So, Microsoft seems to think they know what you want Windows to look like with their new Windows 11. They’ve made some pretty big changes to the user interface, making it harder for you to customize things as you like. Some folks at PCWorld even wish they were back on Windows 10 when they use Windows 11, despite the cool new features. But hey, since Windows 10 is reaching its end in 2025, it’s time to bite the bullet and upgrade.
You can’t really turn Windows 11 into Windows 10 completely, thanks to Microsoft’s strong opinions on customizing the UI. But there are a few tweaks you can make to feel more at home.
The most obvious change in Windows 11 is the Start menu shifting from its usual spot on the left side of the taskbar to the center. But don’t worry, you can easily move it back. Just open the Start menu, go to Settings, then Personalization, Taskbar, and Taskbar behaviors. You’ll find the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu there, where you can switch from Center to Left.
Oh, and while you’re there, you can also get rid of those new icons that Windows 11 added. Just toggle off the Search, Task view, Widgets, and Chat icons in the Taskbar items list.
But wait, there’s a catch with the Search icon – you won’t be able to access it from the taskbar if you turn it off. You’ll have to use the Windows + S keyboard shortcut instead.
Now, if you want to change the Start menu itself, you’ll have to turn to a third-party program. Open-Shell is a free option that can replace the Start menu with something more familiar. Just make sure to disable Classic Explorer and Classic IE during installation to avoid any conflicts with Windows Explorer.
Another program, Stardock’s Start11, is a simpler alternative that costs $5. It’s easier to use than Open-Shell and gives you a more Windows 10-like Start menu without any extra installations.
If you’re not a fan of Windows 11’s new taskbar, you can try out Explorer Patcher to bring back some older Windows features. It’s free and full of options to enhance your Windows 11 experience.
And don’t forget about changing icons! You can download a Windows 10 icon pack online and replace icons for desktop items, folders, and shortcuts. Unfortunately, you can’t change all icons in Windows 11, like those for drives and user folders in Windows Explorer.
If those rounded corners in Windows 11 aren’t your thing, you can disable hardware graphics acceleration to go back to square corners. But keep in mind that disabling your graphics hardware will slow down the UI and affect 3D apps and games.
And finally, if you miss the original Windows 10 wallpaper, you can easily find it online and set it as your desktop background.
So there you have it, some tips to make Windows 11 feel a bit more like Windows 10. It may not be perfect, but at least you can fix the Start menu. And while you’re at it, here are five Windows 11 settings you should tweak right away. Enjoy making your Windows 11 experience more familiar!
