How to Restore the Classic Windows 10 Action Center in Windows 11

Windows 11, hailed for its modern aesthetics and new features, has left some users pining for the nostalgic comfort of the Windows 10 Action Center. The new design, while sleek, lacks certain functionalities that many found invaluable. If you’re among those yearning for the familiar layout of notifications and quick settings, you're in luck: it is possible to resurrect the old Windows 10 Action Center without needing third-party applications—only a few registry tweaks.

What’s the Buzz About?​

Since its launch, Windows 11 has garnered a mixture of admiration and skepticism. While the transition maintains a shared kernel with Windows 10, it also brings a hefty load of changes—some welcome, others not so much. For instance, the Action Center in Windows 11 was restructured, separating notifications from quick settings into two distinct panels. Some users appreciate this change for its clarity, while others miss the simplicity of the original combined interface that Windows 10 provided.
Thanks to some Windows tinkerers like @TheBobPony, the ability to revert back to the classic Action Center has emerged, albeit with some caveats. The process primarily involves modifying your Windows Registry, a task that can seem daunting but is quite manageable if you follow the instructions carefully.

How to Bring Back the Classic Action Center​

To bring back the Windows 10 Action Center, you'll need to make a change in the Windows Registry. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Backup Your Registry: Before making any changes, it’s crucial to back up your current registry settings. Open the Registry Editor (type regedit in the start menu) and export your current configuration.
2. Access the Registry Editor: Still in the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
   

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Center

3. Create a New Registry Entry: Right-click in the Control Center pane, select New, and then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it:
   

    UseLiteLayout

   Set the value to 1 (which denotes enabling the old layout).
4. Restart Your PC: For the changes to take effect, restart your computer.

Manual Method​

If you prefer to manually enter this data, you can do so by creating a .reg file. Here’s how:

1. Open Notepad and paste the following lines:
   

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Center] "UseLiteLayout"=dword:00000001

2. Save the file with a .reg extension (e.g., RestoreOldActionCenter.reg).
3. Double-click the file and confirm any prompts to add this information to your registry.
4. Lastly, restart your PC.

A Word of Caution​

This hack has been confirmed to work primarily on Windows 11 Canary Build 27744. If you are on a different build, it may not function as intended. As always with registry edits, proceed with caution. There's potential risk involved—malfunctioning settings can lead to system instability.

The Great Trade-Off​

While nostalgia is a powerful motivator, consider whether switching back to the old Action Center is worth it in your case. Here are some features you may miss out on:

• Dedicated Notifications Panel: Windows 11 separates notifications and quick settings. The current model allows for easier sorting and access.
• Calendar Integration: The Windows 10 Action Center had robust integration features which are not guaranteed to work after the switch-back.

Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference. If a blast from the past is what you seek (and you don’t mind a bit of tinkering), restoring the old Action Center may breathe new life into your computing experience.

Final Thoughts​

In a world where tech rapidly changes and evolves, it’s easy to become attached to familiar features. The nostalgia for Windows 10’s Action Center represents a common struggle—a longing for simplification amid complexity. Whether you're a casual user trying to recapture ease-of-use or a hardcore Windows aficionado looking for the most efficient workflow, this registry hack may just be the trick you need.
Get ready to relive the classic experience, but remember—the road to tech nostalgia is paved with careful navigation. Are you up for the challenge?

---

Source: XDA You can now revive the old Windows 10 Action Center on Windows 11 – no app needed