How to Make Windows 11 Look and Feel Like Windows 10 in 2025

For many Windows veterans, the leap from the crisp and purposeful aesthetic of Windows 10 to the fresher—but, for some, alien—interface of Windows 11 can be a jarring experience. Microsoft’s push for a modern, touch-friendly environment in Windows 11 has delivered cleaner lines, a centered taskbar, streamlined context menus, and newly stylized icons. Yet, this pursuit of modernity has come at a cost of familiarity, efficiency, and a sense of home for millions who grew attached to the incremental refinements that defined Windows 10. If you count yourself among those users nostalgic for the “old-school” experience but unwilling to forgo Windows 11’s security and performance advancements, this guide is for you.

Why So Many Want Windows 11 to Look Like Windows 10​

The reasons users want the visual comfort of Windows 10 vary, but common threads include efficiency, muscle memory, and preference for a proven, denser UI. Windows 11’s tablet-first inspirations—such as reshaped context menus (“Show more options” replacing full context menus), new File Explorer layouts, and blunted system sounds—represent productivity regressions for some power users. This isn’t just a matter of nostalgia: it’s about workflow and getting out of your PC’s way.
The Windows 10 look isn’t only about aesthetics; for many, it’s about productivity, especially in organizations where “change disrupts flow” is more than just an idiom. Thankfully, a blend of built-in tweaks, third-party utilities, and community-driven packs can return much of that familiar look with surprising accuracy. Here’s how, fully updated for the latest 2025 Windows 11 revisions.

1. Re-Centering the Windows 11 UI—Literally​

The very first—and gentlest—step is moving the taskbar alignment. Windows 11’s default “centered” arrangement feels unsettlingly Mac-like to some (especially on ultrawide monitors).
How to realign the taskbar:

• Head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors
• Change “Taskbar alignment” from Center to Left

This small tweak isn’t just cosmetic; it puts the Start button and pinned icons back where your muscle memory expects, providing a far more “Windows 10” vibe.

2. Restoring the Windows 10 Start Menu​

The Windows 11 Start menu sacrifices the familiar Live Tiles and organizational density of Windows 10 for a simplified, app-centric grid. For those who dislike this, several robust tools exist:

StartAllBack​

An industry favorite, StartAllBack mimics Windows 10’s Start menu almost perfectly, reintroducing features like taskbar labels, resizable taskbars, and legacy system tray flyouts. Its development has kept pace with Windows 11’s frequent updates (notably version 24H2 and newer), and its polish is evident.

Start11 (v2+)​

Produced by Stardock, Start11 is a premium, deeply customizable Start menu replacement that offers not only Windows 10-style themes but also Windows 7/XP layouts, folder grouping, search bar tweaks, and now, support for Microsoft Copilot integration.

Open-Shell​

The spiritual successor to Classic Shell, Open-Shell is open-source, lightweight, and community-maintained. Its flexibility allows you to mix and match elements of Windows 7, 8, and 10 Start menus.
Installation and configuration are straightforward with all these programs—simply select your preferred style during setup and fine-tune the layout, transparency, and shortcuts to match your Windows 10 expectation.
Critical analysis: All three remain updated for Windows 11 24H2 at the time of writing, but always double-check compatibility after major biannual Microsoft updates. Premium solutions like StartAllBack and Start11 charge a modest fee ($5–10), but offer free trials and more robust update guarantees than their open-source counterparts.

3. Bringing Back the Classic File Explorer​

Windows 11’s File Explorer overhaul brought tabs, a revised toolbar, and simplified context menus—nice for some, but bewildering for those who preferred Windows 10’s detailed Ribbon UI.

OldNewExplorer​

A beloved (though not always the most up-to-date) tool, OldNewExplorer can restore the classic Ribbon and suppress some of the more modern elements.

ExplorerPatcher​

Arguably the most indispensable tool for purists, ExplorerPatcher goes further: it can not only revert the Ribbon and the command bar but also disable tabs and restore the full Windows 10 explorer frame.
Tip: Tabs can also be disabled by Group Policy or Registry tweaks, which are particularly useful in enterprise settings.
Caution: ExplorerPatcher is actively maintained as of mid-2025 and includes rollback modes, but after every major Windows Update, check the project page for compatibility patches. Windows’ increasingly aggressive UI lockdowns—especially in 24H2 and later—can temporarily break third-party utilities after updates.

4. Restoring Legacy Context Menus​

Windows 11’s minimal “right-click” menu hides many important actions under “Show more options,” adding annoyance for power users.

Winaero Tweaker​

This comprehensive customization utility offers a one-click method to restore the full Windows 10-style context menus system-wide.

Manual Registry Fix​

For DIYers, apply this (carefully!):

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}]
@=""
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32]
@=""

Then restart explorer.exe from Task Manager. This immediately restores the old right-click menus for all file types.
Warning: Registry edits always carry risks—set a restore point, and avoid using these techniques on mission-critical production machines unless necessary.

5. Reverting to Windows 10 System Icons and Themes​

Many dislike Windows 11’s more playful system icons. You can switch back:

• IconPack: Use the Windows 10 IconPack by niivu, available on DeviantArt, to patch system icons.
• 7TSP GUI: This tool allows easy swapping of system icon packs. Temporarily disable Windows Defender or SmartScreen, as unsigned theme changes may throw security warnings.
• Theme settings: Select the Windows (light) or Windows (classic) theme in Settings, and adjust the accent color to that familiar blue.
• Community themes: As of 2025, accurate Windows 10 icon and theme projects are still uploaded regularly to platforms like GitHub and Reddit.

Caution: Icon patching modifies system files—always backup and thoroughly vet sources.

6. Restoring Windows 10 Notification Chimes and System Sounds​

Audio cues are subtle, but powerful memory triggers. You can bring back the classic Windows 10 system sounds:

• Open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Sounds
• If “Windows Default (Windows 10)” isn’t listed, manually install .wav sound files from a backup or trusthworthy community site like WinCustomize.
• Assign them to key system events such as “Notification” or “Critical Stop.”

7. ExplorerPatcher: The Power User’s Swiss Army Knife​

ExplorerPatcher deserves special mention: with its powerful options panel, you can

• Restore Windows 10 taskbar (grouping, labels, no rounded corners)
• Replace flyouts (volume/network/battery) with classic versions
• Control taskbar spacing, overflow, and behavior
• Rollback shell UI changes after major Windows updates

Notes: It’s not especially beginner-friendly and UI tweaks can break after system upgrades. Always create a restore point and follow the GitHub project for update announcements.

8. Winaero Tweaker: Swiss Army Knife for All​

Winaero Tweaker remains free, updated, and lighter than ever. Its ever-expanding list of tweaks includes:

• Disabling window animations, rounded corners, and transparency
• Restoring classic icons and notification badges
• Unhiding Control Panel and system tray icons
• Tuning font rendering to pre-DirectWrite “ClearType” styles

For new or inexperienced users, Winaero Tweaker is safer than deep registry edits and comes with built-in restore options.

Preparing Your System: Backups and Restore Points​

Before making significant UI changes, always prepare:

• Back up personal files: Use an external HDD/SSD, OneDrive, or another cloud service for irreplaceable data.
• System backup: Use built-in Windows Backup (Settings > System > Backup) or advanced third-party options like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup for disk images.
• Create a restore point: Search “Create a restore point,” click “Create,” and name your snapshot. Enable system protection (if off) on the main drive.
• Update and check compatibility: Ensure all tools support your Windows 11 build (especially after updates like 24H2). Temporarily disable antivirus for unsigned theme installations.
• Export passwords/bookmarks: Browsers and password managers should be backed up if you’re making changes that touch user profiles.

Advanced Personalization With Group Policy and PowerShell​

For those using Windows 11 Pro or higher:

• Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc): Offers a GUI to force taskbar alignment, pin classic system tray icons, or restore Control Panel elements. (Not available in Home edition.)
• PowerShell scripts: Experienced users can automate many tweaks—such as taskbar alignment and search visibility—with commands like:
  Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" -Name "TaskbarAl" -Value 0
  and more for Cortana, search, and menu visibility.

Scripts can also perform batch changes after every major update, which is helpful in managed IT environments.

Customizing System Functionality: Not Just Looks​

Classic System Utilities​

• Notepad++: Goes beyond basic Notepad for programmers and writers, with tabbed editing and macros.
• Classic Paint (or Paint.NET): For those who despise the Ribbon redesign, classic versions can be reinstalled or replaced with Paint.NET for more advanced image editing.
• PowerToys: This Microsoft utility suite provides everything from fancy window snapping to improved renamer and image resizer features.

Inking and Typing​

• Microsoft Pen/Ink Workspace Configurator: For tablet users, these tools make inking feel more like Windows 10.
• TouchMe Gesture Studio: Adds custom gestures to the virtual keyboard, restoring some lost efficiency.

What to Watch for as Windows 11 Evolves (2025)​

Microsoft’s commitment to security and cohesion means UI lockdowns are tightening with every feature update. As of 24H2, shell and theme protections are more aggressive:
Risks:

• Third-party tweak tools may break after automatic updates
• Registry/location changes for shell elements can render scripts outdated
• Some UI changes (like drag-and-drop fixes or tab reverts) may become impossible between updates

Tips:

• Always read changelogs and the developer's GitHub or website before applying tweaks after a feature update
• Prefer projects with active communities and regular releases (ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack, Start11)
• Consider paying for premium solutions for better support and update lifecycles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

How do I get back the Windows 10 Start menu?
Install StartAllBack, Start11, or Open-Shell. Each offers varying degrees of customization and authenticity.
How do I left-align the Windows 11 taskbar?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and set alignment to left.
Can I restore classic context menus?
Yes—either through Winaero Tweaker, ExplorerPatcher, or a registry hack. For temporary access, Shift+F10 or Shift+right-click invokes the classic menu.
What about Windows 10 icons and sounds?
Get icon packs from trusted communities and use 7TSP GUI. Classic sound schemes can be set in Theme sounds, or custom .wav files imported manually.
Are these changes risky?
Mostly, they are safe—but every shell tweak or registry edit carries a risk, especially after Windows updates. Never proceed without a backup or restore point.
Are there open-source solutions?
ExplorerPatcher and Open-Shell are open-source and widely recommended, while Rectify11 (on GitHub) offers a hybrid visual style.

Expert Verdict: Is Returning to Windows 10’s Look Worth It?​

If streamlined workflows, visual comfort, or organizational standardization matter to you, restoring the Windows 10 look is absolutely possible—and still mainstream—in 2025. Thanks to dedicated developers, virtually every aspect of Windows 11 can be reverted or customized, though some patience and maintenance are now required.
Strengths:

• Fast, effective transition for longtime Windows 10 users and organizations
• Restoration of lost productivity features (taskbar grouping, right-click depth)
• Active development and support from both open-source and commercial tools

Risks:

• Potential breakage after major Windows updates
• Security concerns with unsigned theme packs or outdated tools
• Gradual tightening of Microsoft’s system protections may limit future tweak potential

Final word: The divide between “classic” and “modern” Windows may never disappear completely, but those who value function and familiarity over form still have an arsenal of options—if they stay informed and careful. As Microsoft pushes further with AI features and cloud integration, grassroots customization remains a testament to the Windows ecosystem’s flexibility and the community’s ingenuity.
Whether you’re a power user, an enterprise IT pro, or simply someone who misses the subtle joys of Windows 10, you don’t have to settle for an unfamiliar experience. With a mix of trusted tools and up-to-date know-how, Windows 11 can look—and feel—like home again.

---

Source: 9meters The Best Tips for Making Windows 11 Look More Like Windows 10 - 9meters