Windows 11 To 10: 9 Easy Ways To Revert The Look

Are you a long-time Windows 10 user who's recently made the jump to Windows 11? You're not alone if you find yourself missing the familiar look and feel of the older operating system. Windows 11 brought with it a significant visual overhaul, and while some embrace the change, others yearn for the comfortable interface they've grown accustomed to. The good news, guys, is that you don't have to abandon the productivity enhancements and under-the-hood improvements of Windows 11 to get that Windows 10 vibe back. There are several easy ways to customize your Windows 11 installation and bring back elements of the classic Windows 10 experience. From the Start menu to the taskbar, icons, and even the overall color scheme, we'll explore nine simple tweaks you can implement to make Windows 11 feel like home again. So, if you're ready to take control of your Windows 11 experience and tailor it to your preferences, let's dive in and explore how to make Windows 11 look and feel just like Windows 10! This guide will empower you to personalize your system and strike the perfect balance between new features and familiar comfort. You'll be surprised how much of a difference a few adjustments can make in your daily workflow and overall satisfaction with your operating system. Remember, the goal is to create an environment that boosts your productivity and makes you feel comfortable, so don't hesitate to experiment with these tweaks and find the perfect configuration that suits your needs.

1. Revert to the Windows 10 Start Menu

One of the most noticeable differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 is the Start menu. The centered Start menu in Windows 11, while sleek and modern, can be a jarring change for Windows 10 veterans. The good news is, you can bring back the classic left-aligned Start menu with a few simple steps. This tweak alone can significantly contribute to making Windows 11 feel more like its predecessor. To get started, you'll need to dive into the Registry Editor, a powerful tool that allows you to modify system settings. Don't worry, guys, it's not as intimidating as it sounds! Just follow the instructions carefully, and you'll be fine. Before you begin, it's always a good idea to back up your registry, just in case something goes wrong. This will allow you to restore your system to its previous state if needed. Once you've backed up your registry, open the Registry Editor by searching for "regedit" in the Start menu. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. In the right pane, right-click on an empty space and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name the new value Start_ShowClassicMode. Double-click the newly created value and set its value data to 1. This tells Windows 11 to use the classic Start menu layout. After making this change, you'll need to restart your computer or restart the Explorer process for the changes to take effect. To restart Explorer, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, find "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes, right-click on it, and select "Restart." Once Explorer restarts, you'll see the familiar left-aligned Start menu, complete with the live tiles (if you choose to enable them) and the app list. This simple change can make a world of difference in your transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, bringing back a sense of familiarity and ease of use. Remember to always exercise caution when modifying the registry, and double-check your steps to avoid any potential issues. With this tweak, you're well on your way to making Windows 11 feel just like your old Windows 10 setup.

2. Move the Taskbar Icons Back to the Left

Another prominent change in Windows 11 is the centered taskbar icons. While this design choice aims for a cleaner and more modern look, many users find it less efficient than the traditional left-aligned taskbar. If you're used to glancing at the bottom-left corner of your screen to quickly access your pinned applications, the centered icons can feel disorienting. Thankfully, guys, Windows 11 provides a built-in option to move the taskbar icons back to the left, restoring that familiar Windows 10 feel. No need to dive into the Registry Editor for this one! To move the taskbar icons, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." This will open the Taskbar settings page in the Settings app. Scroll down to the "Taskbar behaviors" section and expand it. Here, you'll find an option labeled "Taskbar alignment." By default, it's set to "Center." Simply click on the dropdown menu and change the setting to "Left." Instantly, you'll see your taskbar icons jump back to the left side of the screen, just like in Windows 10. This simple adjustment can significantly improve your workflow and make it easier to quickly launch your favorite applications. You'll no longer have to adjust your gaze to the center of the screen, allowing for a more natural and efficient experience. In addition to moving the icons, you can also customize other taskbar behaviors on this page, such as hiding the search bar, showing or hiding the Task View button, and enabling or disabling the system tray icons. These further customization options allow you to fine-tune the taskbar to your exact preferences, making it even more like the Windows 10 taskbar you're used to. So, take a few minutes to explore these settings and create a taskbar that works best for you. By moving the icons back to the left, you've taken another significant step in transforming Windows 11 into a familiar and comfortable environment. This small change can have a big impact on your overall user experience, making the transition from Windows 10 much smoother and more enjoyable.

3. Restore the Classic Taskbar Context Menu

In Windows 11, the taskbar context menu (the menu that appears when you right-click on the taskbar) has been streamlined and simplified. While this might seem like a minor change, some users miss the more comprehensive options available in the Windows 10 taskbar context menu. If you're one of those users who prefer the classic menu, there's a way to bring it back, guys! This involves another tweak in the Registry Editor, so remember to proceed with caution and back up your registry before making any changes. Open the Registry Editor by searching for "regedit" in the Start menu. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. In the right pane, right-click on an empty space and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name the new value ShowClassicTaskbarContextMenu. Double-click the newly created value and set its value data to 1. This tells Windows 11 to display the classic taskbar context menu. After making this change, you'll need to restart your computer or restart the Explorer process for the changes to take effect. As before, you can restart Explorer by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Restart." Once Explorer restarts, right-clicking on the taskbar will now bring up the classic context menu, complete with options like "Task Manager," "Cascade windows," "Show windows stacked," and more. This can be particularly useful for power users who rely on these options for efficient window management. By restoring the classic taskbar context menu, you're bringing back a familiar element of Windows 10 that can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. This small tweak can make a big difference in your overall experience with Windows 11, making it feel more like the operating system you're used to. Remember to always be careful when making changes to the registry, and double-check your steps to avoid any potential issues. With this tweak, you're one step closer to customizing Windows 11 to your exact preferences and creating an environment that feels both familiar and efficient.

4. Use a Windows 10 Theme or Custom Theme

One of the easiest ways to visually transform Windows 11 and make it resemble Windows 10 is by changing the theme. Windows 11 comes with a set of default themes, but you can also download and install custom themes, including those designed to replicate the Windows 10 look. This can significantly alter the appearance of your desktop, windows, and icons, creating a more familiar visual experience. While Windows 11 doesn't directly offer a "Windows 10 theme," you can find several custom themes online that closely mimic the Windows 10 design. These themes typically include the classic Windows 10 wallpaper, color scheme, and even custom icons. To find these themes, you can simply search online for "Windows 10 theme for Windows 11." There are numerous websites and communities that offer custom themes for Windows. Before installing any custom theme, it's crucial to ensure that it comes from a reputable source. Downloading themes from untrusted websites can pose a security risk, so always exercise caution and only download from sources you trust. Once you've downloaded a theme, you'll typically need to extract the files from the archive (usually a ZIP file). The theme files will usually include a .theme file and a folder containing the theme's assets, such as wallpapers and icons. To install the theme, simply double-click the .theme file. This will open the "Personalization" settings in Windows 11. The theme will be applied automatically, and you'll see the changes reflected on your desktop. If the theme includes custom icons, you may need to manually change the icons for specific shortcuts or applications. This can be done by right-clicking on the shortcut, selecting "Properties," going to the "Shortcut" tab, and clicking "Change Icon." Then, you can browse to the folder containing the theme's icons and select the desired icon. In addition to custom themes, you can also create your own theme by customizing the various personalization settings in Windows 11. This includes changing the background, colors, sounds, and mouse cursor. By experimenting with these settings, you can create a theme that closely resembles the Windows 10 look and feel, guys. Using a Windows 10 theme or creating a custom theme is a powerful way to transform the visual appearance of Windows 11 and make it feel more like the operating system you're used to. This can significantly improve your overall experience and make the transition from Windows 10 much smoother.

5. Re-enable Live Tiles (Using Third-Party Tools)

One of the most distinctive features of the Windows 10 Start menu was the presence of Live Tiles. These dynamic tiles displayed real-time information, such as news headlines, weather updates, and calendar events, directly on the Start menu. Windows 11 replaced Live Tiles with static icons, which some users find less informative and engaging. While Windows 11 doesn't natively support Live Tiles, there are third-party tools available that can bring this functionality back. These tools typically work by creating widgets or overlays that mimic the appearance and behavior of Live Tiles. However, it's important to note that using third-party tools always carries some risk, so you should carefully research any tool before installing it. Look for tools from reputable developers and read reviews from other users to ensure that the tool is safe and reliable. One popular tool for re-enabling Live Tiles is TileIconifier. This tool allows you to create custom tiles for your applications and pin them to the Start menu. You can then configure these tiles to display dynamic information, such as notifications or RSS feeds. Another option is to use a third-party Start menu replacement, such as Open Shell or Start11. These tools replace the default Windows 11 Start menu with a more customizable alternative, often including support for Live Tiles. When using a third-party Start menu replacement, you'll typically have a wide range of customization options available, allowing you to create a Start menu that closely resembles the Windows 10 version. This can include features like Live Tiles, jump lists, and customizable layouts. However, it's important to be aware that using a third-party Start menu replacement may impact the performance of your system. These tools can consume system resources, so it's important to choose a tool that is well-optimized and doesn't cause performance issues. Before installing any third-party tool, it's always a good idea to create a system restore point. This will allow you to revert your system to its previous state if anything goes wrong. Remember, guys, re-enabling Live Tiles using third-party tools is an advanced customization that may require some technical knowledge. If you're not comfortable with installing and configuring third-party software, it's best to stick with the built-in Windows 11 features. However, if you're a power user who misses Live Tiles, these tools can be a valuable way to bring back this familiar functionality and make Windows 11 feel more like Windows 10.

6. Change the Default Apps

Windows 11 introduced a slightly more complex system for changing default apps compared to Windows 10. In Windows 10, you could easily set your default apps for various file types and protocols in a single settings page. In Windows 11, you often need to set defaults for each individual file type or protocol, which can be a bit tedious. If you prefer using your favorite apps from Windows 10, like a specific web browser or image viewer, you'll want to make sure they're set as the default in Windows 11. This will ensure that files and links open with the apps you prefer. To change the default apps in Windows 11, you can start by opening the Settings app. You can do this by searching for "Settings" in the Start menu or by pressing Windows key + I. In the Settings app, click on "Apps" and then "Default apps." Here, you'll see a list of app categories, such as "Web browser," "Email," and "Music player." You can click on each category to choose your default app for that category. However, for more granular control, you can scroll down to the section labeled "Set defaults for applications." This will display a list of all installed applications on your system. You can click on an app to see the file types and protocols it can handle. To set the app as the default for a specific file type or protocol, simply click on the current default app and choose your preferred app from the list. This process can be a bit time-consuming if you have a lot of file types and protocols to configure. However, once you've set your defaults, Windows 11 will remember your preferences and open files and links with the correct apps. Another way to change default apps is by right-clicking on a file and selecting "Open with" and then "Choose another app." This will display a list of apps that can open the file. You can select your preferred app and then check the box labeled "Always use this app to open [file type] files." This will set the selected app as the default for that file type. By changing the default apps in Windows 11, you can ensure that you're using the apps you're most comfortable with, just like you did in Windows 10. This can significantly improve your workflow and make the transition to Windows 11 much smoother, guys. Taking the time to configure your default apps is a worthwhile investment, as it will save you time and frustration in the long run.

7. Customize the Taskbar Behaviors

We've already touched on moving the taskbar icons to the left, but Windows 11 offers several other taskbar customization options that can help you recreate the Windows 10 experience. These settings allow you to control the appearance and behavior of the taskbar, making it more efficient and user-friendly. To access the taskbar settings, right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." This will open the Taskbar settings page in the Settings app. In the "Taskbar behaviors" section, you'll find a variety of options to customize the taskbar. One option is to automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode. This can be useful if you want to maximize screen space, as the taskbar will only appear when you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen. Another option is to show badges on taskbar apps. Badges are small icons that appear on app icons in the taskbar to indicate notifications or other important information. Enabling this option can help you stay informed about activity in your favorite apps. You can also customize the system tray icons that appear in the taskbar's notification area. This allows you to choose which icons are displayed and which are hidden. This can be helpful for decluttering the taskbar and making it easier to find the icons you need. Another useful option is the ability to combine taskbar buttons and hide labels. When this option is enabled, multiple windows from the same app will be grouped together under a single taskbar button. This can help to reduce clutter on the taskbar, especially if you have many windows open. You can also choose whether to show the search bar, Task View button, and Widgets button on the taskbar. If you prefer a cleaner taskbar, you can disable these options. By customizing the taskbar behaviors in Windows 11, you can create a taskbar that is both functional and visually appealing. These settings allow you to fine-tune the taskbar to your exact preferences, making it more like the Windows 10 taskbar you're used to, guys. Experimenting with these options is a great way to personalize your Windows 11 experience and make it your own.

8. Explore Third-Party Customization Tools

If you're looking for even more control over the appearance and behavior of Windows 11, you might want to explore third-party customization tools. These tools offer a wide range of options for tweaking and personalizing your system, allowing you to go beyond the built-in settings. However, it's important to exercise caution when using third-party customization tools. Always download tools from reputable sources and read reviews from other users before installing them. Some tools may be incompatible with Windows 11 or may cause stability issues, so it's important to choose carefully. One popular customization tool for Windows is Start11. We've mentioned this one before! This tool allows you to customize the Start menu and taskbar, including bringing back the Windows 10 Start menu style, guys. Start11 offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the Start menu to your exact preferences. Another popular tool is Winaero Tweaker. This tool offers a vast array of tweaks and customizations for Windows, including options for changing the appearance of the taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, and more. Winaero Tweaker is a powerful tool that can significantly alter the behavior of Windows, so it's important to use it with caution. Another category of customization tools is theme managers. These tools allow you to easily install and manage custom themes for Windows. We talked about those too! Theme managers can make it easier to find and install themes that match your preferences, including themes that replicate the Windows 10 look. When using third-party customization tools, it's always a good idea to create a system restore point before making any changes. This will allow you to revert your system to its previous state if anything goes wrong. Remember, guys, third-party customization tools can be powerful, but they also come with some risk. It's important to research tools carefully and use them responsibly. If you're not comfortable with using these tools, it's best to stick with the built-in Windows 11 customization options. However, if you're a power user looking for more control over your system, third-party tools can be a valuable resource.

9. Disable or Uninstall Unwanted Windows 11 Features

Windows 11 comes with several new features and pre-installed apps that you may not find useful. If you're trying to recreate the Windows 10 experience, you might want to disable or uninstall some of these features to declutter your system and improve performance. One feature that some users may want to disable is the Widgets panel. This panel displays news, weather, and other information in a flyout window that appears when you click the Widgets button in the taskbar. If you don't use the Widgets panel, you can disable it by right-clicking on the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," and then toggling the "Widgets" option to off. Another feature that you might want to disable is the Chat icon in the taskbar. This icon launches Microsoft Teams, which may not be your preferred communication app. To remove the Chat icon, right-click on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and then toggle the "Chat" option to off. Windows 11 also comes with several pre-installed apps that you may not need. These apps can take up disk space and system resources, so uninstalling them can help to improve performance. To uninstall an app, right-click on it in the Start menu and select "Uninstall." You can also uninstall apps from the Settings app by going to "Apps" and then "Apps & features." Here, you'll see a list of all installed apps on your system. You can click on an app to see more information about it and then click the "Uninstall" button to remove it. Some apps, such as Microsoft Edge, are deeply integrated into Windows 11 and cannot be uninstalled. However, you can disable many of their features or choose to use a different default app. By disabling or uninstalling unwanted Windows 11 features, you can streamline your system and make it more like the Windows 10 setup you're used to, guys. This can help to improve performance and reduce clutter, making Windows 11 a more efficient and enjoyable operating system. Remember to only uninstall apps and features that you're sure you don't need, as some may be required for certain system functions. However, for the most part, you can safely remove many of the pre-installed apps and features without causing any issues.

By implementing these nine easy tweaks, you can effectively transform Windows 11 and make it look and feel remarkably similar to Windows 10. Remember, the goal is to create a computing environment that suits your preferences and maximizes your productivity. So, don't hesitate to experiment with these customizations and find the perfect balance between new features and familiar comfort. Happy tweaking, guys!