8 Essential Tweaks to Make Windows 11 Feel Like Windows 10
With Windows 10’s end-of-support date fast approaching and many users forced to embrace Windows 11, a significant number of long-time Windows fans have found themselves craving the familiarity of the “old” interface. Although Windows 11 brings a modern design and new features, many of its changes—like the centered taskbar and revamped context menus—can disrupt established workflows. Fortunately, there are several adjustments you can make so that your Windows 11 experience feels as reliable and intuitive as Windows 10. Here are eight essential tweaks to help you reclaim that classic interface.Introduction
Windows 11 introduces a bold new look with rounded corners, new animations, and a centered Start menu. However, if you grew accustomed to the traditional Windows 10 setup, you might find these changes a bit jarring. The muscle memory you built over years of working with Windows 10 can suddenly feel misplaced when everything is shifted around.Many professionals (and home users alike) are customizing Windows 11 to better align with their long-standing habits. Whether you prefer a left-aligned taskbar or a classic Start menu, these tweaks are designed to simplify the transition. In this article, we’ll review each modification in detail, offering step-by-step instructions and practical tips for a smoother experience.
1. Move Your Taskbar Icons
What’s the Issue?
In Windows 11, taskbar icons come centered by default—a dramatic departure from the left-aligned icons you’re used to in Windows 10. This seemingly small change can have a surprisingly big impact on your workflow.How to Fix It
Switching back to a left-aligned taskbar is incredibly simple:- Right-click an empty space on the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings.”
- Expand the “Taskbar behaviors” section.
- Under “Taskbar alignment,” select “Left.”
Why It Matters
A left-aligned taskbar immediately restores a sense of familiarity, helping you locate icons and the Start button quickly. After all, consistency in the user interface is key for maintaining efficiency.Summary: A quick tweak via taskbar settings can realign your icons to the left, making navigation intuitive and restoring muscle memory.
2. Restore the Old Start Menu Style
What’s the Issue?
The new Start menu in Windows 11 is streamlined and modern, but for many users, its simplified design lacks the depth and feature set found in Windows 10’s version.How to Fix It
There are a couple of popular ways to bring back the Windows 10-style Start menu:- Stardock’s Start11: A polished, paid application offering several Start menu options—including a Windows 10 look, or even the classic Windows 7 layout.
- Open-Shell: An excellent open-source alternative that provides a traditional Start menu without additional cost, though it may not offer the same level of polish.
Why It Matters
The classic Start menu can be indispensable when you rely on nuanced, customizable features that enhance your workflow. Whether you want more shortcuts or a layout that reflects your familiarity with earlier Windows versions, restoring the old Start menu style makes your PC easier to use.Summary: Reclaiming the classic Start menu via apps like Start11 or Open-Shell can help you feel right at home on Windows 11.
3. Bring Back the Classic Context Menu
What’s the Issue?
Windows 11’s File Explorer comes with a redesigned context menu that sometimes hides options you relied on in Windows 10.How to Fix It
You have a few options to access the classic context menu:- Shift+Right-Click: Simply hold down the Shift key while right-clicking a file or folder to reveal the old menu options.
- Registry Tweak: For those more comfortable with system modifications, you can apply a registry hack that forces File Explorer to always show the classic context menu. (If you’re not an advanced user, the Shift+Right-Click trick is a safe and effective alternative.)
Why It Matters
Using the classic context menu ensures that you have full access to all file management options, making tasks smoother and more predictable—a boon for those who work extensively with files and folders.Summary: If the new context menu feels limiting, simply hold Shift during a right-click or explore registry tweaks for a permanent fix.
4. Simplify the New Notepad Experience
What’s the Issue?
Windows 11’s Notepad has evolved with added features like tabs, text formatting, and even generative AI. While these tools are impressive, they can disrupt the quick, minimalist note-taking experience familiar in earlier versions.How to Fix It
For users who prefer a plain, no-nonsense text editor:- Click the gear icon in Notepad’s upper-right corner.
- Under “When Notepad starts,” select “Start new session and discard unsaved changes.”
Why It Matters
A simple and predictable Notepad is a vital tool, especially when you need a distraction-free environment for jotting down quick notes or code snippets.Summary: By adjusting Notepad’s startup behavior, you ensure it behaves traditionally—ideal for users who favor simplicity over extra features.
5. Disable Snap Layouts
What’s the Issue?
While Snap Layouts in Windows 11 are designed to improve multitasking, some users find them intrusive. The pop-up that appears when hovering over the maximize button or using Windows+Z can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help.How to Fix It
To disable Snap Layouts:- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to “System” > “Multitasking.”
- Expand the “Snap windows” section.
- Deselect options like “Show snap layouts when I hover over a window’s maximize button.”
Why It Matters
Disabling this feature can streamline your desktop and prevent accidental activations—especially crucial for those who prefer a clean, unobstructed workspace.Summary: Turning off Snap Layouts gives you finer control over your windows, reducing distractions and maintaining a more familiar workflow.
6. Reset File Explorer’s Starting Point
What’s the Issue?
By default, Windows 11’s File Explorer opens to the “Home” view, featuring recent files and a “Quick access” section. For many, this differs from the straightforward “This PC” view in Windows 10.How to Fix It
You can change File Explorer’s default view by following these steps:- Open File Explorer.
- Click the “…” (More) button on the toolbar.
- Select “Options.”
- In the Folder Options window, change “Open File Explorer to” from “Home” to “This PC.”
Why It Matters
Returning to the “This PC” view lets you see your drives and devices immediately, streamlining file navigation in the way you’re used to.Summary: A simple File Explorer option change can restore the classic experience, making files easier to locate without the clutter of additional previews.
7. Turn Off Frequently Used Files and Folders
What’s the Issue?
Similarly, the “Home” view in File Explorer shows a history of recently used files and frequently accessed folders—features that can sometimes clutter your navigation.How to Fix It
To opt for a cleaner display:- Open File Explorer and click the “…” (More) button.
- Select “Options.”
- Under the Privacy section, uncheck “Show recently used files” and “Show frequently used folders.”
- You can also click “Clear” to remove existing history.
Why It Matters
Reducing visual clutter not only enhances speed but also improves focus, allowing you to concentrate on the files that matter most.Summary: By disabling these history options, you gain more control over your File Explorer view—ideal for a streamlined, classic experience.
8. Uncombine Taskbar Buttons
What’s the Issue?
Windows 11 automatically combines taskbar buttons by default, which can make it harder to distinguish between open windows—a behavior that differs from Windows 10’s more separate application icons.How to Fix It
To display separate taskbar buttons:- Right-click an empty area on the taskbar.
- Go to “Taskbar settings.”
- Under “Taskbar behaviors,” find the option “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.”
- Choose “Never.”
Why It Matters
Uncombined taskbar buttons allow you to quickly identify and switch between open windows—especially useful if you often multitask or manage many applications simultaneously.Summary: This tweak reinstitutes a classic Windows look and helps prevent confusion when navigating multiple open applications.
Concluding Thoughts
While Windows 11 was designed with modern aesthetics and streamlined functionality in mind, not every change will suit every user. The tweaks outlined above help bridge the gap between the modern and the familiar—allowing you to harness Windows 11’s performance without sacrificing the interface elements you’ve grown to depend on.These adjustments prove that you don’t have to settle for a jarring redesign. With just a few clicks, tweaks, and third-party apps, your Windows 11 setup can function much like Windows 10, ensuring that productivity and ease-of-use remain paramount. In a time when many users are still adapting to design overhauls, blending new features with classic elements can be the best of both worlds.
For those who enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of Windows’ functionality, remember that community discussions and how-to threads are always available. As previously reported at https://windowsforum.com/threads/353856, sharing insights and tweaks empowers everyone to get the most out of their operating system.
Key Takeaways:
- Taskbar Alignment & Button Behavior: Realign icons and uncombine buttons to restore desktop familiarity.
- Start Menu & File Explorer Customizations: Choose between modern and classic views to suit your workflow.
- Smart Feature Disabling: Whether it’s Snap Layouts or frequently used files, minimal changes can profoundly impact your experience.
Source: Computerworld https://www.computerworld.com/article/3832570/make-windows-11-work-like-windows-10.html
