With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a new Start Menu that significantly differs from its predecessor, Windows 10. This redesigned Start Menu is more centered and streamlined but has left many users longing for the familiarity of the Windows 10 interface. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu to resemble that of Windows 10. This article will guide you through various customization options, settings adjustments, and third-party tools to help restore the Windows 10 look and feel.
Understanding the Differences Between Windows 10 and Windows 11 Start Menus
Before we dive into the steps to customize the Start Menu, it is crucial to understand how the two versions of the Start Menu differ.
Design
: The Windows 10 Start Menu features a traditional layout with a left sidebar for apps and a right section for live tiles. In contrast, Windows 11 adopts a more modern, simplified aesthetic, centering the Start Menu and removing live tiles in favor of a grid of static icons.
Functionality
: Windows 10’s Start Menu allows for more customization, including the ability to resize tiles and pinning various elements. Windows 11 aims for a clean and minimalistic experience, limiting customization options to some extent.
Access to Settings
: Windows 10 users can navigate to various settings and system tools from the Start Menu more directly. Windows 11 prioritizes a more streamlined experience, sometimes making it more difficult to access certain settings quickly.
Now that we have contextualized the differences, let’s explore how to revert the Windows 11 Start Menu back to the Windows 10 experience.
Step 1: Pinning the Important Apps
One of the most defining features of the Windows 10 Start Menu is the ability to pin apps for quick access. To mirror this functionality in Windows 11:
Open the Start Menu
: Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
Locate Your Apps
: Scroll through your list of installed applications.
Pin Your Favorites
: Right-click on the app you wish to pin and select “Pin to Start.” You can arrange these pinned apps in the order you prefer by dragging them. This mimics the experience of having commonly used applications readily available, just as in Windows 10.
Remove Unwanted Pins
: If there are pre-pinned applications you don’t use, you can right-click on them and choose “Unpin from Start.”
Step 2: Adjusting the Taskbar Alignment
The centralized taskbar in Windows 11 can feel disorienting to users who are accustomed to the left-aligned icons of Windows 10. Adjusting the taskbar alignment is a straightforward way to make the interface feel more familiar:
Right-click on the Taskbar
: Make sure you are in an empty area.
Select Taskbar Settings
: This action opens the Taskbar settings window.
Change Taskbar Alignment
: Under the “Taskbar behaviors” section, locate the “Taskbar alignment” option. Change it from “Center” to “Left.”
By aligning your taskbar to the left, your Start Menu will feel more like that of Windows 10, enhancing your overall productivity by reducing the distraction of icons placed in the center.
Step 3: Customizing the Start Menu Layout
While Windows 11 does not offer as many options for layout customization as Windows 10, you can still customize some aspects via the Settings app:
Open Settings
: You can do this by pressing Windows + I or right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings.
Navigate to Personalization
: In the sidebar, click on “Personalization.”
Select Start
: Here you can choose to enable or disable options such as “Show recently added apps” and “Show most used apps.” Adjust these to your liking to make your Start Menu feel more like the previous version.
Use Folders
: You can create folders within the Start Menu. Drag an app icon onto another to create a folder, allowing you to categorize your applications similar to Windows 10.
Step 4: Utilizing Third-Party Tools
If the built-in customization options are not sufficient, third-party applications can bridge the gap quickly:
StartAllBack
: This is a popular application designed to bring back the classic Start Menu and taskbar experiences. After installation, you can configure settings to make the Start Menu resemble Windows 10 entirely.
Open-Shell
: Formerly known as Classic Shell, Open-Shell is a free and open-source project that allows extensive Start Menu customization. After installation:
- Open Open-Shell Menu Settings.
- Choose “Classic with two columns” or “Classic style”.
- Configure various skins and settings to achieve the desired effect.
Start11
: From Stardock, this paid program enables users to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu significantly. Users can choose templates reminiscent of previous Windows versions, adjust sizes, and apply various color themes.
Step 5: Change Icons and Themes
Continuing with the customization process, changing the icons and themes can effectively enhance the resemblance to Windows 10:
Download Windows 10 Icons
: You can find various icon packs online that replicate the Windows 10 aesthetic. Websites like DeviantArt are great resources.
Change Icons
:
- Right-click on a shortcut or executable file, and select “Properties.”
- In the Properties window, go to the Shortcut tab and click “Change Icon.”
- Browse for the new icon file you downloaded and apply it.
Theme Settings
:
- In Settings, select “Personalization” and then “Themes.”
- Choose a theme that closely resembles Windows 10 or download a custom theme from online sources.
Colors
: Experiment with color settings to match Windows 10’s blue theme. In the “Colors” section of the Personalization settings, you can alter the color of the taskbar, Start Menu, and window borders.
Step 6: Registry Tweaks
For more advanced users, certain registry tweaks can further enhance the familiarity of the Windows 10 Start Menu:
Open Registry Editor
: Type “regedit” in the search bar and run it as an administrator.
Backing Up the Registry
: Before making changes, it is wise to back up the current registry. Right-click on “Computer” and choose “Export” to save a backup.
Navigate to the Key
: Go to:
Create New DWORD
: Right-click in the right pane, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it “UseLegacyPersonalShortcuts” and set its value to 1.
Restart the Explorer Shell
: You may need to restart Windows Explorer or your computer for changes to take effect.
Step 7: Disable Widgets and Task View
Windows 11 introduced widgets, which might not appeal to users who prefer the straightforward approach of Windows 10. Disabling these features can help streamline your interface:
Open Settings
: Press Windows + I.
Select Privacy & security
: Then navigate to “Widgets.”
Turn Off Widgets
: Toggle the setting off to remove the widgets from your taskbar.
Disable Task View
: Right-click on the Taskbar and uncheck the “Show Task View button” option.
Conclusion
While the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has undeniably brought a fresh new interface, many users still prefer the classic look and feel of the Windows 10 Start Menu. By following these steps, you can tailor your Windows 11 experience to more closely resemble that of its predecessor. From simple pinning and alignment changes to advanced customizational tools, the options are numerous and accessible.
With a few tweaks here and there, your Windows 11 Start Menu can be transformed to evoke the familiarity and efficiency of Windows 10, enhancing your productivity and overall user experience. Whether you choose to utilize built-in settings, third-party applications, or registry edits, you have the power to create a personalized workspace that suits your preferences. Enjoy your new yet familiar Windows experience!