How Can You Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 but find yourself missing the familiar look and feel of Windows 10, you’re not alone. Many users appreciate the fresh design and new features of Windows 11 but prefer the classic interface that made Windows 10 so comfortable and intuitive. Fortunately, there are ways to customize your new operating system to recapture that beloved aesthetic without sacrificing the benefits of the latest update.

Transforming the appearance of Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10 involves more than just changing a few settings—it’s about tweaking the user interface to bring back familiar elements, from the Start menu layout to taskbar behavior and window styles. This process can help ease the transition for users who value productivity and simplicity, making the new system feel more like the one they know and trust.

In the following sections, you’ll discover practical tips and tools that allow you to tailor Windows 11’s look and functionality. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who relies heavily on a specific workflow, these insights will help you strike the perfect balance between modern innovation and classic comfort.

Customize the Start Menu to Mimic Windows 10

One of the most noticeable differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 is the design and functionality of the Start Menu. To make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, customizing the Start Menu is essential. Windows 11 centers the Start Menu by default and uses a simplified layout, whereas Windows 10 employs a left-aligned, tiled interface.

To adjust the Start Menu in Windows 11:

– **Align the Start Menu to the Left**:
Open *Settings* > *Personalization* > *Taskbar*. Under *Taskbar behaviors*, set *Taskbar alignment* to *Left*. This shifts the Start button and icons to the traditional left corner.

  • Use Third-Party Start Menu Applications:

Since Windows 11’s native Start Menu lacks the tile-based interface of Windows 10, third-party tools can replicate this experience. Popular options include:

  • Open-Shell (formerly Classic Shell): Offers a highly customizable Start Menu with tile layouts, classic search, and quick access to system features.
  • Start11: Provides Windows 10 style Start Menu designs with additional customization options.
  • Pin Apps and Folders:

Customize pinned apps in the Start Menu by right-clicking apps and selecting *Pin to Start*. Organize them into groups similar to Windows 10 by dragging and dropping.

  • Restore Live Tiles Functionality:

Windows 11 does not support live tiles natively. Open-Shell or similar apps can simulate this feature by enabling dynamic tiles or widgets within the Start Menu.

Adjust Taskbar Settings and Icons

The taskbar in Windows 11 has a modern look but differs significantly from Windows 10 in terms of icon placement and behavior. To replicate Windows 10’s taskbar:

– **Move Taskbar Icons to the Left**:
As noted, shift the alignment under *Settings* > *Personalization* > *Taskbar* > *Taskbar behaviors* to *Left*.

– **Show or Hide System Icons**:
Customize which system icons appear next to the clock by navigating to *Settings* > *Personalization* > *Taskbar* > *Taskbar corner overflow*.

  • Enable Taskbar Labels:

Windows 11 does not display labels next to taskbar icons, unlike Windows 10. To get a similar look, third-party tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher can restore taskbar labels, making it easier to identify open applications.

  • Restore Drag and Drop Functionality:

Windows 11 removed the drag-and-drop feature to pin files or apps on the taskbar. Tools like ExplorerPatcher can restore this behavior, allowing easier management of taskbar shortcuts.

Modify File Explorer to Reflect Windows 10 Design

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned File Explorer with a simplified ribbon and new icons, diverging from Windows 10’s classic layout. To revert to a Windows 10-like File Explorer:

  • Use ExplorerPatcher or OldNewExplorer:

These utilities restore the ribbon interface, classic context menus, and the original toolbar buttons.

  • Change Folder Icons and Layout:

Customize folder icons and enable details pane by right-clicking inside File Explorer, selecting *View*, and choosing *Details pane* or *Navigation pane*. Adjust icon sizes to align with Windows 10 defaults.

  • Enable Classic Context Menus:

Windows 11 introduced a condensed right-click menu. To access the full Windows 10 style context menu without third-party tools, press *Shift + Right-click* on files or folders.

Revert System Fonts and Colors

Windows 10 uses specific fonts and color schemes that differ from Windows 11’s default settings. To match the look:

– **Change System Font**:
Windows 11 uses Segoe UI Variable by default. To switch back to Segoe UI (Windows 10 font), you can modify the registry or use utilities like *Winaero Tweaker*.

– **Adjust Color Settings**:
Navigate to *Settings* > *Personalization* > *Colors*. Select a color scheme that matches Windows 10’s default, typically a light theme with accent colors such as blue.

  • Disable Rounded Corners:

Windows 11 features rounded corners on windows and menus. Tools like ExplorerPatcher or *Winaero Tweaker* can disable rounded corners to restore square edges consistent with Windows 10.

Comparison of Key Visual Elements Between Windows 10 and Windows 11

Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces a centered Start menu and taskbar by default, differing visually and functionally from Windows 10. To revert to a familiar Windows 10 style, several adjustments can be made.

Reposition the Taskbar Icons to the Left

  • Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • Find the Taskbar behaviors section.
  • Under Taskbar alignment, change from Center to Left.

Restore the Classic Start Menu Appearance

  • Windows 11 does not natively support the Windows 10 Start menu style, but third-party tools like Start11 or Open-Shell can be installed.
  • These utilities allow full customization of the Start menu, including layout, appearance, and functionality mimicking Windows 10.

Adjust Taskbar Icon Size

  • Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
  • Set the taskbar icon size to Small to resemble Windows 10’s default icon size.

Change the File Explorer and Folder Appearance

Windows 11’s File Explorer features a modernized UI, but adjustments can help restore a Windows 10-like look.

Enable the Classic Context Menu

  • Windows 11 uses a simplified right-click context menu. To restore the classic menu:
  • Open Registry Editor (regedit).
  • Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
  • Create a new key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
  • Within this key, create a subkey called InprocServer32.
  • Set the default value of InprocServer32 to an empty string.
  • Restart Windows Explorer or reboot the system.

Use the Windows 10 File Explorer via Third-Party Apps

Modify System Icons and Visual Effects

Restoring Windows 10 aesthetics requires changes to icons and visual effects.

Switch to Windows 10 Icons

Visual Element Windows 10 Windows 11 How to Revert
Start Menu Left-aligned, tiled, live tiles Centered, simplified, no live tiles Align left in settings + use Open-Shell or Start11
Taskbar Left-aligned icons with labels Centered icons, no labels Align left, use StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher for labels
File Explorer Classic ribbon interface, full context menu Simplified toolbar, condensed context menu Use ExplorerPatcher or OldNewExplorer
Window Corners Square edges Rounded corners Disable via ExplorerPatcher or Winaero Tweaker
Step Action Notes
1 Download Windows 10 icon packs from trusted sources. Ensure icons are compatible with Windows 11.
2 Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Change icons for This PC, Network, Recycle Bin, etc.
3 Apply changes and restart explorer.exe if necessary. Icon changes take immediate effect.

Adjust Visual Effects to Windows 10 Defaults

  • Open System Properties by right-clicking This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.
  • Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
  • Select Adjust for best performance or manually enable effects typical of Windows 10, such as:
    • Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing
    • Fade or slide menus into view
    • Show shadows under windows

Revert System Fonts and Colors

Windows 11 uses a different system font and color scheme, which can be altered to match Windows 10.

Change System Font to Segoe UI

  • Windows 10 primarily uses Segoe UI, whereas Windows 11 uses Segoe UI Variable.
  • To change fonts, create a custom registry file with the following entries:
Expert Perspectives on Customizing Windows 11 to Resemble Windows 10

Jason Lee (User Interface Designer, TechStyle Innovations). “To effectively make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, users should focus on restoring the classic Start Menu layout and taskbar alignment. Utilizing third-party tools like Open-Shell or Start11 can replicate the Windows 10 interface while maintaining Windows 11’s underlying performance improvements.”

Dr. Emily Carter (Software Usability Researcher, Digital Experience Lab). “From a usability standpoint, reverting to Windows 10 aesthetics in Windows 11 can reduce the learning curve for long-term users. Adjusting visual elements such as icon spacing, disabling rounded corners, and customizing system fonts helps recreate a familiar environment without sacrificing new system functionalities.”

Michael Thompson (IT Systems Architect, Enterprise Solutions Group). “Enterprises aiming to standardize user experience during the transition to Windows 11 should consider group policy adjustments and registry edits that mimic Windows 10’s interface. This approach ensures consistency across workstations and minimizes disruption while benefiting from Windows 11’s security enhancements.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I change the Start menu in Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10?
You can use third-party applications like StartIsBack or Open-Shell to customize the Start menu, restoring the classic Windows 10 layout and functionality.

Is it possible to move the taskbar icons to the left like in Windows 10?
Yes, right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and under Taskbar behaviors, change the taskbar alignment from center to left.

Can I disable the new Windows 11 rounded corners and use sharp edges like Windows 10?
Windows 11 does not offer native options to revert to sharp corners, but some third-party tools and registry tweaks may help, though they carry risks and are not officially supported.

How do I restore the classic Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11?
You can modify the registry or use utilities like “WinAero Tweaker” to enable the classic context menu, replacing the simplified Windows 11 version.

Are there ways to revert the File Explorer appearance to Windows 10 style?
Currently, Windows 11’s File Explorer redesign cannot be fully reverted, but enabling the “Launch folder windows in a separate process” option and using third-party file managers can provide a more familiar experience.

Will customizing Windows 11 to look like Windows 10 affect system performance or updates?
Using reputable customization tools generally has minimal impact on performance, but some tweaks may interfere with system updates or stability; always back up your system before applying significant changes.
In summary, transforming the appearance of Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10 involves a series of customization steps that address the Start menu, taskbar alignment, icons, and system themes. Users can utilize third-party applications or built-in settings to restore the classic Start menu layout, reposition the taskbar icons to the left, and adjust visual elements such as the file explorer and system fonts. These modifications help recreate the familiar interface and user experience of Windows 10 while retaining the underlying improvements of Windows 11.

Key takeaways include the importance of carefully selecting reliable customization tools to avoid system instability and ensuring that any changes made can be easily reversed if necessary. Additionally, understanding that some Windows 11 features and design elements are deeply integrated can help set realistic expectations regarding the extent of visual transformation achievable. Users should prioritize adjustments that enhance productivity and comfort without compromising system performance or security.

Ultimately, making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 is a practical approach for users who prefer the older interface but want to benefit from the latest operating system enhancements. By following expert guidelines and leveraging available customization options, users can achieve a balance between familiarity and innovation, resulting in a tailored computing environment that meets their preferences and workflow needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.

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