Did you recently upgrade your operating system from Windows Vista to Windows 7? Are you used to the taskbar functions of Vista and would like to have the same or similar functions in Windows 7? Well, we’re here to help. There are steps you can take to make the taskbar function more like what you are used to.

The Docking-Style Taskbar

The most notable change in Windows 7 is the “dock style” taskbar. This taskbar shows icons in place of what you have been used to – buttons. Now all applications in windows are combined into one button. You are probably wondering how you can revert this back to the taskbar that you are used to in Windows XP or Windows Vista. Let’s walk you through the steps so you can use the taskbar you are used to:

• To get back to the Windows Vista or XP style taskbar, you’ll first need to right-click on any open area of the Windows 7 taskbar and select Properties.

• On the Taskbar drop-down menu, choose “Never combine”. This option will make all windows show up as being a separate button on the Windows 7 taskbar. You can also select “Combine when taskbar is full”. This will function just how it sounds.

• Now you will see the buttons in the style you are more accustomed to, only they will be in the style of Windows 7.

• By selecting the “Use small icons” area from the properties menu, the taskbar will be reduced in size, and will look quite familiar to you. They should now look more like Windows Vista.

• The “pinned” icons will remain on the taskbar, which is different from Windows XP and Vista. You can solve this problem easily by right clicking and selecting “Unpin this program from taskbar”.

• The taskbar will now work and look more like that of Windows Vista.

• If you really want to go old school, you can select “Windows Classic” theme from the Desktop \ Personalize area.

So if you’re looking for all the other features that Windows 7 has to offer, but want your taskbar to function more like what you’re used to, these are the steps you can take to accomplish the task. You may feel like giving the Windows 7 “dock style” taskbar a try, but if you like what you like, we understand. It is nice to have the option of changing your taskbar to operate more like what you’re used to.