Windows 11 brought with it A significant change in the aesthetics of the world's most used operating systemFor some users, these new features have been refreshing and modern, but for many others, the new design has been a step backward in usability, familiarity, and efficiency. This is why many are asking: how to get back the look of Windows 11 in Windows 10.
Those who miss the classic style of Windows 10 Or if you simply prefer an experience more consistent with your usage habits, you have many ways to customize the interface down to the smallest detail. And all without sacrificing functionality. In this article, we explain how to do it.
Bring back the traditional taskbar
One of the most visible changes in Windows 11 has been the centered placement of icons on the taskbar, a decision that reflects the new panoramic proportions of today's monitors. However, this change can be easily undone.
To place the icons on the left—like in Windows 10—just do this:
- open the menu Configuration with the shortcut Windows + I.
- Navigate to section Personalization.
- Select the Taskbar.
- Down to Taskbar behavior and choose the Left alignment.
This will return shortcuts, the home button, and pinned apps to their usual positions, which may be a relief for those who prefer the classic placement.
In previous versions of Windows, it was also possible to move the taskbar to the sides or top of the screen, but Microsoft removed this option in Windows 11. To regain that flexibility, there are two very useful tools:
- StartAllBack, a paid app with a 30-day trial that allows you to fully customize your taskbar, allowing you to place it wherever you want, even on the side or top of the screen.
- Windhawk, for its part, is a free alternative that works through mods visuals, especially useful for specific tasks such as moving the bar to a specific location.
Restore Windows 10 wallpapers and visual aesthetics
Wallpapers play a fundamental role in the aesthetics of the desktop.If you miss the classic Windows 10 wallpapers, you can download them from sites like Wallpaper Cave or other free libraries.
After saving the images to your PC, follow these steps:
- Right click on the desktop and select Personalize.
- Sign in Background and select Image as a type of background.
- press browse photos and choose the saved wallpaper.
With this you will have the traditional visual appearance of Windows 10 instantly.
Modify the Start Menu: Two Great Alternatives
Another of the most criticized elements of Windows 11 is its new start menu., which features a simplified interface with fewer shortcuts to key functions. For those who prefer the classic layout with a folder structure and visible shortcuts, there are two notable options.
One is StartAllBack, which we've already discussed above. This program not only returns the menu to the left side, but also allows you to select visual themes identical to Windows 10. Once installed, you can select the type of menu you want and apply the change without restarting.
The other option is Open Shell Menu, a completely free, open-source application that lets you customize almost every detail of the Start menu. It's lighter than other solutions and has active support.
Classic File Explorer without complications
Windows 11 File Explorer features a more minimalist and modern aesthetic, but it has lost elements that many users valued, such as the traditional ribbon. To return to the classic Windows 10 Explorer, you need to edit the system registry:
- Press Windows + R, writes regedit and access the registry editor.
- Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions - Create a new key called Blocked.
- Inside that key, create a new value with the name {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}
Once this is done, restart the computer and the classic browser will be restored with the options that were previously displayed.
Restore the full context menu
Another way to give Windows 11 the Windows 11 look is to bring back the full context menu, whose options are reduced to a minimum in the latest version of the system. This forces us to perform more clicks for actions like copying, pasting, or renaming. There's a fairly effective registry solution:
- Open regedit and navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID - Create a new key with the name {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
- Within that key, create another call InprocServer32 and leave its value blank.
After reboot, the context menu will be back to the usual one.If you want to go back to Windows 11, simply delete these keys.
Classic icons: trash, system, and more
Is it possible for Windows 11 icons to also look like Windows 10? The answer is yes. recover classic icons, especially the one in the recycle bin, you need to extract the file imageres.dll.mun from a copy of Windows 10.
That file needs to be saved permanently on your computer and then you need to do this:
- First go to the menu of Configuration.
- Choose Themes
- Accede to Desktop icon settings.
- Select the full and empty trash, and change the icon using the extracted file.
This way you can restore old icons without modifying the rest of your system.
Customize colors, transparencies, and light/dark mode
If in addition to the visual elements you want emulate Windows 10 colors, you can adjust the color modes from Settings:
- Accede to Personalization > Colors.
- Select Windows mode: Dark.
- Select app mode: Sure.
- Deactivate transparency effects to achieve a more opaque design.
This combination faithfully recreates the color look of the previous version.
Achieve Having Windows 11 that looks like Windows 10 is entirely possible. and affordable for any user with a modicum of initiative. There are quick configuration tweaks, registry edits for advanced users, and third-party applications that make the whole process easier. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the robustness and internal improvements of Windows 11 with the aesthetics and usability of Windows 10. The decision, as always, is yours.
