Windows 11 is constantly evolving. While Microsoft's latest update has brought notable enhancements like tab support for File Explorer, many users still find aspects of its interface less than ideal. From cluttered taskbar labels to the absence of a traditional menu bar, the need for customization is clear. Fortunately, the thriving mod community is stepping in with tailor-made solutions—ranging from a simple Windhawk mod that removes unwanted File Explorer suffixes to comprehensive tutorials that let you mimic a macOS-like menu bar. In this article, we explore these tweaks and provide step-by-step guidance for Windows users eager to fine-tune their desktops.![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="384px" width="512px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Taming File Explorer Clutter
The Issue: Taskbar Overload
One of the recurring gripes among Windows 11 users is the persistent “-File Explorer” label that appears on every open folder in the taskbar. Although Microsoft has worked on improving File Explorer by adding features like tabbed browsing, this quirky label remains a source of unnecessary clutter. The label not only detracts from a clean, minimalist aesthetic but also essentially wastes valuable taskbar real estate that could otherwise be allocated for frequently used applications.A Community-Driven Fix: Windhawk Mod “Remove File Explorer Suffixes”
Enter the Windhawk mod “Remove File Explorer Suffixes”—a neat solution meticulously crafted by community developer m417z. With this mod, the intrusive "-File Explorer" label is stripped away from open folder icons, allowing your taskbar to look cleaner and leave more room for your preferred shortcuts. Unlike some similar solutions (for example, Aerexplorer, which has faced compatibility issues on the latest Windows 11 version 23H2), this mod reliably delivers what it promises.How It Works:
- Installation Made Simple: First, download and install the Windhawk customization tool, renowned for unlocking numerous hidden tweaks on Windows 11.
- Finding the Mod: Once Windhawk is installed, simply launch the app and type in the name “Remove File Explorer Suffixes” in the search bar.
- Apply the Change: Install the mod and see the clutter vanish from your taskbar almost instantly.
Summary: The Windhawk mod effectively tackles a longstanding annoyance in Windows 11 by removing redundant File Explorer labels, recapturing precious taskbar space and contributing to a more organized desktop.
Embracing a macOS-Style Menu Bar on Windows 11
Bridging the Aesthetic Divide
Not every Windows 11 user is content with the out-of-the-box taskbar experience. For many who have transitioned from macOS (or those who simply admire its sleek interface), the absence of a menu bar at the top of the screen is a disappointment. Traditional macOS interfaces benefit from an elegant, always-available menu bar that organizes system functions and applications in an accessible way. Thankfully, Windows mods now make it possible to bring that familiar feel right to your desktop.Method One: Droptop Four via Rainmeter
One popular method to achieve a macOS-like menu bar on Windows 11 is by using a Rainmeter skin known as Droptop Four. This skin not only adds a stylish menu bar at the top of your screen but also offers a variety of customization options like transparency effects and additional widgets.Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download Rainmeter: Start by installing the Rainmeter app, a free utility that serves as a powerful platform for desktop customizations.
- Obtain Droptop Four: Next, acquire the Droptop Four skin, available in RMSKIN file format. Although it weighs in at about 95MB, the transformation is well worth it.
- Install the Skin: Double-click the Droptop Four skin file and follow the on-screen installation prompts. If you encounter a prompt asking for your Google account password, you can safely bypass it by clicking Continue.
- Customize to Your Liking: Once installed, a sleek, macOS-like menu bar will appear across the top of your screen. From here, you can adjust the skin’s settings—modify transparency, add tools, or even integrate shortcuts—and truly make the interface your own.
Method Two: GlazeWM and the Zebar Tool
If you’re seeking more than just aesthetic appeal and want to boost your productivity, consider using GlazeWM. This tiling window manager brings a macOS-style menu bar to Windows 11 through its integrated Zebar tool.How to Get Started:
- Install GlazeWM: Open your Command Prompt or Terminal and run the command:
winget install GlazeWM - Launch and Configure: Once the installation is complete, open the Start menu and launch GlazeWM. Instantly, you'll notice a macOS-like menu bar powered by Zebar—displaying useful system data such as CPU and RAM usage.
- Enjoy Tiling Benefits: Alongside the menu bar, GlazeWM introduces efficient window tiling. With keybindings like “Alt + 1/2/3…” you can seamlessly navigate between workspaces, making multitasking a breeze.
Choosing Your Approach
- Droptop Four: Ideal for users who prioritize aesthetics and a familiar macOS vibe, albeit with a slight hit to system resources due to heavy Rainmeter skins.
- GlazeWM: Perfect for power users who desire advanced window management along with a clean, functional menu bar.
The Broader Implications of UI Customization
User Empowerment in a Rapidly Evolving Ecosystem
The quest for a more refined Windows 11 interface reflects a broader trend in modern computing: user empowerment through customization. Despite Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its operating system—such as the addition of new features in File Explorer—users continue to demand a level of personalization that only third-party mods can deliver.This dynamic isn’t entirely new. Historically, Windows enthusiasts have often resorted to community-driven tools to enhance and modify the core user experience. From the early days of registry tweaks to today’s sophisticated customization frameworks like Windhawk and Rainmeter, the urge to tailor one’s digital environment has always been strong.
Comparing Windows and macOS Aesthetics
The desire for a macOS-like menu bar on Windows signifies more than aesthetic preference. It illustrates a deeper yearning for efficiency and organization—a hallmark of the macOS interface. While Windows 11 has made significant strides in modernizing its UI, its contrast with macOS highlights opportunities for further improvement.- Functionality vs. Beauty: While Windows 11 delivers robust performance and unique features like File Explorer tabs, its design choices sometimes prioritize functionality over elegance.
- Community Innovation: Due to these gaps, community projects proliferate, offering users the best of both worlds. Whether it’s the removal of an unappealing label or the introduction of a top menu bar, these mods play a crucial role in personalizing the user experience.
Practical Guidelines for a Smooth Customization Journey
While these customization mods and tweaks enhance the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 11, it’s important to proceed with caution. Here are some practical tips to ensure your tweaking journey is both safe and effective:- Backup Your System: Before installing any mods or customization tools, it’s always a good idea to create a system backup. This ensures you can revert any changes if something doesn’t go as planned.
- Download from Trusted Sources: Only obtain mods from reputable sources or well-known community developers, as this minimizes the risk of compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities.
- Read User Feedback: Check community forums and discussion threads for the latest user experiences and troubleshooting tips—this real-world insight can help avoid common pitfalls.
- Stay Updated: Both Windows 11 and third-party tools evolve rapidly. Regularly update your OS and any installed mods to benefit from the latest improvements and fixes.
- Experiment Cautiously: If you’re new to desktop customization, start with one tweak at a time. This approach allows you to appreciate each change and identify any issues more easily.
Final Thoughts: Tailoring Windows 11 to Suit Your Style
Windows 11 is a robust operating system filled with promise. While it already offers several modern enhancements, not every design choice will suit every user’s taste. Whether it’s the lingering "-File Explorer" labels cluttering the taskbar or the missing macOS-style menu bar, these perceived shortcomings have paved the way for ingenious community solutions.By embracing mods like Windhawk’s “Remove File Explorer Suffixes” and exploring new aesthetic possibilities with tools like Droptop Four and GlazeWM, you can craft a desktop environment that’s not only visually appealing but also tailored to boost your workflow. These tweaks exemplify what many Windows users want most: a harmonious blend of functionality and style.
As the debate continues over native functionalities versus community-enhanced features, one thing is clear: your desktop should reflect your personal preferences. And with the diverse range of tools available today, you have every opportunity to customize Windows 11 into an operating system that truly works for you.
So, ask yourself: Why settle for a one-size-fits-all interface when you can have one that’s uniquely yours? Dive into these customization options, experiment, and join the conversation on Windows forums to share your experiences. The future of Windows 11 isn’t just being built by Microsoft—it’s being shaped by users like you every day.
Summary: With third-party mods filling the voids left by native updates, Windows 11 customization offers a rewarding way to blend aesthetics with practicality. Tailor your desktop to perfection, and transform your work environment into one that feels as efficient as it is beautiful.
Keywords integrated throughout: Windows 11 updates, File Explorer improvements, Windhawk mod, macOS-like menu bar, customization tweaks, Rainmeter skins, and GlazeWM tiling. Enjoy personalizing and optimizing your Windows experience!
Happy customizing!
Source 1: One of Windows 11's most disliked File Explorer elements on the taskbar is finally gone
Source 2: https://beebom.com/how-to-get-macos-menu-bar-windows-11/
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