With the recent release of Windows 11, many users are wondering if they can make their new operating system look and feel like the familiar Windows 10. The answer is yes, you can! In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to transform your Windows 11 desktop into a Windows 10 lookalike, complete with the beloved widgets.
Why Transform Your Windows 11 Desktop?
While Windows 11 offers a sleek and modern design, some users may prefer the familiar layout and features of Windows 10. By transforming your desktop, you can have the best of both worlds – the latest operating system with the look and feel of the previous version.
Keep Your Workflow Consistent
For many users, the layout and organization of their desktop is an essential part of their workflow. By transforming your Windows 11 desktop to look like windows 10, you can maintain your familiar workflow and avoid any disruptions or learning curves.
Bring Back the Widgets
One of the most missed features of Windows 10 is the widgets. These customizable mini-apps provided quick access to information such as weather, news, and calendar events. With the transformation, you can bring back the widgets and have them easily accessible on your desktop.
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, personal preference is the main reason for transforming your Windows 11 desktop. If you prefer the look and feel of Windows 10, there is no harm in making the switch. After all, your computer should be tailored to your needs and preferences.
How to Transform Your Windows 11 Desktop
Now that you understand the benefits of transforming your desktop, let’s dive into the steps to make it happen.
Step 1: Download and Install Rainmeter
Rainmeter is a free, open-source software that allows you to customize your desktop with widgets, themes, and skins. It is the key to transforming your Windows 11 desktop into a Windows 10 lookalike.
To download Rainmeter, visit their https://www.rainmeter.net/ and click on the “Download” button. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the prompts to install the software on your computer.
Step 2: Download and Install the Windows 10 Theme
Next, you will need to download and install the Windows 10 theme for Rainmeter. You can find a variety of Windows 10 themes on the https://www.rainmeter.net/discover/. Choose the one that best suits your preferences and download the .rmskin file.
Once the file is downloaded, double-click on it to install the theme. You will be prompted to choose a location for the installation. Select “Install” and wait for the installation to complete.
Step 3: Customize Your Widgets
Now that you have the Windows 10 theme installed, you can customize your widgets to your liking. Right-click on your desktop and select “Rainmeter” from the menu. This will open the Rainmeter application, where you can access and customize your widgets.
To add or remove widgets, click on the “Skins” tab and select the widgets you want to use. You can also adjust the size, position, and appearance of the widgets by clicking on the “Layout” tab.
Step 4: Add a Start Menu
One of the most significant differences between Windows 11 and 10 is the start menu. To bring back the classic start menu, you can use a third-party application called “Open-Shell”.
Download and install Open-Shell from their https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/. Once installed, you can customize the start menu to look and function like the one in Windows 10.
Step 5: Customize Your Taskbar
To complete the transformation, you can customize your taskbar to look like the one in Windows 10. Right-click on your taskbar and select “Taskbar settings”. From here, you can adjust the taskbar location, size, and appearance to match the Windows 10 style.
Other Tips for a Seamless Transformation
While the steps above will help you achieve a Windows 10 lookalike desktop, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for a seamless transformation.
Use a Windows 10 Wallpaper
To complete the look, you can use a Windows 10 wallpaper on your desktop. You can find a variety of options online, or you can use the classic Windows 10 wallpaper that comes with the operating system.
Customize Your Icons
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also customize your icons to match the Windows 10 style. You can find a variety of Windows 10 icon packs online, or you can manually change the icons for your most-used applications.
Final Thoughts
While Windows 11 offers a fresh and modern design, it’s understandable that some users may prefer the look and feel of Windows 10. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transform your Windows 11 desktop into a Windows 10 lookalike, complete with widgets and a classic start menu. Whether it’s for consistency, personal preference, or nostalgia, the choice is yours.
