Restore Windows 11's desktop UI to resemble Windows 10

Restore Windows 11's desktop UI to resemble Windows 10 - Modifications I Applied

Switching from Windows 11 to a more Windows 10-like experience? You're not alone! Many users are adjusting to the new kid on the block, but if you're missing your good old favorite, there are ways to make Windows 11 feel like Windows 10. Here's a simple guide on how to customize your Windows 11 desktop to resemble the beloved Windows 10 experience.

First things first, before you dive into customization, make sure you have a backup of your system. We wouldn't want any unexpected shenanigans messing things up for you.

Customizing without third-party tools

Windows 11 switches the Taskbar and Start menu to the center by default, but you can easily revert them to the left-aligned position Windows 10 lovers know and love.

Open Settings.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
Click the "Taskbar behaviors" setting.
Select the Left option for the "Taskbar alignment" setting.

After completing these steps, your Taskbar buttons and Start menu should line up neatly on the left.

Show App Labels in Taskbar

Windows 11 streamlined the Taskbar, but you can bring back those handy labels for apps if you'd like.

Open Settings.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
Click the "Taskbar behaviors" setting.
Select the Never option for the "Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels" setting.

Once these steps are done, the Taskbar will separate, and you'll see labels for your running applications.

Windows 11 introduces a new File Explorer, but you can still access the classic one for a more familiar feel.

Open Start.
Search for Windows Tools and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Home or This PC to switch to the classic version of File Explorer and the context menu.
(Optional) Right-click the Windows Tools app and choose the "Pin to taskbar" option.
(Optional) Right-click the File Explorer icon and select the "Unpin from taskbar" option.

After completing these steps, you can access the classic File Explorer, complete with the classic context menu. Alternatively, you can always use the "Shift + Right-click" shortcut to access the classic context menu in the modern File Explorer.

Color Scheme

If you're going for that Windows 10 look, changing the color scheme can help achieve that legacy feel.

Open Settings.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Colors page on the right side.
Select the "Custom" option in the "Choose your mode" setting.
Select the Dark option for the "Choose your default Windows mode" setting.
Pick a color scheme with the "Accent color" setting.
Turn on the "Show accent color on Start and taskbar" toggle switch.
Turn on the "Show accent color on title bars and window borders" toggle switch.

Now with these steps, your desktop experience will feel more like it did on Windows 10.

Show Scrollbar for Apps

In Windows 10, File Explorer always showed a scrollbar, but on Windows 11, it only appears on hover. To get the classic scrollbar display, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Accessibility.
Click the Visual Effects page on the right side.
Turn on the "Always show scrollbars" toggle switch.

Now apps that support the classic scrollbar will always display it smoothly on Windows 11.

Extra Tip: Classic Desktop Icons

Showing classic desktop icons like This PC, Network, Control Panel, and Recycle Bin on Windows 11 can help recreate a familiar Windows 10 desktop setup.

Open Settings.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Themes page on the right side.
Select the "Desktop icon settings" option.
Check the icons you'd like to show on the desktop.

With these steps, you'll enjoy a more familiar desktop experience similar to what you had on Windows 10.

Customizing with third-party tools (optional)

While the built-in settings can help you make adjustments, you can also use third-party tools to transform your Windows 11 setup even further. However, keep in mind that these tools may introduce some risks to your operating system, so we advise you to choose wisely and only use one at a time to minimize conflicts.

ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher is a tool designed to restore various interface elements from earlier Windows versions, primarily Windows 10. To install ExplorerPatcher, open a Command Prompt as an administrator and type:

After installing ExplorerPatcher, you can customize the appearance and functionality of the Taskbar, File Explorer, Start menu, and more.

Windhawk

Windhawk can help you change the default behavior of Windows 11, making it easier to modify various aspects of the operating system and apps. To install Windhawk, open a Command Prompt as an administrator and type:

With Windhawk, you can explore and install multiple small code snippets called "mods," which modify the behavior or appearance of Windows 11 and apps.

Using Microsoft Edge on your PC, you can play Xbox games directly on your Windows 11 desktop, expanding the realm of gadgets and entertainment available to you within the technology realm.
In addition to customization options, Windows 11 also boasts enhancements in its software, such as improved security features and smoother performance for modern applications.
For instance, the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 has received an overhaul, offering a more streamlined experience for downloading and managing software on your PC.
Beyond the aesthetic resemblance, altering your Windows 11 experience to mirror Windows 10 can help ensure compatibility with older software or applications that may not work optimally on Windows 11 by default.
As you browse the Microsoft Store, you might come across new and innovative applications designed specifically for Windows 11, allowing you to elevate your desktop experience while staying aligned with the latest technology trends.
Furthermore, the integration of Xbox on Windows 11 not only revitalizes the gaming experience but may also encourage collaboration between the Xbox and Windows 11 teams, potentially leading to even more synergies and advanced features in the future.