With the release of Windows 11, many users are facing the unfamiliar user interface and design changes. If you’re a fan of the classic Windows 10 look and feel, you’ll be glad to know that there are ways to customize Windows 11 to make it more like its predecessor. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10.
1. Start Menu
The first noticeable change in Windows 11 is the centered Start Menu. To make it look more like Windows 10, you can move it back to the left corner:
- Right-click on the taskbar and go to “Taskbar settings.”
- Under “Taskbar behaviors,” toggle off “Taskbar alignment,” and select “Left” from the dropdown menu.
2. Taskbar
Windows 11 features a new centered taskbar with app icons that appear on the taskbar. To make it more like Windows 10, you can remove the app icons:
- Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
- Go to “Taskbar settings.”
- Under “Taskbar behaviors,” toggle off “Show badges on taskbar icons.”
3. File Explorer
Windows 11 has a redesigned File Explorer with new features and layout. To make it resemble the classic Windows 10 File Explorer:
- Open “File Explorer.”
- Click on “View” in the menu bar.
- Select “Options” and choose “Change folder and search options.”
- In the “View” tab, select “Apply to folders” and click “OK.”
4. Task View and Desktops
The new Task View and Desktops feature in Windows 11 may be different from what you’re used to in Windows 10. To switch back to the Windows 10 version:
- Click on the Task View button on the taskbar.
- Go to “Timeline settings.”
- Toggle off “Show feature recommendations in Timeline.”
5. System Settings
Windows 11 has revamped system settings with a new layout and categories. To make it look more like Windows 10:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “Personalization” and select “Themes.”
- Choose a theme that resembles Windows 10.
6. Start Button and Taskbar Icons
To further customize Windows 11 to look like Windows 10, you can change the Start button and taskbar icons:
- Download a third-party tool such as Open-Shell or Classic Start to replace the Start button with a Windows 10-style menu.
- Customize the taskbar icons to resemble Windows 10 icons using icon packs or custom icons.
7. Legacy Apps and Programs
If you’re missing the classic Windows 10 apps and programs, you can try running them in compatibility mode on Windows 11:
- Right-click on the app or program shortcut.
- Go to “Properties” and select the “Compatibility” tab.
- Choose the Windows 10 compatibility mode and run the app.
8. Additional Customizations
For additional customizations to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, you can:
- Change the wallpaper and desktop theme to match Windows 10.
- Adjust the accent colors and taskbar transparency to resemble Windows 10 settings.
- Install Windows 10 fonts for a familiar look in documents and applications.
- Use Windows 10 sound schemes for system sounds.
By following these steps and customizations, you can transform the look and feel of Windows 11 to closely resemble Windows 10. While Windows 11 offers new features and improvements, you can still enjoy the classic Windows 10 experience with these adjustments.
