Windows 11, with its sleek design and new features, is a big change from Windows 10. But if you miss the look and feel of Windows 10, don’t worry. You can make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 with a few tweaks. Follow these steps to adjust your taskbar, start menu, and other settings to bring back that familiar Windows 10 vibe.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
Alright, let’s dive into how you can transform your Windows 11 interface to look more like Windows 10. These steps will guide you through modifying the taskbar, start menu, and other visual elements.
Step 1: Adjust the Taskbar
The first step to transform your Windows 11 into Windows 10 is to move the taskbar icons to the left.
Click on the ‘Start’ button, which is now centered, and then go to ‘Settings’. Navigate to ‘Personalization’, and click on ‘Taskbar’. Here, look for ‘Taskbar behaviors’ and change the ‘Taskbar alignment’ from ‘Center’ to ‘Left’.
This simple change will immediately make your desktop feel more like Windows 10, where the taskbar icons were aligned to the left by default.
Step 2: Get the Classic Start Menu
To get the start menu looking like Windows 10, you’ll need a third-party tool called Open-Shell.
Download and install Open-Shell from its official website. Once installed, you can customize the start menu to mimic the Windows 10 style. Open-Shell provides various layouts, so choose the one that resembles Windows 10 the most.
This step will revert the start menu to a more familiar, structured look, making navigation easier.
Step 3: Customize Icons and Themes
Windows 10 had its unique icons and theme colors. You can bring those back with a pack called "Windows 10 Theme for Windows 11".
Download the theme pack and follow the instructions to install it. This will change your icons, wallpaper, and even some system sounds to match Windows 10’s aesthetic.
This will complete the visual transformation, making your system look nearly identical to Windows 10.
Step 4: Remove Widgets from the Taskbar
Windows 11 introduces a new widget icon on the taskbar. To maintain the Windows 10 look, you’ll want to remove it.
Right-click on the taskbar, go to ‘Taskbar settings’, and toggle off the ‘Widgets’ option.
By removing the widgets, your taskbar will lose the extra clutter and look more like the simplified Windows 10 taskbar.
Step 5: Adjusting System Sounds
The final step is to change the system sounds to match those of Windows 10.
Go to ‘Settings’, then ‘System’, and click on ‘Sound’. Find the ‘Advanced sound options’ and adjust the system sounds to match the Windows 10 sounds. You can download the Windows 10 sound scheme if needed.
Changing the system sounds completes the sensory experience, making it feel like you never left Windows 10.
After following these steps, your Windows 11 will look and feel remarkably similar to Windows 10. It’s a blend of familiarity and new features.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
- Backup Your Settings: Before making any changes, back up your current settings. This will make it easy to revert if needed.
- Use Reliable Third-Party Tools: Only download customization tools from trusted sources to avoid malware.
- Check for Compatibility: Ensure any theme packs or tools you use are compatible with Windows 11.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye out for updates to the tools and themes you use, as they might include important fixes or improvements.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different settings to get the look exactly as you want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the default Windows 11 look?
Yes, you can revert back to the default Windows 11 look by changing the settings back to their original state or uninstalling any third-party tools you used.
Will these changes affect system performance?
These changes should not significantly impact system performance. However, using multiple third-party tools might have a slight effect.
Are these changes permanent?
No, you can always undo these changes by adjusting the settings back or uninstalling the tools.
Do I need any technical skills to do this?
Basic computer skills are sufficient. The steps involve simple settings adjustments and installations.
Can I make selective changes?
Yes, you can choose to make only specific changes, like just moving the taskbar or changing the start menu, based on what you prefer.
Summary
- Adjust the taskbar: Move icons to the left.
- Get the classic start menu: Use Open-Shell.
- Customize icons and themes: Use a Windows 10 theme pack.
- Remove widgets from the taskbar: Toggle off in settings.
- Adjust system sounds: Change to Windows 10 sound scheme.
Conclusion
Bringing the familiar look of Windows 10 to your Windows 11 system is easier than you’d think. These steps allow you to enjoy the new features of Windows 11 while retaining the visual familiarity of Windows 10. Whether you’re nostalgic or just prefer the old layout, these tweaks ensure you get the best of both worlds.
Feel free to experiment with different customizations and find what suits you best. Don’t forget to back up your settings before making changes, and download tools from trusted sources to keep your system safe. If you ever decide to embrace the Windows 11 look fully, you can easily revert these changes.
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.