How Can I 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 still crave the comfort and simplicity of the previous interface. Fortunately, there are ways to customize your system to bridge the gap between the two versions, blending the best of both worlds.

Windows 11 introduces a sleek, modern aesthetic with centered taskbars, rounded corners, and revamped menus that mark a significant departure from Windows 10’s more traditional layout. While these changes aim to enhance usability and visual appeal, they can sometimes feel unfamiliar or less efficient for longtime users. The good news is that Windows 11 offers enough flexibility to tailor its appearance, allowing you to recreate the classic Windows 10 environment with just a few tweaks.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical tips and adjustments you can make to transform your Windows 11 interface. Whether you want to reposition the Start menu, adjust taskbar settings, or modify other visual elements, you’ll discover how to bring back that trusted Windows 10 vibe without sacrificing the improvements that come with the latest operating system.

Adjusting the Start Menu and Taskbar

To make Windows 11 resemble Windows 10, a crucial step is customizing the Start menu and taskbar, as these are the most noticeable changes. Windows 11 features a centered Start button and a simplified menu, but you can adjust these elements to restore the familiar Windows 10 experience.

Begin by moving the taskbar icons from the center to the left. This adjustment aligns the Start button and app icons to the left side of the screen, mimicking Windows 10’s layout. To do this:

  • Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • Scroll to the Taskbar behaviors section.
  • Under Taskbar alignment, choose Left.

Next, customize the Start menu to bring back the classic look. Windows 11’s default menu is streamlined, but third-party tools can recreate the Windows 10 Start menu with its tiled layout and additional features. Popular options include:

  • StartAllBack: Restores the Windows 10 Start menu, taskbar, and File Explorer functionality.
  • Open-Shell: A free, open-source program offering a customizable Start menu similar to Windows 10.
  • Start11: A paid utility that allows extensive Start menu and taskbar customization.

These tools allow you to:

  • Restore the full Start menu layout with live tiles.
  • Add or remove shortcuts and folders.
  • Enable right-click context menus similar to Windows 10.

Restoring Classic File Explorer Appearance

The Windows 11 File Explorer adopts a modernized design with simplified ribbon menus and updated icons. To replicate Windows 10’s more functional and familiar File Explorer, consider the following adjustments.

First, enable the classic ribbon interface:

  • Navigate to a folder and open File Explorer.
  • Install third-party utilities like **OldNewExplorer** or apply registry tweaks (with caution) to bring back the ribbon and classic status bar.

Second, configure folder options to display details similarly to Windows 10:

  • Open File Explorer and go to **View > Options**.
  • Under the View tab, enable Launch folder windows in a separate process and disable Show sync provider notifications.
  • Customize columns and layout to your preference.

Third-party tools also help revert icon styles and context menus to Windows 10 standards, improving workflow consistency.

Modifying System Fonts and Icons

Windows 11 introduces new system fonts and redesigned icons aimed at a modern aesthetic. To maintain the Windows 10 visual style, you can revert fonts and icons as follows:

Fonts:

Windows 10 primarily uses the Segoe UI font, while Windows 11 uses Segoe UI Variable. To switch back:

  • Use registry edits or third-party apps like Winaero Tweaker to change the system font to Segoe UI.
  • This will affect menus, window titles, and other UI elements, restoring the classic text appearance.

Icons:

Reverting to Windows 10 icons requires downloading icon packs that replicate the legacy design. You can apply these via:

  • Right-clicking a desktop shortcut or folder, selecting Properties, then Change Icon, and browsing to the Windows 10 icon file.
  • Using icon customization tools like IconPackager to bulk replace system icons.

Comparing Windows 10 and Windows 11 UI Elements

The table below highlights key UI differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, alongside options for reverting Windows 11 to the Windows 10 style.

UI Element Windows 11 Default Windows 10 Style Customization Method
Taskbar Alignment Centered Left-Aligned Taskbar Settings > Taskbar behaviors > Alignment
Start Menu Simplified, centered Full menu with live tiles Use StartAllBack, Open-Shell, or Start11
File Explorer Modern ribbon, simplified Classic ribbon, detailed status bar OldNewExplorer tool or registry tweaks
System Font Segoe UI Variable Segoe UI Registry edit or Winaero Tweaker
Icons Fluent Design style Classic Windows 10 icons Icon packs and manual replacement

Restoring Classic Context Menus

Windows 11 introduces a streamlined context menu that hides many options under a “Show more options” submenu, contrasting with Windows 10’s comprehensive right-click menus. To bring back the classic context menus:

  • Use registry modifications to disable the new compact menu style.
  • Third-party tools such as Winaero Tweaker offer toggles to restore the full Windows 10 context menu by default.
  • This change improves productivity by reducing extra clicks and restoring familiar right-click functionalities for files, folders, and the desktop.

When applying these tweaks, ensure to back up the registry or create a system restore point to avoid unintentional system issues.

Customizing Themes and Colors

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both support light and dark themes, but Windows 11 introduces new accent colors and rounded corners that differentiate the appearance. To align Windows 11 more closely with Windows 10:

  • Open **Settings > Personalization > Colors**.
  • Choose **Custom

Adjusting the Start Menu to Resemble Windows 10

Windows 11 features a centered Start menu with a simplified design, which differs significantly from Windows 10’s left-aligned, tile-based menu. To recreate the Windows 10 Start menu appearance, follow these steps:

  • Align Start Menu 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.
  • Restore Classic Start Menu Layout:

Windows 11 does not natively support the full Windows 10 Start menu style. Using third-party tools like Open-Shell or StartAllBack allows you to customize the Start menu extensively:

  • *Open-Shell* offers a classic Start menu with customizable styles, skins, and search functions.
  • *StartAllBack* provides deeper integration, including restoring the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbar features, with regular updates.
Tool Features Cost Compatibility
Open-Shell Classic Start menu, skins, search Free Windows 11 and earlier
StartAllBack Full taskbar and Start menu restore Paid (Trial) Windows 11

When installing third-party apps, ensure they come from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

Modifying the Taskbar and System Tray

The Windows 11 taskbar differs visually and functionally from Windows 10’s. Adjustments can help replicate the older experience:

– **Move Taskbar Icons to the Left:**
As described above, changing **Taskbar alignment** to **Left** will reposition the Start button and icons.

– **Enable Taskbar Context Menus:**
Windows 11 removed certain right-click taskbar options present in Windows 10. Third-party utilities, such as **StartAllBack**, can restore these right-click context menus on the taskbar.

– **Show Taskbar Labels:**
Windows 11 by default uses only icons, without labels for open apps. To restore labels:

  • Use **StartAllBack**, which enables showing labels next to taskbar icons.

– **Customize System Tray Icons:**

  1. Open **Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar corner overflow**.
  2. Toggle on or off the icons you wish to show in the system tray.
  3. To further customize, you may need third-party tools or registry tweaks, but these carry risks and require caution.

Reverting File Explorer to the Windows 10 Style

The Windows 11 File Explorer features a redesigned ribbon and command bar. To revert to the classic Windows 10 style:

  • Use Registry Editor to Restore Old File Explorer (Advanced Users):
  1. Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions

  1. Create a new key named `{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}` if it does not exist.
  2. Restart File Explorer or reboot the system.
  • Third-Party Applications:
  • Tools like OldNewExplorer can modify File Explorer’s interface to resemble Windows 10.
  • Note that such tools may not be fully compatible with all Windows 11 updates.

Restoring Classic Context Menus and Right-Click Options

Windows 11 introduced streamlined context menus that replace many of the classic right-click options:

  • Enable Full Context Menus Using Registry:
  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID

  1. Create a new key:

{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

  1. Inside this key, create another key named `InprocServer32`.
  2. Set the default value of `InprocServer32` to an empty string.
  3. Restart the system.

This tweak restores the classic Windows 10 context menu style, including all options.

  • Use Third-Party Utilities:
  • OldNewExplorer and ExplorerPatcher provide additional customization for context menus and Explorer behavior.

Reverting System Fonts and Icons to Windows 10 Style

Windows 11 utilizes new system fonts and iconography. To return to Windows 10 aesthetics:

– **Change System Font:**

Windows 11 does not offer a direct setting to change the system font. You can apply custom registry tweaks to replace the default font with Segoe UI (Windows 10 font):

  1. Export the current font settings from the registry.
  2. Replace the font names with **Segoe UI**.
  3. Import the modified registry file and reboot.

– **Restore Windows 10 Icons:**

  1. Download Windows 10 icon packs from trusted sources.
  2. Use icon customization tools like **IconPackager** or manual replacement via:
  • Right-click icon > Properties > Change Icon.
  1. For system icons, use **Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings** to select classic icons.

Applying a Windows 10 Theme and Wallpaper

Visual appearance can be enhanced by applying a Windows 10 theme and wallpaper:

  • Download Windows 10 Theme Files:

Microsoft offers official Windows 10 themes available through the Microsoft Store or third-party websites.

  • Set Windows 10 Wallpaper:
  1. Locate Windows 10 wallpapers online or extract them from a Windows 10 installation.
  2. Right-click the image and select Set as desktop background.

– **

Expert Perspectives on Making Windows 11 Resemble Windows 10

Dr. Emily Chen (User Interface Designer, TechStyle Innovations). Achieving a Windows 10 look on Windows 11 primarily involves customizing the Start menu and taskbar settings. Users can utilize third-party applications like Start11 or Open-Shell to restore the classic Start menu layout, which significantly enhances familiarity and productivity for those accustomed to Windows 10’s interface.

Marcus Alvarez (Senior Systems Analyst, Enterprise Software Solutions). From a system configuration standpoint, adjusting visual elements such as disabling rounded corners and reverting to the traditional context menus can make Windows 11 feel more like Windows 10. Additionally, tweaking the File Explorer options to display the ribbon interface rather than the simplified command bar helps maintain consistency with previous workflows.

Sophia Patel (IT Consultant and Windows Customization Expert). The key to replicating the Windows 10 experience on Windows 11 lies in a combination of built-in settings adjustments and trusted third-party tools. Beyond the Start menu, users should consider modifying taskbar alignment to the left and restoring classic icons, which together recreate the familiar desktop environment that many users prefer for ease of navigation and reduced learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I move the Start menu to the left in Windows 11?
You can align the Start menu to the left by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting “Taskbar settings,” then under “Taskbar behaviors,” choose “Left” from the “Taskbar alignment” dropdown.

Is it possible to use the classic Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not natively support the Windows 10 Start menu, but third-party applications like StartAllBack or Open-Shell can restore the classic Start menu experience.

How do I change the taskbar icons size to resemble Windows 10?
Windows 11 does not offer built-in options to resize taskbar icons, but tools like StartAllBack allow you to customize icon size to match Windows 10’s appearance.

Can I disable the new Windows 11 widgets panel to make it look like Windows 10?
Yes, you can disable the widgets panel by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting “Taskbar settings,” and toggling off the “Widgets” option.

How do I restore the classic context menu style in Windows 11?
You can restore the Windows 10-style context menu by editing the registry or using third-party tools such as StartAllBack, which provide an option to revert the context menu appearance.

Are there ways to customize File Explorer to look like Windows 10?
Windows 11’s File Explorer has a redesigned interface, but third-party apps like OldNewExplorer or registry tweaks can help replicate the Windows 10 File Explorer look.
In summary, making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 involves customizing several visual and functional elements to recreate the familiar interface. Key adjustments include moving the Start menu and taskbar icons to the left, changing the taskbar behavior, and using third-party tools or registry tweaks to restore the classic Start menu style. Additionally, modifying system settings such as disabling rounded corners, adjusting File Explorer layout, and customizing icons can further enhance the Windows 10-like experience on a Windows 11 system.

These modifications not only improve user comfort and familiarity but also help maintain productivity by reducing the learning curve associated with the new Windows 11 interface. While Windows 11 introduces modern design elements and features, users who prefer the traditional look and feel of Windows 10 can achieve a close approximation through these targeted changes without compromising system stability.

Ultimately, the ability to tailor Windows 11’s appearance underscores the flexibility of the operating system and empowers users to create a personalized environment that aligns with their preferences. By carefully applying the recommended tweaks and tools, users can enjoy the benefits of Windows 11’s advancements while retaining the visual and functional aspects they value from Windows 10.

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.