Step-by-Step Tutorial to Switch Your Windows 11 Start Menu Back to Windows 10 Style

Transform Your Windows 11 Start Menu to Look Like Windows 10

So, Windows 11 dropped and with it came a Start Menu that just doesn’t sit right for everyone. If the new layout makes you miss the simplicity of Windows 10, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a way to customize it back to something that feels more familiar, but it takes a little digging, since Microsoft didn’t make this an option out of the box. You’ll be using third-party tools to get that classic feel back, and trust, it’s worth the effort.

Getting Started

The key here is finding the right tool that can tweak the Start Menu. You’re essentially looking for software that can change both the visuals and the way it acts. Lots of users have had success with apps like StartAllBack or TaskbarX. These can really make a difference in how the Start Menu presents itself on your new system. When choosing, always pay attention to user reviews to head off any potential hiccups. You don’t want to end up with something sketchy.

To kick things off with StartAllBack:

wget https://www.startallback.com/download/startallback.exe
or just hit their site to grab the download directly from here

Customize Away

Once you’ve got that installed, fire it up and you’ll find a bunch of options waiting for you. This app is pretty user-friendly, so it’s mainly a matter of clicking around to find the Windows 10 style option. You can preview the changes as you go, which is super handy. No one wants to commit to a look that doesn’t fit.

With StartAllBack:

• Right-click the Start button and punch in StartAllBack Settings
• Hit the Start Menu tab
• Select the Windows 10 style or dive into customizations if you’re feeling adventurous

Make It Stick

Got your style picked? Easy enough, just save those settings and watch everything change right before your eyes. But here’s the kicker—sometimes, these changes don’t fully kick in until you reboot. It’s kind of annoying, but a quick restart usually fixes that. Just hit Start > Power > Restart or hit Alt + F4 on your desktop to reboot.

Fine-Tuning

Once you’ve restarted, check out your new Start Menu. You might want to play around with some extra features these apps offer. Things like adjusting the color scheme or even icon locations can surprisingly make a difference in how comfortable you feel using your machine. Users tend to have their own special tweaks that make their workspace truly theirs.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Before you dive in, back up any important data. You never know when a customization might go sideways.
• Make sure Windows 11 is fully updated: go to Settings > Windows Update. Updates can help with compatibility.
• Stick to well-reviewed apps from known developers to keep your system safe.
• Don’t shy away from exploring all the bells and whistles your customization tool brings to the table!
• Watch out for overly demanding permissions during installation—if it feels off, it probably is.

Common Questions

Can changes be undone if it’s a disaster?

No worries there. Most of these tools let you go back to the original Start Menu with just a click or two. If you need to uninstall, just navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps to cleanly remove it.

Press Win + I to open Settings, go to Apps & Features, find your app, and hit Uninstall.

Are there risks using these third-party tools?

Well, they can be safe if they’re from a reputable source. Just make sure to use ones with good standing in the community to minimize any risks of malware.

Will this slow my system down?

Generally, these tweaks are light on resources, but it’s smart to keep an eye on how everything runs afterward. Most users don’t notice any dips in performance.

How do I choose the right customization tool?

Look for positive ratings from actual users and check out community feedback. That can save you a lot of frustration.

Is using a third-party tool necessary for customization?