One of the aesthetic and functional changes that Windows 11 brought at the time was the redesign of its initial menu, which significantly differentiates it from previous versions of the Microsoft operating system. But this change was not welcomed with the same enthusiasm by all users. Fortunately, Get back the classic start menu in Windows 11 it is now possible.
At first glance, this may seem like a minor issue, but many users consider it very important to maintain the way they have been using Windows for years. After all, the old adage about not changing anything when something works still applies.
The least popular changes to the Windows 11 Start menu
It is well known that it is impossible to achieve absolute unanimity in any aspect of life. What one person likes very much is often hated by another. But, What have been those changes that have been so disliked? Are these specific aspects or the new provision in general? In general, the most common complaints focus on the following aspects:
- The centered position of the menuNot all users are happy with the central position of the start menu and taskbar. It must be said that this can be adjusted to suit each user's taste, but the fact that the menu is set up this way and not on the left, as in the classic version, was not very popular.
- Recommendations that cannot be ignored. This new feature, which Microsoft presented as a great advance, has not been valued so positively by many users. In their opinion, it offers little use and takes up unnecessary space.
- Goodbye Live Tiles. The removal of interactive tiles from Windows 10 is, in the opinion of many, a step backwards. These elements allowed us to view the basic content of an application without having to open it. That advantage is not available in Windows 11.
- Complex customizationSometimes, less is more. In Windows 11, customizing the Start menu requires more steps. And yet, that doesn't mean there are more options available.
These factors, taken individually or together, constitute the main argument of those users who demand to recover the classic start menu in Windows 11. If you are one of them, here we will explain how to do it:
How to get back the classic start menu in Windows 11?
There are two ways to return to the traditional Windows menu, even if we are using Windows 11. One is by making a series of changes to the registry (explained below); the other, through external applications.
Changes in Windows Registry Editor
This is a somewhat complex, but effective process. It consists of recovering the classic start menu in Windows 11 by making some specific changes to the registry. Here's how we can do it:
- First, we access the Windows Registry Editor. We can do it by writing the command regedit in the system search engine or through the Windows + R key combination.
- Once there, we open this folder: HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Explorer / Advanced
- Next, we right-click and create a new 32-bit DWORD value. Your name must be Start_ShowClassicMode and the Value Information must be «1».
- Finally, we restart the computer and the changes made will be applied.
IMPORTANT: It is only advisable to use this editor if you have a minimum knowledge of how to do it. Any mistake or carelessness when making the changes we indicate above could have quite negative consequences for the system and applications. Damages that are difficult to repair.
Applications to return to the classic Windows start menu
That's why it's better to look for a simpler and more direct way to make this change. And that involves resorting to the help of external applications. Here too, it's better not to take any chances. Here are the ones we recommend:
- Start Menu X. Although its paid version offers countless customization options, if what we are looking for is just to return to the classic Windows start menu, the free version will suffice.
- OpenShell, formerly known as ClassicShell. With it, we can rescue the Windows 10 start menu and even that of previous versions.
- StartAllBack. Despite being a paid app, it is an excellent tool to improve the customization of the OS and recover the classic user interface in the Windows 11 Start menu.
Conclusion
The new Windows 11 Start Menu marked a departure from the line Microsoft had followed up to that point. It was designed following a minimalist and modern approach, with productivity in mind above all.
Most users have positively valued this new aesthetic, but it has not managed to convince many others. Luckily, as we have illustrated in this post, We still have ways to return to the previous menu.