Can You Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10? Here’s How!

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 long for the comfort and simplicity of the previous interface. The good news is that it’s entirely possible to customize Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10, blending the best of both worlds to create a user experience that feels just right.

Transforming the sleek, modern aesthetics of Windows 11 into the more classic and straightforward style of Windows 10 involves exploring various customization options. From adjusting the Start menu and taskbar to tweaking system icons and layouts, there are several ways to bring back that nostalgic vibe without sacrificing the enhancements that come with the latest operating system. This approach can help users maintain productivity while enjoying a familiar environment.

Whether you’re a longtime Windows enthusiast or simply prefer the traditional design, making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 can ease the transition and improve your overall comfort with the new system. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the key steps and tools that enable you to tailor Windows 11’s appearance, ensuring your desktop feels just the way you want it.

Customizing the Start Menu to Resemble Windows 10

One of the most recognizable features of Windows 10 is its Start Menu, which combines a traditional list with live tiles. Windows 11’s Start Menu, by contrast, is centered and simplified, which some users find less intuitive. To make Windows 11’s Start Menu look and function more like Windows 10, several adjustments can be made.

Firstly, adjusting the taskbar alignment is essential. Windows 11 centers the taskbar icons by default, but aligning them to the left mimics the Windows 10 layout more closely. This can be done through the Settings app under Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.

Next, restoring the classic Start Menu layout can be achieved by using third-party software. Tools such as Open-Shell (formerly Classic Shell) or Start11 provide extensive customization options that allow you to replace the Windows 11 Start Menu with a Windows 10-style interface. These programs enable the return of the live tiles, pinned apps, and the familiar search bar placement.

Additionally, customizing the Start Menu’s appearance involves:

  • Enabling app list visibility: Windows 11 hides the full app list by default, but you can configure the Start Menu to show all apps by selecting the “All apps” button or through third-party tools.
  • Adding folders and shortcuts: Like Windows 10, you can add quick access to folders such as Documents, Downloads, and Settings in the Start Menu for easier navigation.
  • Modifying the Start Menu size and transparency: Adjusting these settings can enhance the traditional feel, though some options may require registry edits or third-party applications.

Reverting File Explorer to Windows 10 Style

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned File Explorer with a simplified command bar and updated icons, which some users find less efficient compared to the Windows 10 version. To restore the classic File Explorer experience, you can apply several methods.

One approach is to disable the new command bar and bring back the ribbon interface using registry tweaks or third-party utilities like OldNewExplorer. However, these require caution and backups before modification.

Alternatively, you can install third-party file management tools that mimic or improve upon the Windows 10 File Explorer functionality, such as Directory Opus or XYplorer, which offer customizable interfaces and familiar navigation features.

For users comfortable with system settings, enabling certain display options can also help:

  • Show full path in the title bar
  • Display file extensions and hidden files
  • Enable details pane and preview pane for quick file information

These tweaks help replicate the Windows 10 browsing experience without extensive changes.

Adjusting Taskbar and System Tray to Windows 10 Layout

The Windows 11 taskbar differs significantly from Windows 10’s, with centered icons, reduced customization, and a simplified system tray. To approximate the Windows 10 appearance:

  • Align taskbar icons to the left via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar behaviors.
  • Restore the classic right-click context menu on the taskbar using registry edits or third-party tools.
  • Enable or disable system tray icons to match Windows 10’s notification area, adjusting which icons appear and how they behave.
  • Increase the taskbar size by modifying the registry to allow a larger icon size, similar to Windows 10.

Below is a comparison table of key taskbar features and how to customize them in Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10:

Feature Windows 10 Windows 11 Default Customization to Windows 10 Style
Taskbar Icon Alignment Left-aligned Centered Change to left-aligned in Taskbar settings
Taskbar Size Medium or Large (user adjustable) Small (fixed) Registry tweak to increase size
Right-click Taskbar Menu Full context menu Minimal menu Use third-party tools or registry edits
System Tray Icons Highly customizable Limited options Adjust via Settings and registry
Show Desktop Button Visible on right corner Present but less prominent Maintain default or enable via tweaks

Applying Classic Themes and Icons

Visual consistency is key to replicating the Windows 10 look. Windows 11 uses new Fluent Design elements and iconography which can be replaced or modified to resemble the classic style.

To apply classic themes:

  • Use third-party theme packs or create a custom theme using tools like Windows Style Builder.
  • Adjust colors and transparency settings in Personalization to match Windows 10’s default blue accents and opaque window borders.
  • Disable animations and rounded corners by tweaking system performance settings for a sharper, more traditional interface.

For icons:

  • Replace Windows 11 icons with Windows 10 versions by downloading icon packs and applying them manually or through tools like IconPackager.
  • Change system icons such as folders, drives, and shortcuts to their Windows 10 counterparts for a cohesive look.

These changes require administrative privileges and careful application to avoid system instability.

Restoring Classic Control Panel and Settings Layout

While Windows 11 continues to push the Settings app as the primary configuration interface, many users prefer the classic Control Panel style found in Windows 10.

To access the Control Panel easily, pin it to the Start Menu or Taskbar:

  • Open Control Panel via the Run dialog (`

Customizing the Windows 11 Interface to Resemble Windows 10

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned interface with centered taskbar icons, rounded corners, and updated system menus. However, users familiar with Windows 10’s layout can adjust several settings to restore a more traditional appearance. Achieving a Windows 10-like look involves modifying the taskbar, Start menu, window behaviors, and system icons.

Adjusting the Taskbar

The taskbar is one of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11. To make it look and behave like Windows 10:

  • Align Taskbar Icons to the Left:
    1. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
    2. Under Taskbar behaviors, find Taskbar alignment.
    3. Change the alignment from Center to Left.
  • Show Labels on Taskbar Buttons:
    Windows 11 does not natively support labels on taskbar buttons, but third-party tools like StartAllBack or Open-Shell can restore this feature.
  • Restore Classic Taskbar Context Menu:
    Windows 11 taskbar right-click menu is simplified. Utilities such as StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher provide options to bring back the Windows 10 style context menu.

Restoring the Classic Start Menu

Windows 11’s Start menu differs significantly from Windows 10’s design. To revert:

  • Use third-party applications such as Open-Shell or StartAllBack, which allow full customization of the Start menu, including classic layout, pinned apps, and folders.
  • These tools enable the replacement of the Windows 11 Start menu with a Windows 10-style menu, including live tiles or program lists.

Reverting System Icons and Visual Elements

To align icons and visuals closer to Windows 10:

Element Action Notes
Icons Download Windows 10 icon packs and apply them manually or with icon customization software. Requires manual replacement or third-party utilities such as IconPackager.
File Explorer Use third-party tools like OldNewExplorer to bring back the classic Windows 10 ribbon interface. Helps restore the traditional ribbon and layout.
Window Corners Disable rounded corners via registry tweaks or third-party tools if preferred. Windows 11 uses rounded corners by default; this can be altered but may require caution.

Modifying System Settings for Familiar Behavior

Other system behaviors that can be adjusted include:

  • Default Apps and File Associations: Revert defaults to Windows 10 preferences via Settings > Apps > Default apps.
  • Context Menus: Use registry edits or tools like StartAllBack to restore the classic right-click context menus.
  • Notification Center and Quick Settings: Third-party utilities can replicate Windows 10’s Action Center style notifications and quick toggles.

Recommended Third-Party Tools Summary

Tool Primary Function License Website
StartAllBack Restore Windows 10 Start menu, taskbar, and context menus Paid (trial available) startallback.com
Open-Shell Customize Start menu and taskbar; free alternative Free and open-source open-shell.github.io
ExplorerPatcher Modify taskbar and File Explorer to Windows 10 style Free github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
OldNewExplorer Restore Windows 10 File Explorer interface Free msfn.org

Expert Perspectives on Customizing Windows 11 to Resemble Windows 10

Dr. Elena Martinez (User Interface Researcher, TechDesign Labs). “Transforming Windows 11 to look like Windows 10 is entirely feasible through a combination of built-in settings adjustments and third-party customization tools. While Windows 11 introduces a new centered taskbar and updated icons, users can realign the taskbar to the left and revert icon styles to maintain familiarity. However, some deeper system behaviors and animations remain unique to Windows 11’s architecture and cannot be fully reverted without compromising system stability.”

Michael Chen (Senior Software Engineer, OS Customization Solutions). “From a development standpoint, Windows 11’s design overhaul is significant, but Microsoft has preserved backward compatibility in many UI elements. Utilizing registry tweaks and customization apps like StartIsBack or Open-Shell allows users to replicate the Windows 10 start menu and taskbar experience effectively. It is important to caution users to back up their systems before applying such modifications to avoid unintended side effects.”

Sophia Patel (IT Systems Consultant, Enterprise Tech Advisors). “For enterprise environments seeking to ease user transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 can reduce training overhead and improve user acceptance. Leveraging group policies and supported UI configuration tools enables administrators to standardize the interface appearance. Nevertheless, some Windows 11 features, such as widgets and snap layouts, offer enhanced productivity and should be gradually introduced to users.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change the Start menu in Windows 11 to look like Windows 10?
Yes, you can customize the Start menu in Windows 11 using built-in settings or third-party apps like StartIsBack or Open-Shell to resemble the Windows 10 Start menu layout.

Is it possible to move the taskbar icons to the left in Windows 11?
Windows 11 allows you to align taskbar icons to the left through the taskbar settings, which helps replicate the Windows 10 taskbar appearance.

How can I restore the classic context menu from Windows 10 in Windows 11?
You can enable the classic context menu by editing the registry or using third-party tools designed to bring back the Windows 10-style right-click menu.

Are there any themes or visual styles that make Windows 11 look like Windows 10?
Yes, several third-party themes and visual style packs are available that mimic the Windows 10 interface, but applying them requires patching system files and should be done cautiously.

Can I disable the new Windows 11 widgets and snap features to resemble Windows 10?
You can disable widgets and adjust snap layouts in the settings to reduce Windows 11-specific features, making the interface closer to Windows 10’s experience.

Will customizing Windows 11 to look like Windows 10 affect system performance or updates?
Using third-party customization tools may slightly impact system stability or complicate updates, so it is recommended to create backups and use trusted software.
In summary, it is entirely possible to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 through a variety of customization options and third-party tools. Users can adjust the Start menu, taskbar alignment, and system icons to resemble the familiar Windows 10 interface. Additionally, modifying settings such as the file explorer layout and disabling some of the new Windows 11 visual effects can further enhance the classic experience.

Key takeaways include the importance of understanding both built-in Windows settings and external software solutions to achieve the desired look. While Windows 11 introduces a modernized design and new features, these customization methods allow users to retain productivity and comfort by maintaining a familiar environment. It is also essential to ensure that any third-party applications used for customization are from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

Ultimately, the ability to tailor Windows 11’s appearance to mimic Windows 10 provides flexibility for users transitioning to the new operating system. This approach helps ease the learning curve and preserves user preferences, making the upgrade process smoother without sacrificing usability or aesthetic familiarity.

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.