Guide: How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC
Windows 10 is a dramatic improvement over its predecessors in terms of both speed and stability. But there are sure features which are quite tricky to deal with due to the touch-oriented nature of the operating system. And yes, I’m talking about the apps and Features applet that Microsoft wants us so badly to use. Honestly, I think it’s a nightmare to deal with, especially when it comes to dealing with dozens of installed applications. The old Add or Remove Programs panel was much easier to use. After digging around a bit, I discovered that the Add or Remove Programs panel was still there, albeit hidden. So let’s see How to get to it too. After we do that, let’s take a look at another older one as well features which you can still access through Windows 10. Also read: Features Missing in Windows 10 (and its possible alternatives)
How do I like it?
The Add or Remove Programs pane is not listed in the Start menu, and even searching for it doesn’t get results. However, you can run a command from the Run box and start it. Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run box. Then type appwiz.cpl in the search bar and click OK.
That is it! You should now be able to access the Software panel.
Although you can change and remove programs as you normally would through the Apps & Features applet, note that Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps installed through the Windows Store are not listed in the panel. To remove UWP apps, you have to resort to Apps & Features
Create a shortcut
Do not you worry. You don’t have to run the Run command every time you want to get to the Add / Remove Programs panel. There is a much faster way, and that means creating a shortcut. Step 1: Right-click an empty area of the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
Step 2: Enter appwiz.cpl in the field next to Browse and click Next.
Step 3: Enter a name for the shortcut you will be creating, such as Remove Programs, and click Finish.
Now you can just double click on the shortcut to access the Software panel easily. Yes! Also read: How to Create shortcuts for common tasks on Android without rooting
Another classic Features
Let’s take a look at other older, but useful, features which you can still bring back to Windows 10. Some are simply hidden, but others require a download to get the required functionality.
Control panel
The Control Panel served as an important hub where you could get a bird’s eye view of the various settings and configurations of your PC. Recent Windows 10 updates have made it look like Control Panel doesn’t even exist, but it does feature is still there. Just search for Control Panel from the Start menu or Cortana, and voila! There it is.
For faster access, consider pinning the Control Panel to the Start menu or to the taskbar. And of course you can go to the Add or Remove Programs panel from Control Panel too! Just click Uninstall a program to do that.
Internet Explorer
Windows 10 finally came with a up-to-date browser that could rival the heavyweights in the form of Microsoft Edge, but nothing beats good old Internet Explorer nostalgia. Just like with Control Panel, search for the browser via the Start menu or Cortana and there you have it!
You will notice that the browser is quite outdated, so don’t expect web pages to function perfectly normally when you browse with it. Note: Internet Explorer is not safe, so you may want to use Microsoft Edge or another one up-to-date browser when it comes to personal information.
Desktop Icons
The pre-Windows XP desktop wasn’t as bare as it is now after a new Windows installation. If you missed your computer, control panel, and network icons from the days gone by, you no longer have to be. Let’s take a look at how to get them back. Step 1: Open the settings screen. Search for it in the Start menu and you should be able to find it.
Step 2: On the Settings screen, click Personalization.
Step 3: Click Themes, then click Desktop icon settings.
Step 4: Select the desired icons and click Apply and OK.
It’s actually surprising to see Microsoft still keep these icons, but I’m not complaining! Also read: How I Made My Windows 10 Desktop Look Cooler
Classic paint
While Windows 10 was released with the same classic version of Paint we all know and love, the Creators Update replaced the older version with a newer app called Paint 3D. The former is not listed at all in the list of applications in the Start menu. However, you can still access it via a simple search in the Start menu.
You can also do it mspaint.exe command from the Run box to go to Paint.
Classic calculator
The revamped Windows 10 calculator feels like designed exclusively for touch-based devices. Unfortunately, you won’t find the older calculator as hidden as the other classic features what we talked about. However, you can use a similar calculator, albeit with a slightly different user interface, made by Microsoft itself: Microsoft Calculator Plus. However, Microsoft has decided to do away with this calculator entirely, too, but you can still find a download link on CNET.
Download and install Microsoft Calculator Plus and you should have a calculator very reminiscent of the older ones with both normal and scientific modes. Also read: 6 great calculator apps specifically for iPad, but useful for everyone
Classic volume slider
The new horizontal volume slider isn’t that intuitive. Maybe it is on a touchscreen, but not on a desktop. If you want to get the classic volume bar back in action, you can do that through a simple registry hack. Step 1: Press Windows-R to open the Run box. Type now regedit and click OK to open Registry Editor. Warning: Changing the registry incorrectly can cause Windows 10 to malfunction. To be on the safe side, consider backing upup of the registry before proceeding. To do that, click on File and then Export. Step 2: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE MicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAfter that, right-click on the CurrentVersion folder and select Key.
Step 3: You should see a new folder created under CurrentVersion. Call it like MTCUVCNow select the newly created folder.
Step 4: Right-click on an empty area in the left pane and select DWORD Value (32-BIT).
Step 5: Name the DWORD (32-BIT) value after EnableMtcUvcThe data value should be set to 0, but that’s the default value anyway, so you really don’t need to do anything else.
Exit the Registry Editor and you should now see the classic volume bar up and run! Note: To switch back to the new slider, just go back to the MTCUVC folder and delete the EnableMtcUvc value.
Classic start menu
I wanted to save this for last as nothing beats the old Start menu back in action! Yes, I know there is a Start menu in Windows 10, but to be fair, it has no charm! Download and install ClassicShell – completely free with zero adware – and you can choose between Start menus reminiscent of Windows 98 and Windows 7!
The effects are instantaneous. Enjoy a much compact start menu, direct access to several older ones features, and a shutdown confirmation prompt, just like before! Also read: A fast Guide to get the classic start menu in Windows 10
Enjoy the nostalgia!
Understandably, Windows 10 has to move with the times, but for someone who has grown up with Windows 98, things like the Start menu matter! Apparently Microsoft has gone wild to get rid of as much old one as possible features if they can, so make sure to start with some good old nostalgia from now on. You don’t want to wake up up tomorrow to find your lover features finally removed by a newer update. So what are your thoughts? Let us know in comments.
How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC: benefits
Faq
Final note
I hope you like the guide How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. For our visitors: If you have any queries regards the How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC, then please ask us through the comment section below or directly contact us. Education: This guide or tutorial is just for educational purposes. Misinformation: If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide “How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC”, then kindly contact us. Want to add an alternate method: If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide How to Access Old Classic Features in Windows 10 PC, then kindly contact us. Our Contact: Kindly use our contact page regards any help. You may also use our social and accounts by following us on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter for your questions. We always love to help you. We answer your questions within 24-48 hours (Weekend off). Channel: If you want the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, then here is our Telegram channel.
