Windows 10 Transformation Pack Review

good
key review info
application features
  • Get a glimpse of Windows 10
  • (5 more, see all...)

As you know, Microsoft has recently launched the Technical Preview of Windows 10, the edition which will mark the next evolutionary step from Windows 8. Those of you curious enough have probably installed it by now to get a glimpse of the new and promising operating system.

However, those who don't want to take the risk of unwillingly triggering stability issues may take a look at Windows 10 Transformation Pack instead, a simple application that borrows elements from Windows 10. It comes loaded with a Start Menu, system fonts, Charms Bar, Metro Start Screen for Windows older than 8, multiple desktops, and other nifty features. The program is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.1, and reserves specific functions for each type of operating system.

Configure settings to install the Windows 10 look

The entire customization has to be made before installing Windows 10 Transformation Pack. Before doing so, however, it is recommended to create a system restore point or OS image backup to be able to restore Windows to its original configuration later if it comes across any stability issues.

It is possible to transform system files with or without repair checking, set the system font to default, Segoe UI, Segoe UI Light or Tahoma, as well as enable the immersive UI if running Windows XP, Vista or 7 by setting up the Charms Bar (via RocketDock) or Metro Start Screen (via WinMetro or Newgen).

Configure settings to install Windows 10 Transformation Pack
Configure settings to install Windows 10 Transformation Pack

When it comes to features specifically designed for Windows 10, the tool can be asked to enlarge the icons (for XP only), install the multiple desktops feature (i.e. "Virtual Desktop"), apply the Aero frame UI (not available while Windows Aero is running), as well as integrate the Start Menu (via Start Menu Reviver, for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 only) along with Aero's automatic colorization (for Windows Vista and 7 only).

Since this is an ad-supported application, Windows 10 Transformation Pack offers to make some changes to the web browsers. However, users can easily avoid this by just clearing the checkbox from the bottom part of the screen. What's more, the tool requires a system reboot when installing it, making any changes afterward, and when uninstalling it.

Start Menu looks and features

Just like in the Windows 10 Technical Preview, everything has a streamlined look now. However, users should keep in mind that the Start Menu Reviver is not identical to the one in Windows 10 Technical Preview, but merely offers a glimpse of it in terms of functionality.

Shortcuts for files and applications can be added to the Start menu as tiles, set to run with administrative privileges, accompanied by an image, customized in color, as well as arranged in the menu by dragging them around and creating groups with multiple items in a single tile. Tiles can be edited and easily reset to their original layout.

Expand the Start Menu
Expand the Start Menu

What’s more, Start Menu Reviver shows the current user's picture and provides access to the "Control Panel" area for changing settings in addition to "My Computer," libraries, user files, network and sharing center, "Control Panel," "Task Manager" and "Run" functions. Extra system locations can be accessed too, and a search function is available on the bottom side.

As far as the Start Menu options are concerned, it is possible to change the UI language, disable it from automatically running at system startup, check for updates at program startup, disable animations, customize the menu size, replace the tile menu with the expanded menu, show recent items in the folder view, as well as alter the theme style, forbid the search box from running commands, and more.

Virtual desktops and other features

Once Sysinternals Desktops is installed, Windows 10 Transformation Pack provides the possibility to create up to four desktops with a different layout for shortcuts and active windows. They can be selected either from the system tray or by triggering key combinations previously defined by the user. Once again, this feature only resembles Windows 10 Technical Preview in functionality, since the new operating system presents the multiple desktops in a different manner.

Windows 10 Transformation Pack comes prepared with several themes and wallpapers to match the new Windows 10 look. Each active frame is accompanied by drop shadow and wrapped in borderless windows, while the Windows Explorer and folders get new icons with a streamlined appearance.


The Good

The application worked well on Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8.1 Pro during our tests. It can be installed on computers running Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8/8.1, both 32- and 64-bit architecture types.

No error dialogs popped up, and the tool did not hang or crash in our evaluation. CPU and RAM consumption was minimal.

It supports multiple languages and monitors. The package includes a Start menu, virtual desktops tool, new wallpapers and icons, along with various graphical elements inspired from the Windows 10 Technical Preview. The configuration settings are pretty intuitive.

The Bad

Its response time is not that great when it comes to executing simple commands.

The tool is not entirely original since it "borrows" the Start Menu Reviver, Sysinternals Desktops, Charms Bar from RocketDock, as well as the Metro Start Screen from WinMetro and Newgen.

The Truth

Bottom line is that Windows 10 Transformation Pack provides users with a convenient solution to try out new features in the upcoming Windows 10. However, it is not faithful to the original features that we have seen in the technical preview, so you still need to install it.

NOTE: You can also read our previous review for Windows 8 Transformation Pack 7.0.

user interface 4
features 3
ease of use 4
pricing / value 5


final rating 3
Editor's review
good
 

Windows 10 Transformation Pack (10 Images)

Configure settings to install Windows 10 Transformation PackOpen and view the Start MenuExpand the Start MenuCustomize Start Menu settingsCustomize Start Menu settings
+5more