Almost all of us are aware of Windows 8 Consumer Preview build which was released free to public by Microsoft recently. Windows 8 comes with lots of new features and GUI changes like new boot screen, login screen, start screen, etc.
Windows 8 login screen is very simple and doesn't feature any eye candy effects like Aero glass reflection, aurora effect, etc. Today we are going to share Windows 8 look-like login screen for Windows 7 users.
This login screen has been created by "PeterRollar" @ DA. This login screen replaces default login screen of Windows 7 with new Windows 8 login screen which looks like following screenshot:
Please NOTE that this login screen can only be used in Windows 7 with SP1 operating system. DON'T try it if you don't have Service Pack 1 in your Windows 7 system. Both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows are supported.
To enjoy this login screen in Windows 7, you just need to follow these simple steps:
1. First download following file:
Download Windows 8 Login Screen for Windows 7
Extract the downloaded RAR file using 7-Zip or WinRAR and you'll get 2 folders:
- x64 Files
- x86 Files
Windows 7 32-bit users will need to use files present in "x86 Files" folder and Windows 7 64-bit users will need to use files present in "x64 Files" folder.
Both folders contains following 2 files which are required to have Windows 8 look-like login screen in Windows 7:
- authui.dll
- basebrd.dll
"authui.dll" file is the main file which will provide Windows 8 login screen in Windows 7. "basebrd.dll" file will only replace Windows 7 branding logo which is displayed in bottom-center of login screen with new Windows 8 branding logo.
2. After extracting the downloaded file, go to "C:\Windows\System32" folder and take ownership of authui.dll file. To take ownership, you can take help of following tutorials:
- How to Add “Take Ownership” Option to File or Folder Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7
- [Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a File or Folder Manually in Windows?
PS: We assume that you have installed Windows 7 in C: drive, if its installed in some other drive in your system, change C:\ to that drive letter.
3. Once you have taken ownership of the file, rename it to some other name like authui_bak.dll
4. Now copy new authui.dll file from the extracted folder to "C:\Windows\System32" folder.
NOTE: 64-bit Windows users will also need to replace "authui.dll" file present in "C:\Windows\SysWOW64" folder.
5. Now go to "C:\Windows\Branding\Basebrd" folder and take ownership of basebrd.dll file.
6. Once you have taken ownership of the file, rename it to some other name like basebrd_bak.dll
7. Now copy new basebrd.dll file from the extracted folder to "C:\Windows\Branding\Basebrd" folder.
8. That's it. Windows will start using the new files and you'll enjoy Windows 8 login screen in Windows 7.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7.
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Ronald
I personally think that the new Windows login looks really ugly. Just sayin.
PMoto
I'm almost decided that Windows 8 is something to avoid. Seriously.
copy
ugly, metro style is worse than windows 1
windows is getting worse by the version, the opposite of linux.
why don't they just make windows 8 in 3d? (like compiz)
MasterDevil
About time i just reinstalled windows 7 today and i missed this one
PinoyRock
I will wait for final release of Windows 8...
sumit_g
looks ugly...IMO
NSDCars5
Ugly, really. Oooh, I so hate blue mixed up with gray with black in it!
Pears
i agree to copy.... microsoft is forgetting fashion sense... its so ugly yak !!!!!!
Akash
its nice,i have changed it now how can i restore the previous win 7 log on screen
VG
^^ Simply rename new files again to some other name and then rename default system files to their original names.