Changing Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10
Do you miss the classic look of the Windows 10 taskbar? You’re not alone. Fortunately, you can tweak Windows 11 to bring back that familiar appearance. This guide will walk you through the steps to modify your Windows 11 taskbar to resemble Windows 10. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes. Ready? Let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on Changing Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10
By following these steps, you will successfully change your Windows 11 taskbar to look more like the Windows 10 taskbar. Each step is straightforward, and I’ll provide extra details to ensure you get it right.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu, then select ‘Settings.’
Settings is your go-to place for customizing your Windows experience. You can easily find it by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon, often labeled as Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on ‘Personalization.’
Personalization is where you can modify the look and feel of your Windows setup. It includes options for setting wallpapers, colors, and other visual elements.
Step 3: Click on Taskbar
Within the Personalization menu, select ‘Taskbar.’
This section contains all the settings related to the taskbar, including alignment, icons, and behavior.
Step 4: Change Taskbar Alignment
Find the option that says ‘Taskbar alignment’ and set it to ‘Left.’
By default, Windows 11 aligns the taskbar icons to the center. Changing this to the left will give you a feel similar to Windows 10.
Step 5: Adjust Taskbar Settings
Toggle off options like ‘Widgets’ and ‘Chat’ to declutter the taskbar.
Windows 11 adds new elements like Widgets and Chat that weren’t in Windows 10. Turning these off will make your taskbar cleaner and more like Windows 10.
Step 6: Use Registry Editor (Optional)
Open ‘Registry Editor’ and navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced,’ then create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named ‘Start_ShowClassicMode’ and set its value to 1.
This is a more advanced step, and you should proceed with caution. Editing the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly.
After you’ve made these changes, your taskbar should now resemble the one from Windows 10. The alignment will be on the left, and the taskbar will be less cluttered, giving it that classic Windows 10 look.
Tips for Changing Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10
- Backup Your Registry: Always create a backup before making changes in the Registry Editor.
- Reboot Your System: Sometimes, changes won’t take effect until you restart your computer.
- Check for Updates: Ensure your system is updated to avoid conflicts.
- Use Third-Party Tools: There are tools like StartIsBack that offer more customization options.
- Explore Other Settings: Spend some time in the Personalization menu to find additional tweaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert to the original Windows 11 taskbar?
Yes, you can easily revert by reversing the settings changes you made.
Will these changes affect system performance?
No, changing the taskbar settings won’t impact your system’s performance.
Are there third-party apps for customizing the taskbar?
Yes, apps like StartIsBack and TaskbarX offer additional customization options.
Is it safe to edit the registry?
Yes, but you should always backup the registry before making any changes.
Do I need to restart my computer?
In most cases, no. But if changes don’t take effect, a restart can help.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Click on Taskbar.
- Change Taskbar Alignment.
- Adjust Taskbar Settings.
- Use Registry Editor (Optional).
Conclusion
Changing the Windows 11 taskbar to look like Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to bring back a familiar interface. While Windows 11 offers a sleek, modern look, the centralized taskbar icons might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Following the steps outlined, you can easily make your taskbar align more with what you are accustomed to.
Remember, these changes are easily reversible, so feel free to experiment. If you’re interested in more advanced customizations, third-party tools can provide even more options. Finally, always back up your system before making significant changes, especially when using the Registry Editor.
Keep exploring and tailoring your Windows experience to suit your preferences. Happy customizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.