Customize Windows 11: Restore Classic Windows 10 Features

When Windows 11 first rolled out, it came with a fresh, modern design that left many long-time Windows users yearning for the familiar elements of Windows 10. If you miss the classic context menus, left-aligned taskbar, and the straightforward layout of the previous generation, you’re in luck. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to tweaking your Windows 11 experience so it feels much more like Windows 10.

Restoring the Classic Contextual Menu​

One of the first things that drew criticism toward Windows 11 was the revamped context menu. Many users find the streamlined, modern version less intuitive than the trusty classic version from Windows 10. Fortunately, you can revert to the older design with a simple registry tweak.

Steps to Revert the Context Menu​

1. Open the Registry Editor.
   Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the Target Path.
   Go to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID
3. Create a New Key.
   • Right-click on the folder named “CLSID” and choose New > Key.
   • Name the key with this unique identifier:
     {86ca1aa0-34aa-4E8B-A509-50c905BAE2A2}
4. Add the InprocServer32 Subkey.
   • Within the newly created key, right-click and select New > Key once more.
   • Name this key InprocServer32.
5. Set the Default Value.
   • Double-click the default (unnamed) entry on the right pane.
   • Ensure that the value data is left blank.
6. Restart Your PC.
   A reboot is necessary for the changes to take effect. Once restarted, you should notice that your contextual menu now resembles that of Windows 10.

Pro Tip: Always back up your registry before making any changes. This simple precaution ensures you can revert to your previous settings if something goes amiss.

Left-Aligning the Taskbar​

Windows 11 centers the taskbar by default—a departure from Windows 10’s left alignment that many users grew accustomed to. Changing this setting is straightforward.

How to Adjust Taskbar Alignment​

1. Right-Click on the Taskbar.
   Choose “Taskbar settings” from the context menu.
2. Navigate to Taskbar Behaviors.
   In the settings window, locate the “Taskbar behaviors” section. You can find options for alignment here.
3. Change the Alignment.
   Click the drop-down menu under “Taskbar alignment” and select “Left.”
4. Apply and Enjoy the Familiar View.
   Your taskbar will shift to the left side of your screen, mimicking the layout found in Windows 10.

Note: This setting not only moves the icons but can also help you declutter unwanted elements from the modern interface.

Bringing Back the Classic Task Manager​

Windows 11 includes a refreshed Task Manager with redesigned navigation menus on the left-hand side. If you prefer the classic layout displayed at the top, you can easily switch back.

Steps to Launch the Classic Task Manager​

1. Open the Run Dialog.
   Press Win + R to open the Run prompt.
2. Launch the Command.
   Type in the command:
   taskmgr -d
   Then, press Enter.
3. Experience the Classic Design.
   The Task Manager will now appear in its traditional Windows 10 style, with the familiar layout that longtime users appreciate.

Quick Tip: This method provides a temporary solution—the classic layout is used for that session. You might need to run the command again after restarting your PC.

Reclaiming the Windows 10 Start Menu​

The Start Menu is, for many, the heart of the Windows experience. While Windows 11 offers a sleek and modern start menu, it’s not to everyone’s taste. Unfortunately, native methods to revert the Start Menu design no longer work in recent versions, so a third-party solution is required.

Using Third-Party Tools for the Start Menu​

• OpenShell (formerly Classic Shell):
  OpenShell is an open-source utility that brings back the Windows 10-style Start Menu. It’s known for its stability and strong reputation in the community.
• Installation and Setup:
  1. Download OpenShell from a reputable source.
  2. Follow the installation prompts.
  3. Launch the application and customize the Start Menu based on your preference.

Security Advice: Only download software from trusted sources. Although there are many third-party tools available, always verify their authenticity and check reviews to ensure they aren’t compromised or bundled with unwanted software.

Additional Tweaks and Considerations​

While the above steps revive the classic Windows 10 elements, here are some extra tips to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible:

• System Backups:
  Before making any registry changes or installing third-party tools, create a restore point. This allows you to revert to a stable state if any modifications cause system issues.
• Software Compatibility:
  Keep in mind that major Windows updates might override some customizations. Stay informed about updates, and be prepared to reapply these tweaks if needed.
• User Preference vs. Modern Features:
  While the nostalgia of a familiar interface is comforting, new design elements in Windows 11 can offer enhanced features and improved performance. Weigh the pros and cons if you decide to revert every element.
• Community Feedback:
  Join online forums and communities on WindowsForum.com to learn from fellow users' experiences. Sharing tips and troubleshooting advice can be invaluable if you face any issues during customization.

Wrapping Up​

Customizing Windows 11 to mimic the look and feel of Windows 10 is certainly possible with a bit of tweaking. From restoring the old context menu via registry edits to realigning the taskbar and reverting the Task Manager's interface, these steps can bring a sense of familiarity back to your workflow. And while the modern design of Windows 11 offers numerous enhancements, there’s no denying that for many, the classic Windows 10 look feels more intuitive.
This guide serves as a practical roadmap for any user wishing to blend the best of both worlds. As always, proceed with caution—backup your data, and ensure you’re downloading reputable third-party utilities for a secure experience.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the aesthetic and convenience of Windows 10 while still benefiting from the improved functionalities of Windows 11. Happy customizing!

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Source: Ruetir How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 as possible: Step by step guide