If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 but still miss the familiar look of Windows 10, you are not alone. The centered taskbar, redesigned Start menu, rounded corners, and new right-click menu can take some time to get used to. For many users, the older Windows 10 layout simply feels more comfortable and easier to navigate.
The good news is that you do not need to downgrade your operating system to bring back much of that familiar experience. With a few changes to Windows settings and some optional customization tools, you can make Windows 11 look much closer to Windows 10.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Windows 11 look like 10, including how to change the taskbar, restore a classic-style Start menu, adjust File Explorer, and customize other parts of the desktop.
1. Move the Windows 11 Taskbar to the Left
One of the biggest differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is the taskbar. Windows 11 places the Start button and app icons in the center by default, while Windows 10 keeps them on the left.
Fortunately, you can change this without installing any additional software.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Scroll down and open Taskbar behaviors.
- Find Taskbar alignment.
- Change the setting from Center to Left.
Your Start button and pinned apps will now appear on the left side, making the desktop feel more like Windows 10.
This is one of the easiest ways to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, especially if you prefer the traditional desktop layout.
2. Customize the Start Menu
The Start menu is another noticeable difference. Windows 11 uses a simplified layout with pinned applications and recommended files, while Windows 10 features a more traditional menu with a different arrangement of apps and tiles.
You can make the Windows 11 Start menu more familiar by removing unnecessary pinned apps and organizing the ones you use most.
To do this:
- Open the Start menu.
- Right-click any pinned app you do not need.
- Select Unpin from Start.
- Pin your frequently used applications.
- Open Settings and go to Personalization, then Start, to adjust the available layout options.
These changes will not completely restore the original Windows 10 Start menu, but they can make it cleaner and easier to use.
If you want a more traditional Start menu, you can also explore third-party customization programs such as Open-Shell or Start11. Check their current Windows 11 compatibility, features, and pricing before installing them.
3. Change the Taskbar Appearance
Moving the taskbar icons to the left is a good start, but you may want to customize its appearance further.
Open Settings > Personalization > Colors to choose a light or dark appearance. You can also select an accent color that matches your preferred desktop style.
For a Windows 10-inspired desktop, try a simple blue accent color with a dark taskbar or a light theme with a traditional wallpaper.
Windows 11 does not offer every taskbar customization option found in older Windows versions. If you want additional control over the taskbar’s appearance, investigate reputable customization tools such as Start11 or ExplorerPatcher. Features and compatibility can change after Windows updates, so check the developer’s documentation first.
Avoid downloading modified system files from unfamiliar websites just to change the taskbar. A small visual improvement is not worth risking your system’s stability.
4. Make File Explorer Look More Like Windows 10
File Explorer received a noticeable redesign in Windows 11. Its toolbar is different, and some familiar commands have moved into menus.
You can still adjust a few settings to make file browsing more comfortable.
First, open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E. Then select the three-dot menu and open Options, where available, to adjust folder-related settings.
You can also make these changes:
- Enable file name extensions if you regularly work with different file types.
- Adjust the navigation pane to suit your preferences.
- Choose a familiar folder view, such as Details, for documents and work files.
- Pin frequently used folders to Quick access or Home.
These adjustments will not recreate the complete Windows 10 File Explorer interface, but they can make everyday navigation feel more familiar.
For users who want a more extensive redesign, third-party tools may offer additional options. However, be cautious with software that replaces or modifies Windows system components.
5. Restore the Classic Right-Click Menu
If you have used Windows 11 for a while, you have probably noticed that the right-click menu looks different. Some commands are hidden behind Show more options, which opens the traditional context menu.
You can access the classic menu whenever you need it by right-clicking a file or folder and selecting Show more options. In many cases, pressing Shift + F10 also opens the traditional context menu.
This is the safest approach because it does not require changing the Windows Registry.
Some third-party utilities and Registry modifications can restore a more traditional context-menu experience, but they may stop working after system updates. If you decide to use one, back up important data and create a restore point first. Avoid copying Registry commands from unknown sources.
6. Use a Windows 10 Wallpaper and Theme
Your wallpaper has a surprisingly large effect on how your desktop feels. If you want Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10, choosing a familiar background is an easy place to start.
Right-click the desktop and select Personalize. Open Background and choose a picture from your computer, or browse for a wallpaper you have downloaded from a trusted source.
For a more traditional appearance, consider a blue Windows-inspired background, a simple landscape, or a plain solid color.
You can also open Settings > Personalization > Themes to adjust the overall appearance. Change the desktop background, accent color, and other available settings until they work well together.
Keep in mind that a theme changes the appearance of supported elements; it does not turn Windows 11 into Windows 10.
Reade more:-How to Change Time Format in Windows 11: Powerful Tips for Customizing Your Clock
7. Try a Windows Customization Tool
If the built-in settings are not enough, a customization tool may help you get closer to the older Windows interface.
Here are three options worth researching:
- Open-Shell: A free, open-source project that offers classic-style Start menu customization. Check its current compatibility with your Windows 11 version.
- Start11: A paid customization application with Start menu and taskbar options. Available features depend on the version and license.
- ExplorerPatcher: An open-source project that modifies aspects of the Windows interface, including some classic-style taskbar and File Explorer behavior. Because it changes Windows components, compatibility and stability should be considered carefully.
Before installing any of these tools, download them from their official project websites. Review recent release notes, create a restore point, and install only software that supports your current Windows build.
You do not need to install all three. Start with the feature you miss most, test it, and add more customization only if necessary.
Can You Make Windows 11 Look Exactly Like Windows 10?
Not completely through the standard Windows settings. You can change taskbar alignment, colors, wallpapers, and several other visual details, but some parts of the Windows 11 interface remain different.
Third-party tools can recreate more of the Windows 10 experience, although results vary depending on the Windows version and the software you choose.
If you need the original Windows 10 interface and behavior, using a compatible operating system is a different matter from simply changing Windows 11’s appearance. Also, Windows 10’s standard support ended on October 14, 2025, so consider security support before deciding to return to it.
For most people, customizing Windows 11 is the more practical option. You can retain the newer operating system while making its desktop feel much more familiar.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make Windows 11 look like 10 does not have to be complicated. Small changes to the taskbar, Start menu, wallpaper, and File Explorer can make a noticeable difference without replacing your operating system.
If you want a closer match, a trusted customization tool may help restore some of the features you miss. Just remember to check compatibility before installing anything that changes Windows components.
Start with the built-in settings first. You may find that a few simple adjustments are enough to make Windows 11 feel comfortable again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I make Windows 11 look like Windows 10?
Start by moving the taskbar icons to the left, changing your wallpaper, adjusting the Start menu, and selecting your preferred colors. For a more traditional Start menu or taskbar, consider a compatible third-party customization tool.
2. Can I get the Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not provide a built-in option to restore the complete Windows 10 Start menu. Third-party tools such as Open-Shell and Start11 offer alternative Start menu layouts, but their features and compatibility vary.
3. Is it safe to use Windows 11 customization software?
It can be safe when you choose reputable software from its official source and verify that it supports your Windows version. Create a restore point before using tools that modify the taskbar, Explorer, or other system components.
4. Can I move the Windows 11 taskbar to the left?
Yes. Open Taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors, and change Taskbar alignment to Left. This moves the taskbar icons to the left side of the screen.
5. Can I restore the old Windows 10 right-click menu?
You can access the classic context menu by selecting Show more options or pressing Shift + F10 in supported situations. Restoring it as the default may require additional software or system modifications.
6. Will making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 affect performance?
Basic personalization settings usually have little impact on performance. Third-party utilities may use additional resources or introduce compatibility problems, depending on their features and how they modify Windows.
7. Can I switch back to Windows 10 instead?
Possibly, depending on your device, installation history, and available recovery options. However, standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Check Microsoft’s current support options and make a full backup before considering a downgrade.