For those who have cherished the familiarity of Windows 10 but found themselves navigating the new terrain of Windows 11, rest assured, you are not alone. Many users share this sentiment as they adapt to the revamped design and interface changes that Windows 11 brings. The centered Taskbar, the simplified Start menu, and the updated File Explorer and Settings app may require some adjustment. However, there are ways to customize your Windows 11 experience to evoke the comfort of Windows 10.
Warning: Before making any system changes, it is crucial to create a full backup. This precaution ensures that you can revert to a stable state should anything go awry during the process.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-make-windows-11-look-like-10-without-third-party-tools”>How to make Windows 11 look like 10 without third-party tools
Here are some subtle adjustments you can implement to bring back the classic Windows 10 feel.
Start menu and Taskbar alignment
Windows 10 featured a left-aligned Taskbar and Start menu, a layout many users find comforting. In contrast, Windows 11’s default center alignment offers a modern aesthetic that may feel disorienting. Thankfully, you can easily revert these elements back to their traditional left-aligned position.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Select the Taskbar page on the right side.
- Click on “Taskbar behaviors”.
- Choose the Left option for the “Taskbar alignment” setting.
Upon completing these steps, both the Taskbar buttons and Start menu will align to the left, restoring a sense of familiarity.
Show app labels in Taskbar
Windows 10 allowed users to display application labels on the Taskbar, a feature that was initially omitted in Windows 11. Fortunately, Microsoft has since reintroduced this functionality.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Select the Taskbar page on the right side.
- Click on “Taskbar behaviors”.
- Choose the Never option for the “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels” setting.
After following these steps, the Taskbar will ungroup, displaying labels for running applications, enhancing clarity and ease of access.
Switch to classic File Explorer and context menu
The introduction of a new File Explorer in Windows 11, while retaining familiar structures, has created a learning curve for many users. Fortunately, the classic file manager remains accessible for those who prefer it.
- Open Start.
- Search for Windows Tools and click the top result to open the app.
- Click on Home or This PC to switch to the classic version of File Explorer and the context menu.
For added convenience, you may want to pin the Windows Tools app to your taskbar for easy access.
Change color scheme
To further enhance the nostalgic experience, adjusting the color settings can help restore the classic Windows 10 aesthetic.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Select the Colors page on the right side.
- Choose the “Custom” option in the “Choose your mode” setting.
- Select the Dark option for the “Choose your default Windows mode” setting.
- Choose your desired accent color.
- Enable the “Show accent color on Start and taskbar” toggle switch.
- Enable the “Show accent color on title bars and window borders” toggle switch.
These adjustments will imbue your desktop with a more classic feel reminiscent of Windows 10.
Show classic desktop icons
Displaying classic desktop icons such as This PC, Network, and Control Panel can also evoke a sense of nostalgia.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Select the Themes page on the right side.
- Click on “Desktop icon settings”.
- Check the icons you wish to display on the desktop, including “Control Panel,” “Network,” “Computer,” and others.
Completing these steps will provide a desktop setup that feels more familiar, akin to Windows 10 and earlier versions.
Disable non-legacy features in Notepad
If you frequently use Notepad, you may prefer to disable new AI features for a more classic experience.
- Open Notepad.
- Click the gear button to access the settings page.
- Turn off the Formatting toggle switch to disable Markdown support (if applicable).
- Click the “When Notepad starts” setting.
- Select the “Start new session and discard unsaved changes” option.
- Turn off the “Recent files” toggle switch to disable the recent files menu.
- Turn off the “Spell check” toggle switch to disable auto-correction.
- Turn off the “Autocorrect” toggle switch to disable underlining for misspelled words.
- Turn off the “Copilot” toggle switch to disable AI features.
After completing these steps, you will have a more classic version of Notepad.
Quick tip
If you still have access to a Windows 10 setup, consider retrieving the default wallpaper from the C:WindowsWebWallpaperWindows directory. Setting this as your new background can enhance the nostalgic experience on your Windows 11 desktop.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-make-windows-11-look-like-10-with-third-party-tools”>How to make Windows 11 look like 10 with third-party tools
In addition to the built-in customizations, third-party tools can further alter the appearance of Windows 11. However, a word of caution: these tools may introduce instability, particularly on work or school devices. They can also be flagged as untrusted by web browsers due to their modifications to core operating system behaviors. If you choose to proceed, it’s advisable to use only one tool at a time to avoid conflicts.
ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a widely used open-source utility designed to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, primarily Windows 10.
Install ExplorerPatcher
You can download ExplorerPatcher from its official GitHub page or install it via the Windows Package Manager.
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: winget install –id valinet.ExplorerPatcher.
After installation, you can begin customizing the appearance of your operating system.
Customizing with ExplorerPatcher
To bring back some of the traditional aesthetics, right-click the Taskbar, select “Properties”, and customize the settings.
Taskbar
In the Taskbar tab, select the “Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher)” option under “Taskbar style” and click “Restart File Explorer” to apply the changes.
You can also choose to position the Taskbar at the top of the screen if desired.
File Explorer
In the File Explorer tab, you can adjust several settings, including reverting to the classic context menu and enabling the legacy file transfer dialog. To switch to the classic version of File Explorer, select the “Windows 10 Ribbon” option.
Remember to click “Restart File Explorer” to apply your changes.
Start menu
In the Start menu tab, you can restore the classic menu and remove rounded corners for elements on the screen. To revert to the classic Start menu from Windows 10, select the “Windows 10” option in the “Start menu style” setting.
After configuring the settings, click “Restart File Explorer” to apply the changes.
Windhawk
Windhawk is another popular open-source customization tool that allows users to modify various aspects of Windows 11. It provides a framework for developers to create and share small code snippets, known as “mods,” for altering the behavior or appearance of the operating system.
Install Windhawk
You can download Windhawk from its official website or install it via the Windows Package Manager.
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: winget install –id RamenSoftware.Windhawk.
Once installed, you can begin adding mods to change the appearance of Windows 11.
Customizing with Windhawk
To modify Windows 11, open the Windhawk app, navigate to the Explorer tab, and search for the desired mods.
Classic Taskbar
While in the Explorer tab, search for “Enable Win10 taskbar on Win11 24H2,” click “Details”, and then “Install.” After installation, enable the mod in the Home tab.
Classic Start menu
To restore the classic Start menu, search for “Windows 11 Start Menu Styler,” install it, and configure the settings to your preference.
Classic File Explorer
In the Explorer tab, search for “Classic Explorer navigation bar,” install it, and enable the mod for a more classic File Explorer experience.
Uninstalling Tools
When you are ready to return to the Windows 11 interface, you can uninstall ExplorerPatcher or Windhawk using similar steps as the installation process, ensuring a smooth transition back to the default settings.
As you explore these options, consider which elements of Windows 11 you wish to revert to the Windows 10 experience, and let your preferences guide your customization journey.
More resources
For further insights, guides, and troubleshooting advice, delve into additional resources to maximize your Windows 11 and 10 experience.
