Windows 11 has brought a fresh look with its sleek design and rounded corners. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the familiar feel of Windows 10, you’re in luck! You can tweak Windows 11 to mimic Windows 10 without much hassle. By making a few adjustments to the taskbar, Start menu, and other settings, you can transform your Windows 11 experience to look more like its predecessor. Let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to follow to make this happen.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
We’ll guide you through the process of making Windows 11 look like Windows 10. This involves changing the taskbar settings, tweaking the Start menu, and making some visual adjustments.
Step 1: Reposition the Taskbar
Move the taskbar icons to the left by right-clicking on an empty area of the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and choosing "Left" under Taskbar alignment.
By default, Windows 11 centers the taskbar icons, but Windows 10 keeps them on the left. Adjusting this will give your desktop that classic Windows 10 feel.
Step 2: Adjust Start Menu Layout
Use a third-party tool like Open-Shell to customize the Start menu layout to resemble Windows 10.
Open-Shell allows you to replace the new Start menu with one that looks and feels like Windows 10’s. It’s a nifty tool for those who miss the old layout.
Step 3: Modify File Explorer
Change the File Explorer style by going to "View" in File Explorer and selecting "Compact view."
Windows 11’s File Explorer has a more spaced-out look. Choosing "Compact view" will make it look more like Windows 10’s File Explorer.
Step 4: Restore the Classic Context Menu
Enable the classic context menu by editing the registry. Navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesCLSID," create a new key, and name it "{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}".
Windows 11’s context menu is streamlined, but if you prefer the expanded view from Windows 10, a registry edit can help bring it back.
Step 5: Change System Icons
Customize system icons in the "Themes" section under "Settings" to match Windows 10 icons.
Although subtle, these changes can enhance the overall Windows 10 aesthetic you’re aiming for.
After following these steps, your Windows 11 should closely resemble Windows 10. You’ll see changes like the taskbar alignment, an adjusted Start menu, a compact File Explorer, and even familiar system icons. It’s like having the best of both worlds—new features with a classic look.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
- Explore third-party applications like StartIsBack for more customization options.
- Consider restoring your previous Windows 10 wallpaper for an extra touch of nostalgia.
- Regularly back up your settings in case you want to revert to the default Windows 11 look.
- Keep an eye out for Windows updates that might affect your customizations.
- Customize the settings incrementally, so you can easily identify any changes you dislike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the default Windows 11 look after making these changes?
Yes, you can easily revert to the default settings by undoing the changes or using system restore options.
Will these changes affect the performance of my computer?
No, these changes are cosmetic and should not impact your computer’s performance.
Is it safe to edit the registry to restore the classic context menu?
While editing the registry can be safe if done correctly, it’s important to follow instructions carefully to avoid unintended changes.
Are there any risks associated with using third-party applications like Open-Shell?
Third-party applications can pose security risks if not sourced from reputable sites, so download them only from trusted sources.
Do these changes require administrative privileges?
Yes, most of these changes require administrative privileges to access system settings and registry editor.
Summary of Steps
- Reposition the taskbar to the left.
- Adjust Start menu layout with Open-Shell.
- Modify File Explorer to compact view.
- Restore the classic context menu through registry edit.
- Change system icons to Windows 10 style.
Conclusion
Transforming Windows 11 to look like Windows 10 is like giving your new car a classic paint job. It’s all about bringing a touch of familiarity to your tech life. The process is straightforward, and with a bit of tweaking, you’ll have a system that feels new yet comfortably familiar. While Windows 11 offers a host of new features and design elements, it’s perfectly okay to yearn for the past and blend the old with the new.
These steps give you the freedom to enjoy the innovative aspects of Windows 11 while keeping the look you’ve come to love from Windows 10. So, go ahead and make those changes! Experiment with different settings until you find that perfect balance. Remember, it’s your computer, and you have the power to make it your own. If you find this guide helpful, share it with others who might also be on this nostalgic journey. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.