Windows 11 looks pretty snazzy with its new Start Menu, but let’s be honest — if you’ve been rocking Windows 10 forever, that centred, streamlined menu feels a bit weird. No worries, mate — it’s dead easy to tweak it back to the classic Windows 10 style, especially when it comes to layout and position. Here’s the rundown on how to do it without fussing about too much.
Step-by-step to make Windows 11’s Start Menu behave more like Windows 10
The main aim here is to shift the Start Menu to the left and get that familiar layout most of us know and love. It feels a bit different once you get used to the new look, but if you prefer the old-school way, this’ll sort you out.
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
In Windows 11, the first thing to do is right-click anywhere on the Taskbar. No worries, just give it a bash. Sometimes it feels like Windows 11’s made it a tad trickier to find, but if you’re on the desktop, a quick right-click does the trick.
Why it helps: This opens up the menu for your customisation options pretty quick. When you do this, a menu pops up with stuff like Taskbar Settings. Dead easy to get to.
When to try this: If your Start Menu or Taskbar looks a bit off or feels weird, this is step one.
What to expect: The menu appears ready for you to select Taskbar Settings. Too easy.
And yeah, sometimes it might be a tiny bit slow or need a second go — Windows 11’s got its quirks, mate.
Step 2: Select “Taskbar Settings”
Click on Taskbar Settings from the menu. It’ll open up a window, usually under Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar. But from that quick menu, it’s just one click.
Why it helps: It gets you straight into the core settings for the Taskbar, like position and layout. No need to hunt through a bunch of menus.
When this applies: When you want to shift the taskbar to the left or tweak how it looks.
What to expect: A settings window pops up, ready to tweak.
Step 3: Change Taskbar alignment to “Left”
Scroll down or find the Taskbar alignment option. Jump in and select Left. Yep, switch it from Centre to Left.
Why it helps: That moves your Start Button and icons back over to the left — just like in Windows 10. Feels way more natural for the old school mob who grew up with that layout.
When to do this: When your Start Menu is hanging out in the middle and feels odd.
What to expect: The icons shift to the left, and the Start Menu appears on the left side. More like the classic Windows we all know.
Step 4: Open the Start Menu
Click the Start button or hit the Windows key — whatever’s easiest. The menu should now be stuck on the left with the layout you’re after.
Why it helps: It’s a good chance to see if your tweaks paid off. If it sits on the left like a champ, ace. If not, a quick restart might do the trick, or the settings just didn’t save — Windows can be a bit temperamental sometimes.
On my setup, it was instant. On another, I had to reboot first. Classic Windows hassles, eh?
Step 5: Tweak your pinned apps
Right-click on apps pinned in the Start Menu and choose Unpin from Start or Pin to Start. Rearrange or add your favourites to make it feel just right. This part’s all about making it your own.
It helps recreate that Windows 10 vibe, where organising your pinned apps was easy as. Get it just how you like.
Once sorted, your Windows 11 Start Menu will look pretty close to good ol’ Windows 10 — just on a fresh new OS platform.
Extra tips for nailing that Windows 10 look
- Have a crack at Transparency effects under Settings > Personalisation > Colors. Turning them off can make things look a bit more solid—more Windows 10 style.
- If you’re keen for more control, third-party tools like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher can make Windows 11 look and behave more like Windows 10, including icons and Start Menu options. Worth a go if you’re after a bit more customisation.
- Don’t forget your desktop background — a classic Windows 10 wallpaper really helps sell the look.
- Quick tip: assign a hotkey for opening your Start Menu if you want to make things even snappier.
FAQs
How do I undo this if I decide I like the new look better?
Just head back into Taskbar Settings and change the Taskbar alignment back to Centre. Easy as pie.
Can I resize the icons? I want the taskbar to look more like Windows 10 — smaller icons and all.
Definitely. In Taskbar Settings, under Taskbar behaviours, flick on Use small taskbar buttons. That’ll make your icons shrink down a bit.
Is this messing with system performance or any weird bugs?
Nah, it’s just UI customisations. Doesn’t impact how your PC runs at all, just how it looks. But keep an eye out for updates that might reset your tweaks, especially after big Windows updates.
Any other ways to make Windows 11 feel more like Windows 10?
Sure thing. Beyond size tweaks and position, you can fiddle with custom themes or third-party apps for a full overhaul. Just be careful — some can cause issues if they’re dodgy. Always back up before you go down that road.
Summary of steps
- Right-click on the Taskbar
- Choose “Taskbar Settings”
- Set Taskbar alignment to “Left”
- Open the Start Menu to see the new layout
- Pin, unpin, and organise your apps to get that classic feel
Final thoughts
Getting that Windows 10 vibe back in Windows 11 isn’t too hard — just a couple of clicks and minimal fiddling. Sometimes the smallest change makes all the difference, especially when the new OS feels a bit too flashy or strange. This method helps you get that familiar layout, making the whole experience a bit friendlier if you’re not into the centred Start menu default. Good luck tinkering, and I hope this helps — it worked for me, so fingers crossed it helps you too.