Windows 11 has a sleek, modern design that some folks love, but if you’re more comfortable with the familiar look and feel of Windows 10, don’t worry, you can make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 with a few adjustments. It involves tweaking the taskbar, adjusting the start menu, and installing some third-party apps. Follow the steps below to transform your Windows 11 into a near-identical twin of Windows 10.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
Here’s how to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10. We’ll cover everything from repositioning the taskbar to installing the right tools to bring back the classic start menu. Let’s make your desktop feel like home again.
Step 1: Move the Taskbar to the Left
Moving the taskbar icons to the left side of the screen is a simple way to make Windows 11 feel more like Windows 10.
Head to your desktop, right-click on the taskbar, and choose "Taskbar settings." In the settings menu, find "Taskbar behaviors" and select "Left" for the taskbar alignment.
By doing this, all your taskbar icons will move to the left, just like in Windows 10. This is a small but effective way to start transforming your desktop.
Step 2: Change the Start Menu Layout
Next, you’ll want to make the Start Menu look like Windows 10.
Open Settings, go to "Personalization," then "Start," and turn off "Show recently added apps," "Show most used apps," and "Show recently opened items."
By customizing these settings, you can declutter the new Start Menu and make it simpler and closer to the Windows 10 style.
Step 3: Install Open-Shell
To really bring back the Windows 10 Start Menu, you’ll need a third-party app like Open-Shell.
Download and install Open-Shell from their official website. Open the app, and configure it to look like the Windows 10 Start Menu.
Open-Shell is a powerful tool that gives you a lot of control over your Start Menu’s appearance. You can adjust it to closely mimic the one in Windows 10, down to the smallest detail.
Step 4: Adjust File Explorer
Windows 11 File Explorer has a different look. You can make it look like Windows 10 with a few changes.
Use a tool like WinAero Tweaker to adjust the File Explorer. Download and install WinAero Tweaker, open it, and find the File Explorer settings to change its appearance.
WinAero Tweaker offers various tweaks for your system, and changing the File Explorer settings will make it look more like the one in Windows 10.
Step 5: Change Icons
Finally, change the system icons to look more like Windows 10.
Go to Settings, then "Personalization," and choose "Themes." Click on "Desktop icon settings" and change each icon to the Windows 10 versions.
You can download Windows 10 icons online and use them to replace the default Windows 11 icons. This will complete the transformation of your desktop.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 desktop should closely resemble Windows 10, bringing back the familiar look and feel you prefer.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
- Backup Settings: Before making any changes, always back up your current settings so you can easily revert if needed.
- Explore Third-Party Apps: Besides Open-Shell, other apps like StartIsBack can offer similar customizations.
- Use Themes: Look for Windows 10-styled themes online to get that authentic feel.
- Regular Updates: Keep Open-Shell and other customization tools updated for the best performance.
- Be Patient: Some changes might take a bit of tweaking to get just right; don’t get frustrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo these changes if I don’t like them?
Yes, you can undo all these changes. Simply uninstall the third-party apps and revert the settings you changed.
Is it safe to install third-party apps like Open-Shell?
Yes, Open-Shell is widely used and considered safe. However, always download from the official website to avoid any risks.
Will these changes affect my system performance?
These changes should not significantly impact performance. They are mainly visual tweaks.
Do I need advanced computer skills to do this?
No, you can follow these steps even if you’re not a tech expert. Just follow the instructions carefully.
Are there any costs involved?
Most of these tools are free, like Open-Shell and WinAero Tweaker. Some advanced features might come in paid software, but they are optional.
Summary
- Move the Taskbar to the Left: Align taskbar icons to the left.
- Change the Start Menu Layout: Customize Start Menu settings.
- Install Open-Shell: Use Open-Shell for a Windows 10-style Start Menu.
- Adjust File Explorer: Use WinAero Tweaker to change File Explorer.
- Change Icons: Download and replace system icons with Windows 10 versions.
Conclusion
There you have it! You’ve just turned your Windows 11 into a Windows 10 look-alike. Whether you’re nostalgic for the old design or just find it more user-friendly, these steps will help you achieve your goal.
Changing the appearance of your operating system can make a big difference in how comfortable and productive you feel. By repositioning the taskbar, adjusting the Start Menu, and using tools like Open-Shell and WinAero Tweaker, you can bring back that familiar Windows 10 vibe.
Remember, you can always undo these changes if you ever feel like going back to the default Windows 11 look. But for now, enjoy the best of both worlds: the modern features of Windows 11 with the classic feel of Windows 10. Happy customizing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.