As we all know Microsoft is currently working on its upcoming OS Windows 8 and a free Release Preview (RC) build of Windows 8 is available for download:
Windows 8 Release Preview (RC Build) Released, Download Now
Windows 8 comes with new Metro UI which provides clean and refreshing interface to users. We have shared many Windows 8 Metro UI inspired themes for Windows 7 in past which can be downloaded from our exclusive Themes and Wallpapers section.
When Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Beta) build was released, we shared a look-like theme for Windows 7 which can be downloaded using following link:
Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Beta) Theme for Windows 7
Now in the latest Release Preview build, Microsoft has modified Windows 8 UI a lot. There are updated titlebar buttons, Explorer back/forward buttons and much more.
So today in this article, we are going to share a Windows 8 Release Preview look-like theme for Windows 7 users. This theme has been created by "mare-m" @ DA. Thanks to our reader "Diego" for sharing it.
According to the developer, this theme is a direct port of Windows 8 Release Preview theme to Windows 7. This theme provides an excellent UI to Windows 7 and makes Windows 7 look-like Windows 8 Release Preview.
Following is a preview of this theme in action:
As you can see in the above screenshot, Windows 7 is looking almost similar to Windows 8 Release Preview.
As a bonus, this theme also comes with original Windows 8 cursors and wallpapers. You don't need to install or apply them manually, this theme will automatically install and apply them.
You can download the theme using following link:
Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file using 7-Zip or any other file archiving software and you'll get 2 folders:
- Windows 8 Extras
- Windows 8 Themes
"Windows 8 Themes" folder contains the actual theme, cursors and wallpapers which can be applied using following tutorial:
How to Use 3rd Party Themes in Windows 7?
"Windows 8 Extras" folder contains resources to change Explorer navigation buttons (back/forward) and new fonts present in Windows 8.
If you face problems while applying the theme, navigation buttons, etc, check out following article to learn how to use the stuff present in the downloaded pack:
Download Windows 8 RTM Theme for Windows 7
To know more about how to replace system files in Windows, check out following tutorials:
Add "Take Ownership" Option in Files and Folders Context Menu in Windows
[Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a File or Folder Manually in Windows?
If you are a Windows 7 user but like the new Windows 8 UI, you should definitely give this theme a try. Feel free to share your feedback about this theme in comments...
Posted by: Vishal Gupta | Categories: Themes & Wallpapers, Windows 7
Kyle
FIRST!!!!
NICE THEME
Patchrick
wow! i'm after for the cursors! it looks stylish! and i got the mail sir vg, thank you very much!!!!
Carl Vergara
Awesome Theme... I like it...
AMIEL
where exactly is the ribbon UI in this theme? Is the ribbon UI not implementable in windows 7?
leomate
^
Maybe Hard coded at OS core. So you cannot ported easily. But maybe with 3rd apps
Asrin475
Mmm... Excellent VG! & Thanks "mare-m"
VG
@AMIEL
RIbbon UI resources are stored in various DLL files not in msstyles file. If you want ribbon UI in Windows 7, check following:
http://www.askvg.com/transform-windows-7-into-windows-8-vnext-without-using-customization-pack/
Neeraj
It's Up Button not working in windows 7 Bulid 7601 version service pack 1
please help me.
VG
^^ There is no Up button in Windows 7 Explorer. You can add it using Classic Shell.
Neeraj
how to use classic shell for adding up button in explorer....
please help me
and thank you for your other articles
VG
^^ Check following:
http://www.askvg.com/classic-shell-get-classic-start-menu-and-explorer-toolbar-buttons-cut-copy-paste-etc-back-in-windows-vista-and-7/
Lynn
wow! this looks exactly like window 8 previews that i install before (i uninstall it because it has no sound)..now i can get this theme easily without installing that preview thing again..thank you very much :D
RA
The theme, sounds, cursors, fonts and scrollbars are all great, however, using the custom explorer breaks file open boxes.
RA
Actually, never mind, I installed it wrong. Working great now!
kunal
awasome i like it very much
ankur
Is there a Win8RC look like theme for win8RTM, or EIGHT VG theme for win8 ??
VG
^^ I have not started creating or sharing themes for Windows 8 yet. So wait for some time. ;)
Kitten S.
Oh, wow. I am using this right now on my (step dad's) laptop with Windows 7.
Knowing the applications I use (Glass Notepad, anyone?), Windows 8's full RTM theme is annoying me!!