Transform Windows 11 to Resemble Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide [October 2024]

What to Know

• Windows offers various options to customize its interface to resemble Windows 10.
• In Taskbar Settings > Taskbar behavior, change the alignment to Left, set ‘Combine taskbar buttons…’ to Never, and disable Task View, Widgets, and hide Search.
• Using registry tweaks, you can also revert to the classic File Explorer and context menu, apply a Windows 10 wallpaper, and personalize sounds and icons.
• For further customization, consider using free third-party applications like StartAllBack, WinAero, and Open Shell.

No matter the opinions out there, many believe that Windows 10 is the superior version of Windows. From the taskbar and Start menu to the folder structures and context menus, Windows 10 strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. It lacks the AI features and heavy transparency effects that drain system resources, yet it excels in customization options.

Conversely, Windows 11 represents a significant shift from the familiar design, contributing to the slow adoption rate among users. However, if you’ve upgraded and find yourself longing for Windows 10’s familiar look, you need not downgrade yet.

There are numerous methods and free third-party applications to transform your Windows 11 experience back to that of Windows 10. Here’s your complete guide to achieving the Windows 10 look and feel in Windows 11.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Although third-party apps can help recreate the authentic Windows 10 atmosphere, there are several built-in options available to approximate the appearance of Windows 10 in Windows 11.

1. Move Taskbar Icons to the Left (and Remove Unnecessary Items)

The center-aligned icons in Windows 11, reminiscent of macOS, may not appeal to everyone, but fortunately, they are adjustable.

1. To left-align the icons, right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Next, expand Taskbar behaviors.
3. From the ‘Taskbar alignment’ drop-down menu, choose Left.

While you’re there, consider removing unnecessary taskbar items by toggling off Task view and Widgets, and setting Search to Hide.

Here’s a visual guide for your reference.

It’s already looking cleaner!

2. Ungroup Taskbar Items

By default, Windows 11 groups taskbar buttons for open app instances (including File Explorer). However, you can modify this behavior.

1. Navigate back to the taskbar settings.
2. Select Taskbar behaviors.
3. In the drop-down menu next to ‘Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels,’ select Never or When taskbar is full.

Here’s a visual guide for your context.

3. Change Right-Click Context Menu

In comparison to Windows 10, the right-click context menu in Windows 11 is overly complicated, requiring an extra click to access additional options. Thankfully, a simple registry tweak can restore the previous context menu layout.

1. Open Registry Editor from the Start Menu.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID.
3. Right-click on “CLSID” and create a new key named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
4. Create a sub-key within it and name it InProcServer32.
5. Right-click on the Default value and set its value to a single space. Click OK to confirm.
6. Finally, open ‘Task Manager’, locate Windows Explorer, and restart it.

Now you will have the Windows 10-styled right-click context menu. Here’s a visual guide for reference.

4. Change Wallpaper

Next to the taskbar and context menu, the ‘Bloom’ wallpaper is one of the most recognizable features of Windows 11. Changing your wallpaper to the official Windows 10 wallpaper can help enhance the illusion. Here’s how:

1. Download the Windows 10 wallpaper.
2. Open the Settings app and select Personalization.
3. Click on Background.
4. Under ‘Personalize your background,’ select Picture.
5. Click Browse photos.
6. Select the downloaded Windows 10 wallpaper.

Here’s a visual guide for your reference.

5. Switch to Custom Windows 10 Sounds

Changing the system sounds can further immerse you in the Windows 10 experience. Start by obtaining a Windows 10 sound pack, which is available from several free sources. Here is one such site that offers an extensive collection.

1. Download the Windows 10 sound pack.
2. Extract the contents of the RAR file.
3. Open the Start menu, search for mmsys.cpl, and open the Sound properties window.
4. Click on Sounds.
5. In the ‘Program Events’ section, you’ll find various events you can customize. Select an event, click on Browse, and choose the appropriate sound.
6. You’ll need to repeat this for all events you wish to modify.

Here’s a visual guide for your reference.

Native Option Limitations

Many other Windows 11 elements, like the Start menu, remain unchangeable with the available options, or they require extensive alterations, particularly when it comes to customizing folder icons, which necessitates individual changes. Hence, for these and many other enhancements, using dedicated third-party applications is essential.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

Numerous third-party tools offer extensive customization for various Windows elements, with some focused on specific aspects of personalization.

1. StartAllBack

StartAllBack is an open-source utility that serves as a comprehensive solution for overhauling your taskbar, Start menu, system tray, and context menu. It provides a similar experience to other paid solutions like Start11, which can be quite expensive. StartAllBack also ensures a smoother process when modifying UI elements.

Access StartAllBack by right-clicking the Start Menu and selecting Properties.

2. WinAero Tweaker

WinAero serves as a versatile tool, offering a suite of tweaks to customize your Windows 11 experience. Some of its capabilities include:

• Adding a ribbon to File Explorer
• Creating a shortcut to classic File Explorer
• Setting Aero Lite (Windows 10) as the default theme
• Customizing icons
• Adding various context menu options

The application comprises a vast number of tweaks categorized into 21 different sections. However, it lacks a classic taskbar, which was removed starting with Windows 22H2 but can redirect you to apps with this feature, such as Open Shell.

3. Open-Shell (Previously Classic Shell)

Open Shell is a comprehensive Windows customization application designed to evoke the feel of Windows 10 and earlier versions.

This tool allows extensive modifications to the Start menu, including style and settings, along with taskbar customization, skin changes, context menu adjustments, and more. Ensure to check ‘Show all settings’ to explore all available options.

Though there are limitations to how much you can transform Windows 11 to look like Windows 10, third-party applications greatly surpass the few native options available. However, tread carefully to avoid losing essential Windows 11 features like File Explorer tabs that enhance daily productivity.

We hope you successfully customize Windows to resemble Windows 10 and earlier versions. Until next time!

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