With the recent release of Windows 11, many users have been excited to try out the new features and design. However, some users may prefer the classic look and feel of Windows 10, especially when it comes to the start menu. If you’re one of those users, don’t worry – there are ways to make your Windows 11 start menu look and function just like Windows 10. In this article, we’ll explore some simple tweaks and customization options to help you achieve the Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device.
Why Customize Your Windows 11 Start Menu?
The start menu is a central part of the Windows operating system, and it’s where you can access all your apps, settings, and files. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has made some significant changes to the start menu, including a new layout and design. While some users may love the new look, others may prefer the familiarity and functionality of the Windows 10 start menu. Customizing your Windows 11 start menu to look like Windows 10 can help you feel more comfortable and productive on your device.
Tweaks vs. Themes
Before we dive into the customization options, it’s essential to understand the difference between tweaks and themes. Tweaks are small changes that you can make to your device’s settings to alter its appearance or functionality. Themes, on the other hand, are pre-made packages that include various tweaks and customizations to give your device a specific look and feel. In this article, we’ll explore both tweaks and themes to help you achieve the Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device.
How to Make Your Windows 11 Start Menu Look Like Windows 10
Using Taskbar Settings
One of the most significant changes in the Windows 11 start menu is the placement of the taskbar icons. In Windows 10, the taskbar icons are located at the bottom of the screen, while in windows 11, they are centered. To change this, you can go to your taskbar settings by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings.” From there, you can toggle off the “Center taskbar icons” option to move them back to the bottom of the screen, just like in Windows 10.
Using Registry Editor
Another way to make your Windows 11 start menu look like Windows 10 is by using the Registry Editor. The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to make changes to your device’s registry, which controls various settings and configurations. To access the Registry Editor, press the Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and hit enter. Once in the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Here, you’ll find a key called “Start_ShowClassicMode.” Double-click on it and change its value from “0” to “1.” This tweak will make your start menu look like the classic Windows 10 start menu.
Using Third-Party Tools
If you’re not comfortable making changes to your device’s settings or using the Registry Editor, you can also use third-party tools to achieve the Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device. One popular tool is “Open-Shell,” which is a free and open-source software that allows you to customize your start menu and taskbar. With Open-Shell, you can choose from various start menu styles, including the classic Windows 10 start menu. You can also customize the taskbar to look and function like the one in Windows 10.
How to Make Your Windows 11 Start Menu Function Like Windows 10
Using Taskbar Settings
In addition to changing the taskbar icon placement, you can also make some tweaks to the taskbar settings to make it function like the one in Windows 10. For example, you can enable the “Use small taskbar buttons” option to make the taskbar icons smaller, just like in Windows 10. You can also toggle off the “Show badges on taskbar buttons” option to remove the notification badges on your taskbar icons.
Using Third-Party Tools
Another way to make your Windows 11 start menu function like Windows 10 is by using third-party tools. As mentioned earlier, Open-Shell is a great option for customizing your start menu and taskbar. With this tool, you can also enable the “Use small taskbar buttons” option and remove the notification badges on taskbar buttons. Additionally, you can also customize the start menu’s appearance and functionality, such as adding a search bar or changing the start button’s icon.
How to Make Your Windows 11 Start Menu Look and Function Like Windows 10 with Themes
If you’re not comfortable making tweaks or using third-party tools, you can also use themes to achieve the Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device. Themes are pre-made packages that include various customizations and tweaks to give your device a specific look and feel. Here are some popular themes that can help you achieve the Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device:
Windows 10 Theme for Windows 11
This theme is specifically designed to make your Windows 11 device look and function like Windows 10. It includes various tweaks and customizations, such as changing the taskbar icon placement, adding a search bar to the start menu, and more. You can download this theme from the Microsoft Store for free.
Windows 10 Transformation Pack
This transformation pack is a popular choice for users who want to make their Windows 11 device look and function like Windows 10. It includes various tweaks and customizations, such as changing the start menu’s appearance, adding a search bar to the taskbar, and more. You can download this transformation pack for free from various websites, such as Softpedia.
Final Thoughts
Customizing your Windows 11 start menu to look and function like Windows 10 is a great way to make your device feel more familiar and comfortable. Whether you prefer making tweaks, using third-party tools, or installing themes, there are various options available to help you achieve the classic Windows 10 start menu on your Windows 11 device. With these simple customizations, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the new features of Windows 11 and the classic look and feel of Windows 10.
