or skins that enable you to customize your operating system to resemble Windows 10. This will enable you to achieve a similar user experience to Windows 10.
2. Incompatibility issues:
The third-party applications or skins that you are using may not be compatible with your version of Windows 8. This can lead to errors or system crashes.
Fix:
You should check the system requirements of any third-party software or skins before installing them on your computer. You can also check online forums or support pages to see if there are any fixes for compatibility issues.
3. Lack of technical knowledge:
Customizing your operating system can be complicated, especially if you don’t have the technical knowledge required to do so.
Fix:
You can watch tutorials or read online guides that provide step-by-step instructions on how to customize your Windows 8 to look like Windows 10. You can also seek help from technical forums or support pages.
Implications and Recommendations
Making your Windows 8 look like Windows 10 can enhance your user experience and enable you to enjoy some of the benefits that Windows 10 offers. However, it is important to note that third-party software or skins can pose some security risks. You should only download and install software or skins from trusted sources. Here are some recommendations:
- Backup your data before installing third-party software or skins to minimize the risk of data loss.
- Download software or skins from trusted sources to avoid malware or viruses.
- Read online reviews or check user feedback before installing software or skins.
- Always keep your operating system and software applications up to date to improve stability and security.
5 FAQs about Making Windows 8 Look Like Windows 10
Q1: What are some benefits of making Windows 8 look like Windows 10?
A: By making Windows 8 look like Windows 10, you can enjoy some of the benefits that come with Windows 10 such as better security features, faster boot times, and enhanced user interface.
Q2: Can I make Windows 8 look like Windows 10 without using third-party software?
A: No, it is not possible to make Windows 8 look like Windows 10 without using third-party software or customization tools.
Q3: What are some risks associated with using third-party software?
A: Third-party software can pose security risks such as malware or virus infections. It is important to download and install software only from trusted sources.
Q4: Will making Windows 8 look like Windows 10 slow down my computer?
A: It depends on the software or skins that you install on your computer. However, some software or skins may slow down your computer.
Q5: Can I undo the changes made to my Windows 8 after making it look like Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can undo the changes made to your Windows 8 by uninstalling the third-party software or skins that you installed.
Final Words
Making your Windows 8 look like Windows 10 is possible using third-party software or customization tools. By following the methods discussed in this blog post, you can achieve a similar user experience to Windows 10 without upgrading your operating system. However, it is important to note that using third-party software can pose security risks. Hence, you should take precautionary measures to avoid malware or virus infections.