8 Essential Tweaks to Make Windows 11 Feel Like Windows 10

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

Alternatively, if you need a robust text editor without built-in AI distractions, try using Notepad++ for more advanced editing capabilities.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Microsoft Halts New Battery Indicator Rollout for Windows 11 Insiders, 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.

Embrace these tweaks, and enjoy a personalized Windows 11 experience that doesn’t force you to leave the comfort of your Windows 10 habits behind. Happy customizing!

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Source: Computerworld 8 ways to make Windows 11 work like Windows 10

 

[ChatGPT]

For millions of users, the arrival of Windows 11 felt less like a futuristic leap and more like a frustrating detour. While Microsoft touts its newest operating system as a modern evolution—complete with rounded corners, new taskbar behavior, and a centered Start menu—the truth is that many longtime Windows enthusiasts yearn for the streamlined familiarity and straightforward usability of Windows 10. Even as the clock ticks down to end-of-life support for Windows 10 in October 2025, roughly half of all Windows PCs remain on the older OS, a testament to both corporate inertia and the reluctance of ordinary users to embrace change for change’s sake.
Why stay with Windows 10, though, when its security future is waning? The affection is easy to understand: Windows 10 is stable, mature, and deeply customizable. For many, Windows 11’s visual shifts and Microsoft’s sometimes heavy-handed tweaks to default apps and UI conventions aren’t just different—they’re objectively worse. Navigating a new workflow, wrestling with lost features, and stomaching a barrage of unneeded “improvements” can quickly wear down even the most open-minded power users.
But what if there was a middle path? Thanks to a dedicated ecosystem of third-party developers, you can return Windows 11 to a Windows 10-like experience—sometimes even surpassing it—with a curated suite of free apps and mods. If you’re determined to stick with the latest version for security but loathe its default look and behavior, let’s explore how you can recapture that classic Windows 10 comfort.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: The Sticking Points​

The primary grievances around Windows 11 boil down to usability regressions, design choices that prioritize aesthetics over productivity, and a general sense that veteran users’ preferences have been sidelined:

• Restricted customization: The new Start menu, taskbar, and context menus in Windows 11 have been streamlined, but this hampers deep personalization. Moving the taskbar, un-combining icons, and customizing the Start menu are simply gone or require workarounds.
• Removed features: Drag and drop on the taskbar, right-click context menu options, and certain system tray functions have been stripped out or buried behind extra clicks.
• Consistency issues: Old and new UIs coexist awkwardly, with modern “Fluent” design elements sometimes clashing with legacy Explorer dialogs.
• Resource-heavy defaults: The Photos app, Calculator, and other essentials have become slow or overburdened with features many users never asked for.
• Missed killer apps: Windows 11’s much-hyped Android app support was recently cancelled, undercutting some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade.

How to Make Windows 11 Feel Like Windows 10—For Free​

If you love Windows 10’s workflow but want (or need) Windows 11’s under-the-hood security and driver improvements, these nine (plus a few bonus) tools can bridge the gap. Each is widely used, well-reviewed, and regularly updated, though as with any system-level modification, perform a full backup before major tweaks.

1. Start Menu Restoration: Start11, StartAllBack, and Open Shell Menu​

• Start11: Developed by Stardock, Start11 is the gold standard for those wanting to regain the classic Start menu. Its latest versions offer not only Windows 10’s familiar layout but even Windows 7 and custom designs. Features include the ability to reposition the Start menu, customize icon size, and even place the taskbar at the top or side of the screen—something Microsoft removed in Windows 11. The free version provides plenty of core features, while paid upgrades unlock advanced tweaks.
• StartAllBack: If your nostalgia tilts further back, StartAllBack can transform the Start menu into a near-perfect facsimile of Windows 7 or 10, complete with Aero Glass effects and smooth animations. The focus here is on “set-and-forget” simplicity—just pick your preferred style, and your desktop instantly looks and feels like the Windows of old.
• Open Shell Menu: For open-source fans, Open Shell Menu is a fully free alternative offering classic Start menu layouts, customizable taskbar settings, and extensive appearance tweaks. It’s particularly suited to tinkerers who want every option exposed and modifiable.

2. Taskbar and Context Menu Customization: ExplorerPatcher and Windows 11 Classic Context Menu​

• ExplorerPatcher: This under-the-radar mod is a powerhouse, restoring numerous Windows 10-era behaviors. Want your icons left-aligned? Un-combined? Miss the old right-click context menu, where every option appears at once rather than behind a “Show more options” link? ExplorerPatcher brings it all back and lets you control everything from taskbar sizing to system tray area nuances.
• Windows 11 Classic Context Menu: Not keen to install a full taskbar overhaul? This lightweight tool specifically brings back the classic right-click menu, putting commands just a single click away again.

3. File Explorer Rejuvenation: Files App and Alternatives​

While not a pure Windows 10 mimic, alternatives like Files App offer split tabs, compact views, and highly customizable sorting/preview options, echoing the streamlined Explorer layouts of Windows 10 and before. They also bring some of the speed and multi-pane features power users have missed since the overhaul of Microsoft’s own File Explorer.

4. Global UI Tweaks: Winaero Tweaker​

Winaero Tweaker is a Swiss Army knife for Windows customization, placing over 100 tweaks at your fingertips. Whether you want to re-enable Windows 10’s window borders, restore old volume controls, disable new animations, or bring back legacy context menus, Winaero Tweaker consolidates nearly everything in a single, reliable package. Its interface is rich but logical, making it a haven for anyone who wants their desktop “just so”.

5. Theme Packs, Ultra UX Theme Patcher, and Safe Theming​

Microsoft’s built-in themes are scant, and most are slight variations on the default. For a deeper transformation:

• Ultra UX Theme Patcher removes Windows’ lock on third-party visual styles, letting you install and apply genuine Windows 10 themes—just be cautious and only source themes from reputable sites, as this tool modifies system files in a way that some security programs will flag.
• Once patched, you can drop third-party themes (typically as folders within C:\Windows\Resources\Themes) and activate them in the Personalization panel. Always back up your system before any deep visuals tweak.

6. Windhawk: Modding Marketplace​

Windhawk is the emerging repository for so-called “mods”—small, lightweight tweaks crafted by independent developers. From altering mouse wheel behavior on the taskbar to restoring volume adjustments and classic UI animations, Windhawk mods are installable right from the app with detailed explanations. Browse the marketplace, check ratings, and always review permissions before adding new mods.

7. Tweaking File Management and Search: Everything, OneCommander​

• Everything: Microsoft’s built-in search remains notoriously slow. “Everything” indexes all files near-instantly, letting you find documents, images, and folders with a speed surpassing old Windows 10 search, and without the bloat.
• OneCommander: For those missing dual-pane file managers or classic navigation, OneCommander brings tabs, bookmarks, and a minimal UI that recalls the tidyness of Windows 10’s best Explorer builds.

8. Productivity and Workflow Boosters: PowerToys and Flow Launcher​

• PowerToys: Officially maintained by Microsoft, PowerToys is a suite of utilities packed with fan favorites like FancyZones (for custom snapping window layouts), Image Resizer, and Keyboard Manager. FancyZones in particular vastly improves on Windows 11’s snap layouts, giving back multi-window control lost in the new OS.
• Flow Launcher: The ultimate command bar, letting you open apps, trigger web searches, and manage system features all from your keyboard. Power users will find it far superior to the default Start menu and Windows Search.

9. Visual Nostalgia: Stardock WindowBlinds and RetroBar​

• Stardock WindowBlinds: For the truly nostalgic, WindowBlinds can skin your OS to mimic Windows 95, XP, 7, or 10. It supports deep theming—even corners, control buttons, and menus—without sacrificing stability, though it’s not always free outside trial periods.
• RetroBar: This free, open-source toolbar brings a pixel-perfect Windows 95/98/2000 taskbar to modern Windows, blending effortlessly if you’re after ultimate retro vibes.

Bonus: Other Notable Free Tools​

• Open Shell Menu: Another open-source Start menu emulator for absolute control.
• Classic Taskbar: Mods (sometimes via Windhawk) to bring back separated, labeled taskbar items, vertical taskbar positioning, and more.
• EarTrumpet: For audio control at a per-app level, restoring what some considered Windows 10’s best small upgrade.

Strengths, Risks, and Critical Considerations​

Strengths​

• Deep Customization: With the right combination of tools, you can restore almost every removed feature, sometimes improving on what Windows 10 originally allowed.
• Performance Optimization: Many third-party replacements, like Everything and PowerToys, run faster and more efficiently than Microsoft’s sluggish new defaults.
• Community-Driven: Most of these apps are open source or from reputable vendors with long histories in Windows customization.
• Security Maintenance: By remaining on Windows 11 for its core updates, you sidestep the risks of running an outdated OS—even if you reject its surface-level changes.

Risks​

• System Stability: Any app that modifies the shell, Start menu, or system files can introduce instability, especially after a major Windows update. Always back up before major changes and be prepared for occasional troubleshooting.
• Security: Deep shell mods (such as Ultra UX Theme Patcher) may be flagged by security software or even create vulnerabilities if sourced from untrustworthy sites.
• Microsoft Blocking: With each new Windows 11 update, Microsoft sometimes deliberately breaks compatibility with popular mods—either in the name of security, or simply to push users toward their default ecosystem. Expect to re-patch every few months.
• Complexity Overload: Newcomers may find the setup process daunting, especially as some mods require registry edits, PowerShell commands, or careful reading of documentation.

Our Verdict: Is It Worth Making Windows 11 Feel Like Windows 10?​

If you’re frustrated with Windows 11 but don’t want to compromise on security, using these free tools and mods offers an excellent middle ground. You can recover lost functionality, restore comfort, and even gain features Microsoft never officially supported. However, this route is best for power users or anyone comfortable with researching compatibility after major updates and taking regular system backups.
For the risk-averse or those who just want a “set it and forget it” system, it may be wiser to stick with supported UI tweaks (like Start11 and PowerToys) and avoid kernel-level mods or anything that can be rendered useless by a routine update.

Tips for a Smooth Transition​

• Always start with a full system backup before applying mods that affect Explorer, the taskbar, or system files.
• Choose only reputable sources (official GitHub releases, Stardock, or well-reviewed software) for downloads—avoid obscure websites offering “unlocked” versions or patches.
• Keep a USB recovery disk ready, especially if dabbling with system file patchers.
• Regularly check for updates to your mods—active development communities are quick to resolve post-update incompatibilities.

The Path Forward: Embrace Choice​

Microsoft may eventually soften or reverse some of its more controversial changes in Windows 11, especially if user dissatisfaction continues. Until then, a thriving ecosystem of third-party apps ensures you retain control over your computing destiny—whether that means classic icons, ungrouped taskbar items, or a Start menu that puts power and productivity above polish.
With careful planning and the right tools, you don’t have to choose between staying current and staying comfortable. Windows 11 can look, feel, and function just the way you want—just like Windows 10, or even better.

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Source: Taaza Khabar 247 https://taazakhabar247.com/hate-windows-11-these-9-free-apps-make-it-feel-like-windows-10-again/

 

[ChatGPT]

As of May 2025, Windows 10 remains the most widely used operating system, accounting for approximately 58.7% of Windows desktop users, while Windows 11 holds about 38.1% (laptopmag.com). Despite the availability of Windows 11, many users prefer the familiarity and functionality of Windows 10. However, with Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, users face a dilemma: upgrade to Windows 11 or find ways to retain the Windows 10 experience on the newer OS.
For those hesitant to transition fully to Windows 11, several free applications can help replicate the Windows 10 interface and functionality. These tools allow users to customize Windows 11, making it feel more like its predecessor.
1. Start11
Start11 is a versatile tool that enables users to customize the Start menu and taskbar. It offers ready-made profiles that emulate the appearance of Windows 7 or Windows 10. By selecting the Windows 10 style, users can restore the classic Start menu and taskbar alignment. Additionally, Start11 provides options to disable the central positioning of the taskbar icons, aligning them to the left as in Windows 10. Users can further personalize their system by downloading the Windows 10 wallpaper and setting it as the desktop background.
2. StartAllBack
StartAllBack is another free utility that restores the classic Start menu and taskbar. It offers three styles: Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11. By choosing the Windows 10 style, users can achieve a familiar interface. StartAllBack also allows customization of the taskbar layout and Windows Explorer, providing a comprehensive solution for those seeking the Windows 10 experience on Windows 11.
3. Open Shell Menu
Open Shell Menu is a free, open-source program that brings back the classic Start menu. It offers various styles, including the Windows 7 and Windows 10 Start menus. Users can customize the Start button, menu style, and behavior to closely mimic Windows 10. Open Shell Menu also provides options to disable the central taskbar alignment, restoring the traditional left-aligned taskbar.
4. ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a tool designed to enhance the Windows 11 experience by restoring features from previous versions. It allows users to customize Windows Explorer, the taskbar, and the Start menu. Notably, ExplorerPatcher can bring back the classic Windows 10 context menu, providing immediate access to all entries without the need to click on "Show more options." This tool also offers the option to prevent apps from combining in the taskbar, a feature appreciated by many Windows 10 users.
5. Windows 11 Classic Context Menu
For users who prefer the traditional context menu, the Windows 11 Classic Context Menu tool restores the classic right-click menu from Windows 10. This utility eliminates the need to click on "Show more options," providing a more efficient workflow.
6. Winaero Tweaker
Winaero Tweaker is a comprehensive customization tool that combines over 100 settings and tweaks in one interface. It allows users to modify the desktop, taskbar, Windows Explorer, and context menu to resemble Windows 10. Winaero Tweaker also offers options to disable the central taskbar alignment and restore classic features removed in Windows 11.
7. UltraUXThemePatcher
UltraUXThemePatcher enables the installation of third-party themes on Windows 11. By removing the installation lock, users can apply themes that mimic the Windows 10 appearance. It's important to note that UltraUXThemePatcher makes deep system changes, so creating a system backup before installation is recommended. Additionally, users should only download themes from trustworthy sources to avoid potential security risks.
8. Windhawk Mods
Windhawk is a marketplace for mods that allow users to customize their Windows experience. After installing Windhawk, users can browse and install mods that modify various aspects of Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10. Each mod comes with explanations and notes, so it's essential to read them carefully before installation. Windhawk provides a user-friendly interface for managing and configuring installed mods.
9. Windows Themes
Windows themes are compilations of desktop wallpapers, window layouts, mouse pointers, icons, and more. While Windows 11 offers a limited selection of themes, users can download additional theme packs from the Microsoft Store or other reputable sources. By applying a Windows 10 theme, users can achieve a familiar look and feel. To install third-party themes, users may need to use tools like UltraUXThemePatcher to bypass installation restrictions.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 introduces new features and a refreshed interface, many users prefer the familiarity of Windows 10. The applications mentioned above provide effective solutions for customizing Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of the new OS without sacrificing their preferred interface and functionality. As Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025, these tools offer a practical way to transition to Windows 11 while maintaining a comfortable user experience.

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Source: pcworld.com Hate Windows 11? These 9 free apps make it feel like Windows 10 again