Want your Windows 11 taskbar to look like the familiar Windows 10 setup? Follow these steps: First, access the taskbar settings to adjust its alignment. Next, you’ll need to tweak additional settings to move your taskbar icons to the left. You can also change the taskbar’s size and enable the classic right-click menu for a more authentic Windows 10 feel.
How to Make Windows 11 Taskbar Look Like Windows 10
In this section, we will go through the specific steps to make your Windows 11 taskbar resemble the one from Windows 10. These steps will help you shift your taskbar icons to the left, adjust the size, and bring back the classic right-click menu.
Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings
Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
Opening the taskbar settings is the first thing you need to do. This option will take you to a menu where you can modify various taskbar properties.
Step 2: Change Taskbar Alignment
Scroll down to the “Taskbar behaviors” section, then choose “Left” from the “Taskbar alignment” dropdown menu.
Aligning your taskbar icons to the left makes them appear in the same position they were in Windows 10. This small tweak instantly gives your taskbar a more familiar look.
Step 3: Adjust Taskbar Size
Go to “Taskbar settings” and select “Use small taskbar buttons.”
Using smaller taskbar buttons makes the taskbar look more like it did in Windows 10. This change can make your screen appear less cluttered and more streamlined.
Step 4: Enable Classic Context Menu
Press “Win + R,” type “regedit,” and navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced.” Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named “Start_ShowClassicMode” and set its value to 1.
Enabling the classic context menu will bring back the old right-click menu, making your taskbar even more reminiscent of Windows 10.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to apply all these changes.
A quick restart will ensure that all your settings are applied correctly. Once your computer restarts, your taskbar should have a Windows 10 appearance.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your Windows 11 taskbar will look more like the one from Windows 10. You’ll notice that the icons are now aligned to the left, the size is adjustable, and you can access the classic context menu.
Tips for Making Windows 11 Taskbar Look Like Windows 10
- Always create a system restore point before modifying the registry.
- You can revert these changes anytime by going back to the taskbar settings.
- Regularly check for Windows updates, as future updates may override these settings.
- Backup your registry before making any changes; it’s crucial for system stability.
- Customize further by downloading third-party tools for even more granular control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert back to the original Windows 11 taskbar?
Simply go back to the taskbar settings and change the alignment back to “Center.”
Will these changes affect system performance?
No, these changes are merely cosmetic and will not impact your computer’s performance.
Can I still access Windows 11 features?
Yes, only the visual aspects of the taskbar are altered. All Windows 11 features remain accessible.
Is it safe to modify the registry?
Yes, but ensure you follow the steps carefully and backup your registry before making changes.
Do I need to restart my computer?
Yes, restarting will apply all changes effectively.
Summary
- Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
- Change taskbar alignment to “Left.”
- Use small taskbar buttons.
- Enable classic context menu via registry editor.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Changing the taskbar in Windows 11 to make it look like Windows 10 is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. From adjusting the alignment to tweaking the registry for the classic right-click menu, these modifications can make your Windows 11 experience feel more like home.
Remember, while these changes are relatively simple, always proceed with caution, especially when editing the registry. Taking a few extra minutes to create system restore points and backups can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
For more in-depth guides and updates, keep an eye on our tech blog. Feel free to share this article with friends who might be feeling nostalgic for their Windows 10 days. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.