How to Make Windows 11 Look and Work Like Windows 10

Windows 11 brings a sleek and modern interface, but not everyone is thrilled with the changes. Whether it's nostalgia, comfort with a familiar setup, or just a preference for the way things were, many users might find themselves longing for the look and feel of Windows 10. If you're one of those users, don't worry—it's entirely possible to make Windows 11 look and function more like its predecessor. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to transform your Windows 11 environment to resemble Windows 10. We'll also explore why you might want to do this, the benefits of sticking with the Windows 10 interface, and some features you might miss out on in the process.

Why Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10?

Before we dive into the "how-to" part, let's consider the reasons why you might want to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10:

1. Familiarity: You've probably spent years getting used to the layout, navigation, and feel of Windows 10. Switching to a new interface can disrupt your workflow, especially if you rely on muscle memory for getting things done quickly.

2. Simplicity: Windows 10 has a straightforward interface that many users find intuitive and easy to use. The changes in Windows 11, such as the centered Start menu and Taskbar, might feel more complicated or less practical.

3. Feature Preference: Some features in Windows 10 are either missing, changed, or harder to access in Windows 11. Users who rely on certain functionalities might find Windows 10’s setup more suitable for their needs.

4. Customization Limits: Windows 11 has reduced some of the customization options that were available in Windows 10. If you enjoy tweaking your system to your liking, the limited options in Windows 11 might be frustrating.

How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10

Let’s break down the steps to bring back that Windows 10 feeling in Windows 11.

 1. Move the Start Menu and Taskbar to the Left

One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the centered Start menu and Taskbar icons. To move them back to the left, similar to Windows 10:

- Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

- Step 2: Scroll down to find the Taskbar behaviors section.

- Step 3: In the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu, select Left.

This will align your Taskbar icons and Start menu to the left, giving you a familiar feel.

 2. Change the Start Menu Style

The Windows 11 Start menu is quite different from Windows 10’s, with a simplified layout and different placement for apps and files. While you can't revert to the exact Windows 10 Start menu natively, you can use third-party software to replicate it.

- Use StartIsBack or Start11: These are popular tools that allow you to customize the Start menu to closely resemble Windows 10’s Start menu. You can customize the menu’s appearance, placement, and even reintroduce the live tiles if you miss them.

 3. Revert the File Explorer to the Classic Look

Windows 11 introduces a more modern File Explorer, but you can switch back to the classic look:

- Step 1: Open File Explorer.

- Step 2: Click on the three dots in the toolbar and select Options.

- Step 3: In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.

- Step 4: Check the box next to Always show menus and adjust other settings to closely match the classic layout.

For a more complete reversion, consider using a tool like OldNewExplorer, which restores many classic elements of the File Explorer.

 4. Bring Back the Old Context Menus

Windows 11 streamlined the right-click context menus, which some users find too minimalistic. To bring back the more detailed context menus from Windows 10:

- Step 1: Open the Registry Editor (you can search for it in the Start menu).

- Step 2: Navigate to the following path: `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID`.

- Step 3: Right-click on CLSID and choose New > Key. Name the key `{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}`.

- Step 4: Right-click this new key, select New > Key, and name it InprocServer32.

- Step 5: Double-click the Default entry inside this key and set its value to blank. Restart your PC to see the old context menu.

 5. Restore the System Tray Icons

In Windows 11, some system tray icons are consolidated, but you can restore the traditional layout:

- Step 1: Right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

- Step 2: Under the Notification area, click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.

- Step 3: Toggle on the icons you want to see, bringing back the classic tray icons.

Pros and Cons of Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10

Now that you know how to customize Windows 11, let’s weigh the pros and cons of sticking with a Windows 10-like setup.

 Pros:

- Ease of Use: The familiarity of Windows 10’s interface means less time spent adjusting to a new layout, which can enhance productivity.

- Customization: You can tweak your environment to your exact preference, including keeping tools and features you’re accustomed to.

- Minimal Disruption: For those who rely on specific workflows and setups, reverting to a Windows 10 style minimizes disruption.

 Cons:

- Missing Out on New Features: Windows 11 offers new features like improved Snap layouts, Widgets, and an updated interface designed for better touch support. Sticking to a Windows 10 style may mean not taking full advantage of these new additions.

- Potential Compatibility Issues: Some third-party customization tools might cause compatibility issues or require extra maintenance to keep up with Windows 11 updates.

- Security and Performance: Windows 11 is optimized for the latest security protocols and performance enhancements. Using third-party tweaks could, in some cases, compromise these optimizations.

Conclusion

While Windows 11 comes with a fresh look and new features, not everyone may be ready to make the switch. If you’re more comfortable with the Windows 10 layout, the steps above will help you bring back the interface you know and love. Just keep in mind the trade-offs and decide what works best for your needs. With the right tweaks, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—Windows 11's underlying advancements with the familiar Windows 10 feel.