Feeling like Windows 10 was easier or maybe a bit more familiar? Windows 11 definitely shakes things up with its centered Start menu and fresh aesthetic, but if you’re craving that old Windows 10 vibe, you can tweak a bunch of settings to get pretty close. It’s not always perfect — some things stay different — but enough to make things feel a bit more familiar without a full reinstall. Plus, it’s kinda satisfying, especially if you’re used to the classic look and just wanna keep things the same without mucking about with the whole system. Just a heads-up: a lot of these tweaks are pretty minor and can be a bit fiddly, so a bit of patience helps. Also, most tweaks are reversible, but third-party apps can sometimes cause stability quirks, so back up your settings before you get stuck in.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
Basically, it’s about customizing your interface to make Windows 11 less alien and more like the good old days. You’ll be fiddling with the taskbar, start menu, icons, and themes — stuff that makes it look more like Windows 10. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it without tearing your hair out.
Revert the Start Menu to the Left
By default, Windows 11 puts the Start menu in the middle, which can feel weird if you’re used to it on the left. Luckily, that’s easy to change. Right-click on the taskbar and pick Taskbar settings. Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors. There, find Taskbar alignment and switch it from Center to Left. That should prompt the menu back to the side, just like in Windows 10. Sometimes you might need to restart Explorer or log out and back in for the change to take effect, but it’s usually straightforward. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a try or two — a quick reboot can often sort it out.
Rearrange or Remove Taskbar Icons
This next bit is about decluttering that shiny new taskbar. You can turn off some icons you don’t need (like Widgets, Chat, Teams icons, etc.) inside Taskbar settings. Go to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar. That’ll make it look a bit less crowded and more like your usual Windows 10 taskbar. Sometimes Windows stubbornly keeps certain icons, so if you want it even tidier, right-click any icon on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar.
Change Desktop Icons to the Windows 10 Style
This is a bit of old school fun. Head to Settings > Personalisation > Themes. Then click on Desktop icon settings — there’s a link right there. In the dialog box, toggle icons like “Computer,” “Network,” or “Recycle Bin” to bring back that classic Windows 10 look. If you want to go a step further, you might need to grab icon packs from sites like DeviantArt or other icon repositories, since default Windows 11 icons tend to look a bit more modern. To swap icons, right-click the icon, choose Properties, then Change Icon.
Install a Windows 10 Theme
Colours and window styles matter, right? Windows 11’s got a brighter, slicker look, but if you want that familiar dark blue or classic grey, download a theme that mimics Windows 10. Open the Microsoft Store and search for “Windows 10 theme” or similar. Download and apply. Some themes are free, others might cost a few bob, but there are plenty to choose from. Applying a theme changes window borders, colours, and even sounds to match the old-school feel.
Modify File Explorer for that Classic Look
File Explorer in Windows 11 looks a bit different — with a new ribbon and a modern UI. If you want that Windows 10 vibe, try changing a couple of options. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab, then click Options. In the window that pops up, under the View tab, uncheck Launch folder windows in a separate process. This makes Explorer behave more like the old version. For a more vintage look, some folks install third-party tools like “OldNewExplorer” — but be careful, as they’re not officially supported, and may cause issues. Sometimes, restarting Explorer (taskkill /f /im explorer.exe then running explorer.exe again in PowerShell or Command Prompt) helps the changes settle. Windows can be a bit stubborn about these tweaks, so don’t stress if it takes a few goes.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
- Use third-party tools like Winhance or Open-Shell to get that classic start menu feel.
- Always set a system restore point or backup before trying out icon packs or themes. Windows can be unpredictable, and it’s handy to have a fallback.
- Manual tweaks to your color scheme can be done via Settings > Personalisation > Colors to match that traditional Windows look.
- Keep your system updated — sometimes Windows updates break these tweaks or add new ones.
- Experiment with different icon packs or themes until you find one that feels just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fully revert back to Windows 10 without reinstalling?
No, not entirely. You can mostly tweak the look, but the core system features and some behaviours won’t change back unless you do a fresh install. Still, these visual changes will get you pretty close.
Will these tweaks cause issues or slow my system down?
Generally not. Most visual tweaks are lightweight, but running third-party tools or custom icon packs might cause minor hiccups or lag. Stick to trusted sources and avoid overloads — your system will thank you.
Are there other ways to get a real old-school feel?
Sure thing — you can disable default Windows sounds or switch to classic fonts, but those are for the more dedicated tinkers. It’s all about what you like and a bit of patience.
Summary
- Move the start menu to the left via Taskbar settings.
- Hide or remove unnecessary icons for a cleaner look.
- Change desktop icons and how they look.
- Download and put on a Windows 10 theme from the Store.
- Adjust File Explorer or use third-party tools for a vintage vibe.
Wrap-up
Honestly, it’s a bit of a patch-up job — not perfect, but enough to make Windows 11 feel less strange if you’re used to Windows 10. It takes a bit of patience and some messing about with settings or a couple of third-party tools. Still, it’s pretty satisfying to see that familiar interface again without doing a full reinstall or rolling back the OS. If nothing else, it’s a handy way to ease closer to the new interface while keeping those old comforts. Fingers crossed, these tips help tidy things up and bring a touch of nostalgia. Good luck dragging that classic look back!