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Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10 [7 Tips]
Quick tweaks that completely transform the UI
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The latest iteration from Microsoft, Windows 11, is touted to be one of the most advanced and user-friendly and comes with arange of new features, but several users wish to make it look more like Windows 10.
This is primarily because they got used to Windows 10, and the sudden transition seems a bit of a hassle. And to be honest, that’s completely normal. So, let’s find out how you can make a Windows 11 desktop look like Windows 10
1. Change the desktop background
While many suggest it as the last change, we recommend that you start with the background wallpaper since it’s the most critical aspect. The wallpaper is stored in the following location:C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Windows
So, copy the wallpaper from there, and move it to a PC running Windows 11. In case you don’t have access to a Windows 10 computer, several websites offer the wallpaper for download. Go with one of these.
2. Move the Taskbar
If you wanted to make the Windows 11 taskbar look like the one in Windows 10, switch the alignment to the left, and all the icons would be left-aligned. Though not exactly the same, it would give a good impression of Windows 10.
If you don’t like the new Taskbar at all, you can still change it as you please with a dedicated software recommended below.
With this tool you can change the appearance of the Taskbar completely. You can even modify its transparency, effect and color.
The most important feature of the app is however that it can combine states and instances as you use your PC. So, you can restore it to the Windows 10 looks or transform it as you wish.
⇒Get TranslucentTB
3. Switch to the classic File Explorer
If you were wondering how to make Windows 11 File Explorer look like Windows 10, there’s a simple registry tweak for that. If you ever wish to revert the change, simply delete theBlockedkey.
4. Get the old context menu back
1.PressWindows+Sto openSearch, typeRegistry Editor, and click on the relevant search result.
- ClickYesin theUACprompt that appears.
3.Navigate the following path or paste it in the address bar and hitEnter:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
4.Right-click onCLSID, hover the cursor overNew, chooseKeyand name it{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}.
5.Next, right-click on key you just created, chooseNew, clickKey, and name itInprocServer32.
6.Once done, double-click onDefaulton the right under theInprocServer32key to modify it.
7.Now, make sure the field underValue datais empty and clickOKto save the changes.
- Restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
That’s it! You would now have the classic context menu, the way it used to be in the previous iteration and you would be a step closer to making Windows 11 look like Windows 10.
5. Switch to the previous Start Menu UI
If you want to make Windows 11 Start Menu look like Windows 10, this Registry hack would come in handy.
6. Remove additional Taskbar icons
If you want an uncluttered Taskbar, the way it was in Windows 10, disable every item in the list, and it will now somewhat resemble the previous iteration.
7. Use a third-party app
While the methods listed here do a fine job, you can use a third-party app,StartAllBack, to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10.
StartAllBack is a useful toolwhich will help get the old Start menu, the classic Taskbar, the conventional Windows Explorer ribbon, and the previous context menu, amongst a range of other changes.
By now, you would be able to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10. And the inverse also holds true. Using the same idea, you will know how to make Windows 10 look like Windows 11 without software.
Also, you may find a Windows 10 theme for Windows 11, but we recommend against it, since the changes it makes will be unknown. And do not forget to read ourcomparison of Windows 11 and Windows 10to better understand the differences between the iterations.
If you have any other queries, drop a comment below, and we will get back at the earliest.
More about the topics:Windows 11 Tips
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
