Many Windows 11 users have expressed concerns about the new user interface and how different it looks from its predecessor, Windows 10. While Windows 11 brings many new features and improvements, it can take time to get used to the new interface.
Fortunately, there are several ways to make Windows 11 look more like Windows 10 and in this guide, we will explore some of the ways you can customize the Windows 11 interface to make it more familiar and comfortable for Windows 10 users.
#1: Start
One of the most notable changes in Windows 11 is the Start menu, which is now centered on the screen and uses a new design. But if you prefer the classic Start menu from Windows 10, you can’t switch back to exactly how Windows 10 was, but you can customize it by opening Windows Settings and going to Personalization > Start.
For example, you can pick a layout like More pins to allow you to add more custom apps, files, and folders to Start.
#2: Taskbar
On Windows 11, the taskbar has been moved to the center of the screen by default and uses a new design. You can be taken directly to the Taskbar options in settings by right clicking the Windows 11 Taskbar and clicking Taskbar settings.
To move it back to the left side of the screen and make it look more like Windows 10, you need to open Windows Settings and go to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. Click Left from the drop-down menu next to Taskbar alignment.
#3: File Explorer
Windows 11’s File Explorer has a new design, but you can make it feel more like Windows 10 by enabling the “Compact view” option in File Explorer.
#4: System icons
Windows 11 has new system icons for features like Wi-Fi, battery, and sound. If you prefer to use the old icons from Windows 10, find the Windows 10 icons pack you want to use, and check out our guide on how to change them in Windows 11.
#5: Theme
Windows 11 comes with a new default theme that uses light colors and rounded corners. However, you can download and install desktop themes for Windows 11 from existing theme packs from Windows 10.
There are plenty of ways to download a theme from the Microsoft Store or personalize and make one on your own on Windows 11. But keep in mind that these options may change as Microsoft continues to redesign and reconfigure features and settings in Windows 11.
#6: Task View
In Windows 10, Task view was accessed by clicking a button on your taskbar. On Windows 11, you can access Task view by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Tab. If you want to change it back to a button on your taskbar, open Settings and go to Personalization > Taskbar and make sure that the Task view toggle is turned on.
You can still use the keyboard shortcut to activate Task view, but now you can also click the Task view button on your taskbar any time you want to access Task view on Windows 11.
#7: Action Center
Windows 11’s Action Center has been redesigned and now includes quick settings for things like Wi-Fi, battery, Bluetooth, and sound. If you want to customize it and try to make Windows 11 look more like Windows 10, you can right-click the taskbar and click Taskbar settings (Settings > Personalization > Taskbar). Then scroll to the System tray icons and Other system tray icons and click to turn on or off the system icons you want or don’t want to see.
#8: Mouse pointer
Windows 11 comes with new mouse pointers that match the overall theme of Microsoft’s newest operating system. However, if you prefer the old mouse pointers from Windows 10, go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch. From there, you can follow our guide on changing your mouse cursor on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
#9: Context menus
Context menus in Windows 11 have changed to match up with the new design and interface and offers ways you can edit the Windows Registry to add new apps to the context menu or use a program like TranslucentFlyouts to turn your context menu transparent.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 can take some getting used to, it is a powerful and efficient operating system that is designed to meet the needs of modern users. By making Windows 11 look more like Windows 10, you can make the transition to Windows 11 much smoother and enjoy all of the new features and improvements that it has to offer. With these tips, you can customize the interface to meet your needs and preferences and enjoy a comfortable and familiar computing experience on Windows 11.
