Windows 11 brings a modern design, centered Start menu, and rounded corners. But many users still love the classic Windows 10 look and feel. If you’re one of them, you can customize Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10 with a few tweaks — no third-party operating system needed.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through changing the Start menu, taskbar, icons, and themes to make Windows 11 feel familiar and comfortable.
🖼️ Why Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10?
You might want to revert the aesthetic for several reasons:
- Familiarity: Avoid relearning new layouts and controls.
- Productivity: A traditional layout can reduce confusion during workflow.
- Customization: Mix Windows 11 features with the classic look you prefer.
Let’s get started with simple, easy-to-follow changes.
🧭 Step 1: Move the Taskbar to the Left
Windows 11 centers the taskbar icons by default, but Windows 10 had them aligned left.
Steps:
- Right-click the taskbar → select Taskbar settings.
- Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors.
- Find Taskbar alignment and choose Left.
✅ Result: Your Start menu and icons will now appear on the left side, like Windows 10.
🧰 Step 2: Replace the Start Menu with a Windows 10 Style
Windows 11 Start menu is simplified. To mimic Windows 10:
Option 1: Use Open-Shell (Free Tool)
- Download Open-Shell from Open-Shell GitHub.
- Install and open the program.
- Select the Classic style or Windows 10 style skin.
- Customize the Start menu layout, colors, and icons.
Option 2: Adjust Start Menu in Windows 11
- Pin frequently used apps.
- Group apps into folders for a Windows 10-like feel.
✅ Result: A Start menu similar to Windows 10’s full-featured menu.
🎨 Step 3: Change the System Theme to Classic Colors
Windows 11 has default modern themes. To restore a Windows 10 vibe:
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Personalization → Colors.
- Choose Light or Dark mode.
- Scroll down → select Accent color and Show accent color on Start and taskbar.
- Optional: Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes and select Windows 10-inspired themes.
This gives your system colors and backgrounds that feel like Windows 10.
🖥️ Step 4: Adjust File Explorer to Windows 10 Style
Windows 11 File Explorer uses a simplified ribbon. To bring back the Windows 10 feel:
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + 6 (shortcut for Quick Access view).
- Or install a third-party tweak like OldNewExplorer to restore the classic ribbon and layout.
✅ Result: File Explorer will be closer to Windows 10 design, with familiar navigation.
🧩 Step 5: Restore Classic Icons
Modern icons in Windows 11 can be replaced:
Steps:
- Right-click desktop → select Personalize → Themes → Desktop icon settings.
- Choose Computer, Recycle Bin, Network, etc.
- Click Change Icon and select classic icons.
- Apply changes.
✅ Result: Classic icons will now appear across your desktop, matching the Windows 10 aesthetic.
⚙️ Step 6: Remove Rounded Corners (Optional)
Windows 11 uses rounded window corners. To revert:
- Use registry tweaks or third-party apps like WinAero Tweaker.
- Navigate to Windows 11 → Rounded Corners → Disable (in WinAero Tweaker).
- Restart the system for changes.
✅ Result: Windows edges will appear sharp, like Windows 10.
🖥️ Step 7: Adjust Taskbar Icons and System Tray
Windows 11 taskbar icons are slightly different:
Steps:
- Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings.
- Turn on/off icons in the System tray.
- Pin desired apps to match Windows 10 layout.
💡 Tip: Drag frequently used apps to the left side of the taskbar for quicker access.
🧭 Step 8: Add the Windows 10 Context Menu
Windows 11 has a simplified right-click menu. To bring back the classic menu:
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID - Import a Windows 10 context menu registry file (available online).
- Restart Explorer.
✅ Result: Right-click menus now look like Windows 10.
🧰 Step 9: Change System Fonts (Optional)
Windows 10 used Segoe UI with slightly different rendering. To mimic it:
- Open Registry Editor →
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts. - Replace Windows 11 font settings with classic Segoe UI variants.
- Restart for changes.
✅ Result: Fonts will resemble the traditional Windows 10 style.
🔄 Step 10: Restore Windows 10 Start Sounds
If you miss Windows 10 sounds:
- Go to Settings → System → Sound → Advanced sound options.
- Assign classic Windows 10 sounds for notifications, errors, and startup.
✅ Conclusion
With these tweaks, your Windows 11 PC can look and feel like Windows 10, while still enjoying the benefits of the new OS. From moving the taskbar, adjusting icons, and customizing the Start menu to restoring classic themes and context menus — you can enjoy the familiarity of Windows 10 without losing Windows 11 functionality.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I fully revert Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Not entirely — Windows 11 core features remain, but visual and functional customizations can closely mimic Windows 10.
2. Do I need third-party apps for this customization?
Some features like the Start menu and context menus require tools like Open-Shell or WinAero Tweaker for full Windows 10 replication.
3. Will these changes affect system performance?
No, most tweaks are cosmetic. Only some third-party apps may slightly increase resource usage.
4. Is it safe to edit the registry to change menus and fonts?
Yes, if you follow instructions carefully. Always backup your registry first.
5. Can I switch back to the default Windows 11 look?
Absolutely. Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes, and select a default Windows 11 theme to revert all changes.
🧭 Summary: Key Takeaways
- Move the taskbar left for a Windows 10 feel.
- Use Open-Shell to replicate the Start menu.
- Adjust themes, icons, and colors to match Windows 10.
- Customize File Explorer, context menus, and fonts for full effect.
- Optional tweaks: restore sounds, remove rounded corners, and reposition taskbar apps.
With these steps, your Windows 11 experience can combine familiar Windows 10 aesthetics with the advantages of the latest operating system.