Restore the Windows 10 Taskbar in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

The launch of Windows 11 has been met with mixed reactions, especially concerning its redesigned taskbar. Many users who appreciate the classic functionality and design of the Windows 10 taskbar have been exploring ways to revert their interface to a more familiar setup. In this article, we'll explore the changes made in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, the reasons behind these changes, and most importantly, how to restore your beloved Windows 10 taskbar style.

Understanding Taskbar Changes in Windows 11​

Windows 11 comes with a fresh design that reflects modern aesthetic trends. The taskbar is centered at the bottom of the screen, resembling a layout similar to macOS. While this design does adopt a sleek, minimalistic approach, it is stripped of many features that long-time Windows users have come to rely on, such as:

• Centered taskbar icons: Unlike Windows 10 where icons are left-aligned.
• Limited context menu options: Right-click options are fewer, and features like Task Manager access have been modified.
• Loss of drag-and-drop functionality: Windows 10 allowed users to drag files directly onto application icons on the taskbar, a function that many have missed. Despite Microsoft rolling out updates with new features like a Co-pilot button and revised Search Bars, many users feel these enhancements do not compensate for the lost functionality and customization options.

  The Sentiment of Users​

  It’s evident that a portion of the Windows user community longs for the familiarity and effective utility of the Windows 10 taskbar. Notably, the streamlined and intuitive design that prioritized user functionality has been sadly missed. This has led users to seek methods to revert the taskbar back to its classic Windows 10 styling.

  Steps to Change Your Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10 Style​

  If you're looking to revert to the classic Windows 10 taskbar design, follow these simple steps:
  1. Open Settings:
     • Click on the Start button.
     • Select Settings.
     []Navigate to Personalization:
     • In the Settings menu, click on Personalization from the left-hand sidebar.
     []Access the Taskbar Settings:
     • Click on Taskbar.
     []Adjust Taskbar Behavior:
     • Click on Taskbar behaviors.
     • Change the Taskbar alignment option from the default ("Center") to Left. This quick adjustment makes your taskbar similar to the Windows 10 version by aligning all icons to the left side of the screen. While this method simplifies the appearance, users looking for full functionality may not have their needs completely met.

       Utilizing Third-Party Applications​

       If reverting the alignment isn't sufficient, there are third-party applications that can help recapture the Windows 10 taskbar’s functionality and aesthetic completely.

       ExplorerPatcher: A Comprehensive Solution​

       One of the most touted open-source solutions for restoring the Windows 10 taskbar experience is ExplorerPatcher. This application can significantly modify how the taskbar behaves and appears, and here’s how it works:
  []GitHub Availability: ExplorerPatcher is available for free and can be conveniently installed from its GitHub repository. []Interface Restoration:
  • Once installed, the taskbar displays like it did in Windows 10, complete with the familiar Start menu setup.
  • Icons are displayed in full name format, an option users found useful for quick recognition.
  • You also regain access to the older clock and calendar functionalities.
  []The Old Weather Widget: An additional benefit is the reinstatement of the Microsoft Weather widget, which has been removed in Windows 11.
• Easily Revert Changes: If at any point you wish to revert back to the Windows 11 taskbar, you can uninstall ExplorerPatcher and reboot, or reset it through the application's settings menu.

  Conclusion and Implications for Users​

  In summary, while embracing change is part of user experience, the drastic shifts in Windows 11’s taskbar have left many users dissatisfied. The clean aesthetic might appeal to some, but for users whose productivity relies on familiarity and accessibility, reverting to the traditional setup becomes imperative. Restoring your Windows 11 taskbar to the classic style of Windows 10 can be achieved simply through native settings or through helpful third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher. It’s worth mentioning that while this discussion primarily revolves around aesthetics and functionality, it represents a broader struggle between modernization in design and maintaining user-centric functionality. As the Windows landscape evolves further, such tools and insights will be invaluable to those who value their workflow and user experience. For users willing to take these steps, your personalized taskbar experience awaits, allowing you to work with the familiarity of Windows 10 even in the updated Windows 11 environment. For more details, check out the original source: Pocket-lint.