Classic Shell: Forum

When you want to change WiFi networks on Windows 8 or 10, I could not find a way to make the WiFi list show up like Windows 7. Winaero tweaker only goes back to Windows 8, so is there a way to do this?

I'd kill for this, or (better yet) the Vista-style Wi-Fi connection dialogue.

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I'm sorry for getting your hopes up, only to shatter them. Best wishes, wherever you're all headed next.

I'm actually very surprised that no one has found a way to fix it yet at this point with all the tools that make Windows 8 look like windows 7. This seems like it would be one of the first things to be done.

Yes I agree, this would indeed be nice to have but then Classic Shell limits its scope to Start Menu and Explorer addons. Fixing the rest of the OS is a major undertaking. A LOT of functionality of the notification area (system tray) is crippled in Windows 10. Volume flyout is crap and can't show more than one output device. The volume control options are removed. Power flyout is shit and doesn't let you quickly change the power plan unless you use the Registry tweak to revert to the older power applet. Action Center/Notifications UI is a disaster. The Network flyout is the WORST.

After Windows 7, overall the Network flyout UI has been crippled more and more and remains utterly broken in Windows 10:


- The Windows 7 pane was compact, pretty, colorful, elegant, informative and well structured.
- From this pane in Windows 7, you could access a folder to manage the order of wireless networks. This folder itself got removed in Windows 8 with no GUI way now to delete wireless profiles. Microsoft tells you to use the command line!
- From this pane in Windows 7, you could access the Network adapter's Status dialog and access the WiFi connection Properties. Both these are removed in Windows 8+.
- From this pane in Windows 7, you could see Virtual Wi-Fi (hosted wireless) connections when they were started. This functionality is also removed in Windows 8+
- From this pane in Windows 8, you could set a connection as metered. This is removed in Windows 10's Network flyout but if you revert to the Windows 8 version by taking permissions of registry keys and editing a value, it is possible.
- From this pane in Windows 8, you could quickly see estimated data usage. This is removed in Windows 10's Network flyout but if you revert to the Windows 8 version by taking permissions of registry keys and editing a value, it is possible.
- Earlier, you could connect to a VPN quickly. In Windows 10, you need 4 clicks just to get the VPN list and 6 clicks to connect.

Your best option is to remain with Windows 7 if such regressions in user interface productivity affect your workflow.

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Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

I would, but bluetooth support sucks on windows 7. I actually tried it, but made an annoying buzzing sound when playing audio on my LG tone+ headphones. That reason alone is what pushed me off Windows 7. Bluetooth headphones are just too useful.

Isn't Bluetooth functionality dependent on the driver you use? The driver model hasn't changed after Vista so it's just a matter of finding the right driver.

Update: It looks like Windows 8 added support for Bluetooth audio profiles out-of-the-box and Bluetooth low energy too (for mouse, keyboards etc). These are significant improvements.

_________________
Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

Maybe, but I did install the drivers from the dell page and still had issues. All I know is that dealing with Bluetooth drivers on Windows 7 was a pain in the butt and it was resolved in at least 8.1 . I also had reduced battery life, so that was another good reason that made me switch.

Maybe it was a placebo or something because this benchmark shows otherwise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAbEkHfx8FA

weird.

Maybe I'll experiment with Windows 7 again later. It would be nice to have the best looking OS in the series.

Although with all the themes and tweaks for Windows 8.1, maybe that would be a good place to stay. The only thing missing from Windows 8.1 is the ability to disable the flyout, otherwise, it's a solid OS with years of community support. Sure metro apps are useless, but I don't have to use them.