How To Make Windows 11 Start Menu Like Windows 10

Are you missing the familiar Windows 10 Start Menu on your newly updated Windows 11? Don't worry, there's a way to bring back that classic look and feel. With a few simple steps, you can make your Windows 11 Start Menu look just like Windows 10, providing you with a sense of familiarity and ease of use.

To make your Windows 11 Start Menu resemble the beloved Windows 10 version, you'll need to customize a few settings. Start by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting "Taskbar settings" from the menu. Then, toggle the "Use small taskbar buttons" option off. Next, navigate to the "Start" tab and choose the "Combine taskbar buttons" option to "Never." Finally, under the "System Tray" section, set the "Power" toggle to "On" to ensure it appears in the Start Menu. By following these simple steps, you can bring back the look and functionality of the Windows 10 Start Menu on your Windows 11 device.

Customizing Windows 11 Start Menu to Resemble Windows 10

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned Start Menu with a centered layout and new features. However, if you prefer the look and functionality of the Windows 10 Start Menu, there are ways to customize Windows 11 and make it resemble its predecessor. This article will guide you through the steps to modify the Windows 11 Start Menu to replicate the familiar Windows 10 experience.

1. Change Start Menu Layout

To make the Windows 11 Start Menu resemble Windows 10, the first step is to adjust the layout. By default, Windows 11 has a centered Start Menu with Live Tiles in the middle and a list of recommended apps and recent documents on the left. To achieve a Windows 10-style Start Menu, you can switch to the classic left-aligned layout.

To change the Start Menu layout:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar settings, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.
• Under "Start behaviors," select "Left" from the dropdown menu.

Once you've made these changes, the Start Menu will appear on the left side of the screen, similar to Windows 10.

1.1 Adjusting the Start Menu Size

In addition to changing the layout, you can also resize the Windows 11 Start Menu to further resemble Windows 10. By default, the Start Menu in Windows 11 is larger and displays more content. To adjust the size:

• Hover your cursor over the top edge of the Start Menu until it turns into a double-headed arrow.
• Click and drag the edge of the Start Menu to make it smaller.

By reducing the size of the Start Menu, you can make it resemble the compact design of the Windows 10 Start Menu.

1.2 Eliminating Live Tiles

Another notable difference between the Windows 11 and Windows 10 Start Menu is the presence of Live Tiles. Live Tiles provide real-time updates and information from various apps. If you prefer a static Start Menu without Live Tiles, you can disable them in Windows 11.

To remove Live Tiles from the Start Menu:

• Right-click on a Live Tile.
• In the context menu, select "Turn live tile off" for each Live Tile.

By disabling Live Tiles, you can achieve a simpler, Windows 10-style Start Menu.

2. Pinning Apps and Documents

In Windows 10, users were accustomed to pinning their favorite apps and documents to the Start Menu for quick access. While Windows 11 introduces a different approach to pinning items, you can still achieve a similar experience.

To pin apps and documents to the Start Menu in Windows 11:

• Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows icon or pressing the Windows key.
• Locate the desired app or document in the list of installed programs or recent documents.
• Right-click on the app or document and select "Pin to Start."

By pinning your frequently used apps and documents to the Start Menu, you can create a personalized and easily accessible launch pad.

2.1 Organizing Pinned Items

In Windows 10, organizing pinned items in the Start Menu was a straightforward process. However, in Windows 11, the Start Menu uses a different layout, grouping app icons together. To organize the pinned items:

• Open the Start Menu and locate the pinned items.
• Click and drag an app icon to rearrange it within the Start Menu.
• If you want to move an app to the top level rather than within a group, drag it to the right until it snaps into place.

By rearranging the pinned items in the Start Menu, you can create a customized layout that suits your needs.

3. Enable Recent Documents

Windows 10 included a feature that allowed users to quickly access their recent documents directly from the Start Menu. While Windows 11 does not have this feature enabled by default, you can easily enable it to replicate the Windows 10 experience.

To enable Recent Documents in the Windows 11 Start Menu:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar settings, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.
• Toggle the switch next to "Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar" to enable it.

Once enabled, the Start Menu will display a list of your recently opened documents, similar to the Windows 10 Start Menu.

3.1 Clearing Recent Documents

If you want to clear the list of recent documents in the Start Menu, you can do so by:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar settings, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.
• Scroll down to the "Clear history" section and click on the "Clear" button next to "Clear next to the Clear history of recently opened files in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar."

Clearing the recent documents history will remove all the entries from the Start Menu, giving it a fresh start.

4. Customize Taskbar Icons

In Windows 10, users had the ability to customize the taskbar by adding or removing icons for specific apps. While Windows 11 has a different taskbar design, you can still customize the icons to resemble the Windows 10 taskbar layout.

To customize the taskbar icons in Windows 11:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar settings, click on "Turn system icons on or off" under the "Notification area" section.
• Toggle the switches next to the system icons you want to display on the taskbar.

By customizing the taskbar icons, you can replicate the Windows 10 taskbar aesthetics and have quick access to the system features you prefer.

Modify Windows 11 to Resemble Windows 10: Part II

In addition to the previous modifications, there are further steps you can take to make Windows 11 look and feel more like Windows 10. Here are some additional adjustments you can make:

1. Change the Accent Color

Windows 11 uses a new set of default colors and a different accent color compared to Windows 10. However, you can change the accent color to match the one you used in Windows 10:

• Open the Start Menu and click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
• In the Settings app, click on "Personalization."
• Select "Colors" from the left sidebar.
• Choose the accent color you prefer from the list or click on "Custom color" to input a specific color value.

By adjusting the accent color, you can bring back the familiar Windows 10 visual style to your Windows 11 desktop.

1.1 Changing Window Colors

In addition to the accent color, you can also modify the colors of various interface elements in Windows 11 to resemble Windows 10. To change the window colors:

• Open the Start Menu and click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
• In the Settings app, click on "Personalization."
• Select "Colors" from the left sidebar.
• Scroll down to the "More options" section and click on "Choose your default app mode."
• Select "Light" to use the lighter color scheme more commonly associated with Windows 10.

By modifying the window colors, you can replicate the look and feel of Windows 10 in Windows 11.

2. Restore the Windows 10 Taskbar View

Windows 11 introduces a new and centered taskbar layout compared to Windows 10. However, if you prefer the taskbar view from Windows 10, you can restore it by following these steps:

Note: This modification requires installing a third-party tool.

To restore the Windows 10 taskbar view:

• Download and install a third-party tool like "TaskbarX" or "Classic Shell."
• Launch the installed tool and configure it to align the taskbar icons to the left, similar to Windows 10.

By using a third-party tool, you can bring back the traditional Windows 10 taskbar layout to Windows 11.

3. Restore the Windows 10 Start Menu

If you prefer the exact Windows 10 Start Menu experience, there is a way to bring it back to Windows 11 by utilizing a third-party application like "Open-Shell." Here's how:

Note: This modification requires installing a third-party tool.

To restore the Windows 10 Start Menu:

• Download and install the "Open-Shell" application from the developer's website.
• Launch the "Open-Shell" settings by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings."
• In the "Open-Shell" settings, adjust the configuration to match the Windows 10 Start Menu layout.

By using a third-party tool like "Open-Shell," you can bring back the classic Windows 10 Start Menu to Windows 11.

3.1 Customizing the Classic Start Menu

Once you have restored the Windows 10 Start Menu using "Open-Shell," you can further customize it to match your preferences:

• Right-click on the Start button and select "Settings" to open the "Open-Shell" settings.
• In the settings, navigate through various options to modify the appearance and behavior of the classic Start Menu.
• Adjust items such as the layout, colors, and size to mimic the Windows 10 Start Menu closely.

By customizing the classic Start Menu, you can recreate the Windows 10 user experience within Windows 11.

With these modifications and adjustments, you can transform the Windows 11 Start Menu to closely resemble the familiar Windows 10 layout and functionality. By bringing back the elements you enjoyed in Windows 10, you can adapt to the changes in Windows 11 while retaining a familiar and comfortable desktop environment.

How to Customize Windows 11 Start Menu

If you prefer the Windows 10 Start Menu layout over the new design in Windows 11, there are ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some steps you can follow:

Option 1: Change Start Menu to Tablet Mode

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".

2. In the settings menu, click on "Start" in the left sidebar.

3. Toggle on the "Use Start full screen" option.

Option 2: Use a Third-Party Start Menu Replacement

1. Download and install a third-party Start Menu replacement software like Classic Shell or StartIsBack.

2. Launch the software and customize the Start Menu to resemble the Windows 10 layout.

Option 3: Create Custom Folders and Shortcuts

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select "Toolbars" from the context menu.

2. Click on "New toolbar" and select a folder location with your desired shortcuts.

3. Drag and drop the folder to the left side of the Taskbar to create a custom Start Menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will address some common questions about making the Windows 11 Start Menu resemble the Windows 10 Start Menu.

1. Can I change the appearance of the Start Menu in Windows 11 to look like Windows 10?

Yes, you can change the appearance of the Start Menu in Windows 11 to resemble the Start Menu from Windows 10. Although the default Start Menu in Windows 11 is different, Microsoft provides options to customize it according to your preference. These customization options allow you to bring back the classic Windows 10 Start Menu look and feel.

To change the appearance of the Start Menu in Windows 11, you can utilize various third-party software or follow manual customization steps outlined by tech enthusiasts and experts. These methods typically involve adjusting the Start Menu layout, changing the color scheme, or adding specific features that resemble the Windows 10 Start Menu. By following these steps, you can enjoy the familiar Windows 10 Start Menu experience even in the newer Windows 11 operating system.

2. Are there any risks or drawbacks to modifying the Windows 11 Start Menu?

While customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu to resemble Windows 10 is possible, it is important to note that there may be certain risks or drawbacks associated with these modifications.

One risk is that modifications made to the Start Menu may result in compatibility issues or instability in the operating system. Since these modifications are not officially supported by Microsoft, you might encounter software glitches or performance issues, which can negatively impact your overall user experience.

Additionally, customization methods provided by third-party software may come with certain limitations or potential security vulnerabilities. It is essential to exercise caution and ensure that any software or modifications you choose to use are sourced from trusted and reputable developers.

3. What are the alternative options for replicating the Windows 10 Start Menu in Windows 11?

If you prefer the Windows 10 Start Menu and do not wish to modify the defaults in Windows 11, there are alternative options available to replicate the Windows 10 experience.

One option is to use Start Menu replacement software, which allows you to install a third-party Start Menu that closely resembles the Windows 10 Start Menu. These software solutions often provide similar features and customization options, enabling you to enjoy the familiarity of the previous version's Start Menu while still benefiting from the advancements in Windows 11.

Another option is to configure the Windows 11 Start Menu settings manually to mimic the Windows 10 Start Menu layout. This involves rearranging tiles, adjusting the size and position of the Start Menu, and customizing the color scheme. While this may not replicate the exact appearance of the Windows 10 Start Menu, it can help you achieve a similar layout and functionality.

4. Will modifying the Start Menu in Windows 11 affect the overall performance of my computer?

Modifying the Start Menu in Windows 11 to resemble the Windows 10 Start Menu is unlikely to significantly affect the overall performance of your computer. However, it is important to exercise caution and use reliable methods for customization to minimize any potential impact.

If you choose to use third-party software or perform manual customizations, ensure that the software or methods are reputable and well-vetted by the tech community. Additionally, regularly monitoring the performance of your computer and addressing any issues that may arise promptly can help maintain optimal performance.

5. Can I switch back to the default Windows 11 Start Menu after making it resemble Windows 10?

Yes, even after making changes to the Windows 11 Start Menu to resemble Windows 10, you can always switch back to the default Windows 11 Start Menu.

To revert to the default Windows 11 Start Menu, you can simply undo the customization steps you performed or uninstall any third-party software you installed. Once these modifications are reversed, the Windows 11 Start Menu will revert to its original default layout and appearance.

To summarize, if you prefer the Windows 10 Start Menu over the new design in Windows 11, there are a few simple steps you can take to make it look and function like the older version. First, you can use a third-party software like Classic Shell to bring back the traditional Start Menu layout. This will allow you to have a more familiar and customizable experience.

Additionally, if you want to remove the centered alignment of the Start Menu icons and revert to the left-aligned layout, you can right-click on the Taskbar, go to "Taskbar settings," and toggle off the "Center align Taskbar" option. This will make your Start Menu appear more like it did in Windows 10.