I have mixed feelings about the Windows 7 Start bar – sometimes it is really helpful and sometimes it’s a pain in the backside.
Anyway, if you don’t like the new chunky Start bar without the program text, here’s how to change it back to the traditional Windows Start bar.
- Right click on the Start bar and click Properties.
- On the Start Bar tab, tick the “Use small icons” tickbox.
- Then, on the Taskbar Buttons dropdown menu, select “Never combine”.
- Click OK, and the Vista style Start bar will return in all it’s glory, whilst keeping the new Windows 7 features.
In case you’re unsure, take a look at the screenshot below which shows what the Properties box should look like…
There you go!