Windows 11 brings a fresh look and new features that set it apart from Windows 10. For users who prefer the familiar feel of the older design, this guide explains how Windows 11 can be adjusted to resemble a classic Windows 10 experience while preserving its modern benefits.
Manuals for Windows 11
- How to Install Windows 11: Check System Requirements, Activate TPM and Secure Boot
- Set up TPM 2.0 to install Windows 11
- How To Get Windows 11 Beta How To Connect With Windows Insider. Which channel to choose. What to do if the processor does not meet the Windows 11 system requirements?
- Supported processors for Windows 11. List of processors from Intel and AMD that will use the new operating system
- How to remove the Weather widget from the taskbar in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Customize news and interests in Windows 10
- Optimize Windows 10 and Windows 11. Speed up the system, disable auto-start programs, delete temporary files and other tips
- Permanently disable updates in Windows 10, Windows 11 and stop apps downloading in the background
- What is the difference between Home and Pro versions of Windows 11
- How to Reduce RAM Consumption in Windows 11
- How and what to replace the Start menu in Windows 11
- 25 Windows Commands You Should Definitely Remember
- How to change the screen lock time in Windows 11
- How to Disable the Touch Screen in Windows 11 Laptop
- How to Make a Small Taskbar in Windows 11
- Entering UEFI in Windows 11
- How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10
How to fix the taskbar
The first step is to adjust the taskbar alignment to match a familiar layout. A detailed walkthrough follows.
Open Get Started and find Options.
Follow the path to personalization, then Taskbar, then Taskbar Behavior.
You will see a section Taskbar Alignment. The default here is Centre. Change it to Left.
Change the start menu design
The Start menu appearance can be altered with third‑party applications. The Open-Shell project allows users to restore a Windows 7/10‑style Start menu. Download and install it on the PC.
During installation, disable the following features:
- Classic Explorer.
- Classic IE.
Then open Open Shell Settings to customize the Start menu to taste.
To view the changed menu, press the Windows key. When starting Start, Windows 11’s default menu may appear on the taskbar. A paid version often offers more options.
Be aware that installing software from unknown sources can harm the system.
How to change rounded corners
Rounded corners are part of Windows 11’s look. Some users dislike this change, and it cannot be adjusted with standard tools. A method exists to revert corners, but it comes with risks. It involves disabling hardware graphics acceleration, which can affect stability.
Open Device Manager, select Display Adapters, right‑click the video card and choose Turn off device. This temporarily disables the GPU. The screen may flash, but once the system stabilizes, rounded corners may disappear. This action is not advised, as it can destabilize the system without hardware acceleration.
Replace icons
Icon packs for Windows 11 are widely available online. For example, Build 10125 icon sets from Windows 10 can be downloaded and unpacked to any location.
Open Settings and navigate to personalization, then Desktop icon options.
This opens a window with five common desktop icons. Click one and choose Change icon.
In the new window, click Review and open the file explorer with pre‑downloaded icon files. Follow the path and select Open to apply a new icon.
This method allows changing desktop icons. For folder icons, changes must be made individually.
How to disable the widget bar (widgets)
The widget feature uses system resources. To disable it, open Settings and go to personalization, then dashboards.
Find Panel Items next to Mini‑Applications and turn it off.
Disable the transparency effect?
Mica is the transparency feature in Windows 11. To switch it off, open Settings and choose personalization, Colors.
Turn off Transparency Effects.
Next, go to Settings, Special skills, Visual Effects and disable the Transparency Effects slider.
How to return the classic explorer in the context menu
Press Win+R to open Run. To copy a command, paste it into the Run window and click OK.
The Registry Editor can be opened. Delete the address bar and paste the following path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell Extensions
Right click the Shell extensions folder, hover over Create, then Section, naming it Blocked.
In the new section, right click, choose Create, then String Value. Name it as follows:
- {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}
The changes take effect after rebooting the device.
How to remove new Windows 11 icons
If the new icons don’t suit the user, they can be removed. Go to Settings, Taskbar, then Personalization. In Taskbar Items turn off the following options:
- To search
- View tasks
- Widgets
- To chat
How to bring back the full context menu
Right‑click limitations in Windows 11 can be annoying. A registry tweak can restore more options.
Start the registry editor with Win+R and type rule.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID. Create a new section named {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} under CLSID, then a subkey InprocServer32. Open the default value in InprocServer32 and leave it blank, then click OK. Restart the device.
How to return desktop wallpaper
If Windows 10 is installed on another device, the original wallpaper can be found. The Windows.old folder may contain the needed images on the system drive. Look under C:WindowsWebWallpaperWindows or use a browser to locate images. Right click the desktop, choose Personalization, Background, then Browse Folders to select a preferred image.
How to return the classic basket
The basket icon can resemble the classic look. To restore the Windows 10 style, copy imageres.dll.mun from a Windows 10 system, transfer it to the Windows 11 PC, and place it in a safe backup. Then open Personalization, Desktop Icon Options, choose Basket (Full), and Change Icon. Browse to the copied file and open it. Confirm with OK. Repeat for the empty basket as needed. If desired, restore defaults later.
Note: this guide consolidates steps from multiple sources and user experiences. Some steps may vary by system configuration and edition. For historical context and test results, see cited resources.
[Citation: VG Times]