Windows 11 looks sleek and all, but if you’re feeling a bit lost or missing the old Windows 10 vibe, there are actually ways to make it feel more familiar. Sometimes the new UI is a bit jarring—centered start menus, new taskbar setups, and a different File Explorer layout can be annoying if you’re used to the old stuff. Luckily, with some tweaks—most of them just settings adjustments—you can bring back that classic Windows 10 look without much fuss. This way, the interface feels more natural, especially if you’ve got workflows built around the old layout. Just know that some of these tweaks might involve third-party tools or digging into your settings, so patience is key. Once done, you’ll find your Windows 11 almost like an old friend with a new face.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like 10
Adjust the Start Menu and Taskbar to Look Familiar
Windows 11’s default start menu is more centered and minimal, but if you right-click on the Start button and select Settings, then go to Personalization > Start, you can choose a layout that’s closer to the Windows 10 style—like “More pins” or “Show more apps.” For the taskbar, right-click on it and select Taskbar settings. Under Taskbar alignment, switch from Center to Left. Yeah, it’s kind of weird how Windows 11 defaults to centered icons, but this simple change instantly makes things feel more familiar—like the good old days.
On some setups, these changes don’t stick instantly, and a quick reboot or log-out might help. Also, if you want even more control, tools like Winhance or other customization software can give you granular tweaks, but honestly, the built-in options are usually enough.
Use a Third-Party Tool to Restore Classic Taskbar Icons
Windows 11 nixed some classic taskbar behaviors—like grouping icons or hotkeys—so third-party apps like Winhance or Winaero Tweaker can help bring back the old-school feel. These tools let you tweak icons, window behaviors, and more. Just be aware—they sometimes require a bit of digging or restarting explorer.exe via Task Manager after changes.
And yeah, some of this feels kinda hacky, but it’s usually safe if you stick to well-known tools. On one system, I had to restart Explorer a couple of times for everything to settle, but after that, it looked and felt like Windows 10.
Make File Explorer Look Like Classic Windows
By default, File Explorer on Windows 11 has that new, ribbon-heavy style, but if you prefer the old look, you can go to View > Options in File Explorer, then pick Change folder and search options. Under the General tab, there isn’t much to tweak directly, but you can disable the new command bar or enable the traditional ribbon via registry tweaks or third-party apps. Alternatively, tools like Winaero Tweaker offer options to revert to the old UI, making things feel less alien.
Switch System Sounds to Windows 10 Defaults
This one’s kinda overlooked, but the sound scheme really contributes to that familiar feeling. Navigate to Control Panel > Sound (or right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sounds) and under the Sounds tab, choose Windows Default. You can even find and download Windows 10 sound files if your current ones are too modern or just different enough to jar you. Swap them in, click Apply, and your audio vibe is back to normal.
Honestly, not sure why it works, but changing the sounds just makes the whole system feel less new and more comfy. Maybe it’s all in the details.
After finishing all these tweaks, your Windows 11 should be feeling a lot more like Windows 10. Looks, feel, sounds—everything’s more familiar, which can help ramp up productivity if you’re stuck with the new UI.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Look Like 10
- Use tools like Winhance for deeper customizations.
- Backup your system before diving into heavy tweaks—better safe than sorry.
- Keep Windows updated to avoid incompatibility issues with third-party tweaks.
- Apply changes gradually—test each tweak before moving on to the next.
- Explore themes or custom icon packs, but be cautious about sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert the changes easily if I don’t like the new look?
Totally. Just go back into settings or uninstall the third-party tools—whatever method you used—to restore defaults. Windows is pretty flexible like that.
Will these tweaks hurt my system performance?
Most of the cosmetic tweaks won’t mess with performance—think of them as surface changes. Still, always back up first and avoid shady third-party sources.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to pull this off?
Not really. Most settings are straightforward, and guides like this make it pretty manageable. Just remember to follow instructions carefully.
Any risks using third-party tools?
As long as you download from reputable sites (like Winaero or GitHub), you should be safe. But, of course, there’s always a small risk—so be cautious.
Will this work on all Windows 11 versions?
Mostly, but newer builds can occasionally block some tweaks. Always check if a tweak is compatible with your version.
Summary
- Change Start menu layout to mimic Windows 10.
- Align the taskbar to the left.
- Install tools for classic taskbar icons and behaviors.
- Adjust File Explorer and system sounds for familiarity.
- Test each tweak, and accept that sometimes a reboot is needed.
Wrap-up
Wrapping your head around making Windows 11 look more like 10 isn’t exactly hard once you know what to tweak. The key is patience and going slow—one change at a time. A lot of the visual stuff is just a matter of settings or simple tools. Once done, the system feels less like a stranger, more like that comfy old workhorse. No guarantees it’s perfect forever, but it’s a good start. Fingers crossed this helps someone tame that new UI beast and make Windows more bearable.