Windows 11 definitely brings a sleek new look with its Start Menu, but let’s be real — if you’ve been using Windows 10 for a while, that centered, streamlined menu feels kinda off. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to tweak back to the classic Windows 10 style, at least in terms of layout and position. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it without messing around too much.
Step-by-step to make Windows 11’s Start Menu behave more like Windows 10
The main goal here is to move the Start Menu to the left side and get that layout familiar to anyone who’s been using Windows 10 forever. It really feels different when you get used to the new design, but if you prefer those good old habits, this helps a ton.
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
In Windows 11, the first thing is to right-click anywhere on the Taskbar. No surprises here, just do it. Sometimes it feels like Windows 11 has made it a little more hidden, but if you’re on the desktop, it’s just a quick right-click.
Why it helps: This immediately opens the menu to access the customizations you need. When you do this, a menu pops up with options like Taskbar Settings. Helps you get to the settings faster.
When to try this: If your Start Menu or Taskbar looks different from the old days or feels awkward, this is step one.
What to expect: The menu appears, ready for you to pick Taskbar Settings. Easy.
And yes, on some setups, this might be a little sluggish or need a second try — Windows 11 still has its quirks.
Step 2: Select “Taskbar Settings”
Click on Taskbar Settings from that menu. This will open a dedicated window, usually in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. But from that quick menu, it’s just one click.
Why it helps: You get direct access to core settings for the Taskbar, including position and layout. No need to hunt through menus.
When this applies: When you want to tweak the taskbar alignment or other visual aspects.
What to expect: A settings window appears.
Step 3: Change Taskbar alignment to “Left”
Scroll down or find the option called Taskbar alignment. Here, you can pick Left. Yep, just switch it from Center to Left.
Why it helps: That moves your Start Button and icons back to the traditional left side, like in Windows 10. Honestly, feels way more natural for most of us who grew up with that layout.
When to do this: When your Start Menu is floating in the middle and feels weird or out of place.
What to expect: The icons shift left, and the Start Menu appears on the left side of the taskbar. Looks more like old-school Windows.
Step 4: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button or press the Windows key, whatever works. You should see the menu now anchored to the left and with the familiar layout.
Why it helps: You actually get to see if your tweaks worked. If it’s sticking to the left, good. If not, maybe a reboot is needed, or the settings didn’t save — sometimes a restart fixes weird snags.
On one setup, the change was instant, on another, I had to reboot first. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Step 5: Customize Pinned Apps
Right-click on apps pinned in the Start Menu and choose Unpin from Start or Pin to Start. Rearrange or add your favorites as you see fit. This part’s about personal touch, making the menu familiar.
This helps recreate that old Windows 10 feel, where organizing your pinned apps was straightforward and quick.
Once done, the Start Menu on Windows 11 now resembles the layout and topography of Windows 10, just on a new OS skeleton.
Extra tips for refining that Windows 10 look
- Try messing with Transparency effects under Settings > Personalization > Colors. Turning off transparency can give a more solid, Windows 10 feel.
- If you’re into tweaking further, using a third-party app like StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher can make everything look more like Windows 10, including icons and even the Start Menu’s behavior. Worth a shot if you want a little more control.
- Don’t forget to play with the desktop background — a classic Windows 10 wallpaper helps sell the vibe.
- Quick shortcut: if you wanna speed things up, assign a hotkey for opening the Start Menu with your favorite apps.
FAQs
How do I undo this if I decide I like the new look better?
Just go back into Taskbar Settings and change the Taskbar alignment back to Center. Easy peasy.
Can I resize icons? I wanna make the taskbar look a bit more like Windows 10 — smaller icons and all.
Yep, in Taskbar Settings, under Taskbar behaviors, there’s an option for Use small taskbar buttons. Toggle that on, and icons get smaller.
Is this messing with system performance or anything weird?
Nah, these are just UI tweaks. Doesn’t impact how your PC runs, just how it looks. Still, keep an eye out for updates that might reset your customizations if you get a big Windows update.
Any other ways to make Windows 11 feel more like Windows 10?
Yeah, beyond size tweaks and position, you can look into custom themes or third-party tools for a full overhaul. But be careful — some can break things if they’re not reputable. Always back up first.
Summary of steps
- Right-click on the Taskbar
- Choose “Taskbar Settings”
- Set Taskbar alignment to “Left”
- Open the Start Menu to see the changes
- Pin, unpin, and organize apps for that classic feel
Final thoughts
Getting that Windows 10 vibe back in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science — just a couple of clicks and some minor tweaks. Sometimes, the smallest change makes all the difference, especially when the new OS feels too slick or weird. This approach helps get the familiar layout—plus, it makes the whole experience a bit friendlier if you’re not keen on the default centered start menu. Good luck messing with it, and fingers crossed this helps — worked for me, so hopefully, for you too.