Feeling like Windows 10 used to be easier or maybe more familiar? Windows 11 definitely shakes things up with its centered Start menu and new aesthetic, but if you’re craving that old Windows 10 vibe, it’s actually possible to tweak a bunch of settings to get pretty close. Not necessarily perfect — some things are still different — but enough that it can feel like less of a jarring transition. Plus, it’s kind of satisfying, especially if you’re used to the classic look and just wanna keep things feeling the same without reinstalling everything. Just a heads up, a lot of these tweaks are minor and sometimes a bit fiddly, so patience helps. Also, while most tweaks are reversible, third-party apps may introduce some stability quirks, so backup your settings before diving in.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
Basically, this is about customizing your interface to make Windows 11 less alien and more like the old favorite. You’ll be messing with the taskbar, start menu, icons, and themes—things that make the Windows 10 look recognizable. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it without breaking a sweat.
Revert the Start Menu to the Left
Windows 11 defaults the Start menu to the center, which can feel weird if you’re used to the left alignment. Luckily, that’s easy to change. Right-click on the taskbar and pick Taskbar settings. Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors. In there, look for Taskbar alignment and switch it from Center to Left. That should pop the menu back to the side, just like in Windows 10. On some setups, you might need to restart Explorer or log out and back in for the change to stick, but generally this is straightforward. Doesn’t always work on the first try, so if it’s glitchy, try a quick reboot.
Rearrange or Remove Taskbar Icons
This next step is about decluttering that new, shiny taskbar. You can disable some features you don’t care about (Widgets, Chat, Teams icons, etc.) inside Taskbar settings. Toggle these off by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. This makes it less crowded and more like the Windows 10 taskbar you’re used to. Windows sometimes stubbornly retains certain icons, so if you want to tidy up further, you can right-click any icon on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar.
Change Desktop Icons to Windows 10 Style
This is where things get fun if you like a bit of old-school right out of the box. Head to Settings > Personalization > Themes. Then, hit Desktop icon settings—it’s a link right there. In the dialog, you can toggle icons like “Computer,” “Network,” or “Recycle Bin” to bring back their classic Windows 10 look. If you want to go deeper, you might have to download icon packs from sites like DeviantArt or digital asset repositories, because default Windows 11 icons are a bit… modern. Remember, you can replace icons by right-clicking an icon, choosing Properties, then Change Icon.
Install a Windows 10 Theme
Colors and window styles matter. Windows 11 has a brighter, more modern look, but if you want that familiar dark blue or classic grey, pick a theme that resembles Windows 10. Go to the Microsoft Store app and search for “Windows 10 theme” or similar. Download and apply it. Some themes are free, some might be paid, but a quick browse should give you enough options. Installing a theme will change window borders, colors, and some sounds to match that old familiar feel.
Modify File Explorer for that Classic Look
File Explorer in Windows 11 looks a bit different, especially with the new ribbon and some UI tweaks. If you want that old Windows 10 look, try to toggle some options. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab, then click Options. In the new window, under the View tab, uncheck Launch folder windows in a separate process. This reverts the behavior, making Explorer feel more like the previous version. Also, for a more vintage interface, some folks install third-party tools like “OldNewExplorer” — just be cautious, as those aren’t officially supported but can make Explorer look more familiar.
And honestly, sometimes restarting Explorer (taskkill /f /im explorer.exe then explorer.exe in PowerShell or CMD) makes the changes stick better. Windows loves to fight you on customization, so don’t get discouraged if stuff doesn’t change immediately.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
- Use third-party apps like Winhance or Open-Shell for even more classic start menu tweaks.
- Always make a system restore point or backup before playing around with icon packs or themes. Windows doesn’t always cooperate, and it’s good to have a fallback.
- Adjust your color scheme manually via Settings > Personalization > Colors to pick that traditional Windows palette.
- Keep your system updated, because sometimes Windows updates break these tweaks or introduce new ones.
- Have fun trying different icon packs or themes until you find something that feels just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fully revert back to Windows 10 without reinstalling?
Not totally, no. You can mostly customize the look, but the core system features and some behaviors won’t change back unless you do a clean reinstall. Still, for most visual stuff, tweaks will get you pretty close.
Will these tweaks cause issues or slowdowns?
Generally, no. Visual tweaks are pretty lightweight, but running third-party tools or custom icon packs can sometimes cause minor hiccups or lag. Just be sure to use trusted sources and avoid overloading your system.
Are there other things to do for a real old-school vibe?
Yup — you can also disable the default Windows 11 sounds, or switch to classic font styles, but those are for the more hardcore customizers. It’s a mix of preferences and patience.
Summary
- Move the start menu to the left in Taskbar settings.
- Hide or remove unnecessary icons for a cleaner look.
- Change desktop icons and their appearance.
- Download and apply a Windows 10 theme from the Microsoft Store.
- Adjust File Explorer settings or use third-party tools for a vintage feel.
Wrap-up
Honestly, it’s kind of a mix of tweaks—nothing perfect, but enough to make Windows 11 less jarring if you’re used to Windows 10. The process involves some patience and a little bit of messing around with settings and maybe a few third-party tools. Still, it’s satisfying to see that familiar interface again without reinstalling or rolling back the OS entirely. If nothing else, it’s a way to ease into the new interface while keeping some old comforts intact. Fingers crossed, this helps reduce the clutter and makes your experience a bit more nostalgic, just like old times. Good luck dragging that classic look back!