Windows 11 has been the talk of the town since its release, with its sleek design and new features. However, some users may prefer the classic look and feel of Windows 8. If you’re one of those users, don’t worry, you can easily customize your Windows 11 to look like Windows 8. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to make your Windows 11 look and feel like Windows 8.
Why Customize Windows 11?
Windows 11 comes with a new design and layout, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some users may find it difficult to navigate or may not like the new design. Customizing your Windows 11 to look like Windows 8 can help you feel more comfortable and improve your overall user experience.
Performance Optimization
Customizing your Windows 11 to look like Windows 8 can also improve its performance. The new design and features of Windows 11 may require more resources, which can slow down your system. By customizing it to look like Windows 8, you can reduce the strain on your system and improve its performance.
Familiarity and Ease of Use
For users who have been using Windows 8 for a long time, switching to Windows 11 can be a bit overwhelming. Customizing Windows 11 to look like Windows 8 can help you feel more at home and make it easier for you to use the new operating system.
How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 8
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of customizing your Windows 11, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to make it look and feel like Windows 8.
Start Menu Customization
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the new Start menu. It is now centered and has a different layout compared to Windows 8. To make it look like Windows 8, you can use a third-party tool called “Open-Shell”. This tool allows you to customize your Start menu and make it look like the classic Windows 8 Start menu.
Taskbar Customization
The taskbar in Windows 11 is also different from Windows 8. It is now centered and has a new design. To make it look like Windows 8, you can use the same “Open-Shell” tool mentioned above. It allows you to move the taskbar icons to the left and change the design to match Windows 8.
Desktop Customization
Windows 11 has a new desktop design with rounded corners and a new task view button. To make it look like Windows 8, you can use a tool called “Classic Shell”. This tool allows you to customize the desktop and make it look like Windows 8. You can change the task view button to the classic Windows 8 design and even add a start button to the taskbar.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to improve your productivity and make your Windows 11 experience more efficient. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate and use Windows 11 like Windows 8:
- Windows key + D: Show desktop
- Windows key + E: Open File Explorer
- Windows key + L: Lock your computer
- Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box
- Windows key + X: Open the Quick Link menu
- Windows key + Tab: Open Task View
- Windows key + Print Screen: Take a screenshot and save it to your Pictures folder
File Explorer Customization
The File Explorer in Windows 11 has a new design and layout, which may not be everyone’s favorite. To make it look like Windows 8, you can use a tool called “OldNewExplorer”. This tool allows you to customize the File Explorer and make it look like the classic Windows 8 File Explorer.
Theme Customization
Windows 11 comes with a new default theme, but you can change it to match the Windows 8 theme. To do this, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and select the “Windows 8” theme from the list.
Taskbar Transparency
The taskbar in Windows 11 is transparent by default, but you can change it to match the solid color taskbar in Windows 8. To do this, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and turn off the “Transparency effects” toggle.
Start Menu Color
The Start menu in Windows 11 has a different color compared to Windows 8. To change it to match the classic Windows 8 color, you can go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select the “Custom” option under “Choose your color”. Then, select the color #2F2F2F from the color picker.
Conclusion
Customizing your Windows 11 to look like Windows 8 can help you feel more comfortable and improve your overall user experience. It can also improve your system’s performance and make it easier for you to use the new operating system. By following the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you can easily make your Windows 11 look and feel like Windows 8. So, go ahead and give it a try!
