The 6 Best Features in Windows 7

As the successor to the widely derided Windows Vista, Windows 7 introduced several new features that forever changed Microsoft's flagship operating system. Here's an overview of the best additions to Windows 7 and why they're still relevant today.

Windows Taskbar

The Windows 7 taskbar makes Windows user-friendly. For example, you can pin items to the taskbar so that you can open your frequently used programs at any time with a single click. Right-clicking a pinned item brings up the jump list, which gives you quick access to recently opened files and important program settings.

Windows Action Center

Although the Windows Action Center came into its own with Windows 10, it first made an appearance in Windows 7. Accessed via the little flag in the lower-right corner, the Action Center alerts you when something needs your attention. For example, it lets you know when your firewall is disabled and occasionally reminds you to create backups of your hard drive.

Windows Aero Interface

Windows Aero is the design language used for the Windows 7 interface. Aside from touchscreen support, its biggest innovation, translucent windows, allows you to keep an eye on your desktop at all times. Features such as Aero Snap, Aero Peek, and Aero Shake let you resize and move open windows with more flexibility than ever before.

Windows Themes

Themes were available with Vista, but they're even better in Windows 7. Themes are packages of desktop backgrounds and system sounds that personalize your experience. Prepacked themes are available in the Control Panel, and you can download additional ones from Microsoft. You can also change your desktop background to any image on your computer.

Windows Search

Clicking the Start menu opens a search box to help you quickly find files and programs on your PC. Search results aren't only presented as one huge list; they're grouped into categories such as Programs, Music, and Documents. This search feature, while not as fast as in Windows 10, is faster than the Window Vista and Windows XP file explorers.

Windows Gadgets

Another feature that was technically introduced in Vista is Windows gadgets. These gadgets are widgets that run on your desktop sidebar. You can install gadgets for Windows 7 that let you track the weather, monitor CPU usage, and update your social media feeds.