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Windows 11 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, featuring a fresh and modern design. However, some users might prefer the familiar look and feel of Windows 10’s desktop. If you’re one of those users, don’t worry, because there are ways to make your Windows 11 desktop resemble Windows 10. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve this transformation, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetics and functionality of Windows 10 while benefiting from the latest features of Windows 11.
What’s Needed
To make your Windows 11 desktop look like Windows 10, you will need the following:
- A Windows 11 PC
- Administrator access to your system
- Internet connection for downloading necessary tools
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the steps required to transform your Windows 11 desktop.
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
Before we proceed, here are a few aspects you should focus on when transforming your Windows 11 desktop to resemble Windows 10:
- Start Menu: Windows 10 features a traditional Start Menu, while Windows 11 adopts a centered and simplified design.
- Taskbar: Windows 11’s taskbar is centered and includes various new features, such as the revamped Microsoft Store and integrated widgets. Windows 10’s taskbar, on the other hand, has a more traditional and left-aligned layout.
- Desktop Background: Windows 10 and Windows 11 have distinct default desktop backgrounds. To complete the transformation, you may want to change your desktop background to a Windows 10-inspired image.
- Icons and UI Elements: Windows 11 introduces new icons and UI elements, whereas Windows 10 utilizes its own set. To achieve the desired look, you’ll need to replace the Windows 11 icons with the corresponding Windows 10 icons.
Now that you’re aware of the key areas to focus on, let’s explore the various options you can use to make your Windows 11 desktop look like Windows 10.
Option 1. How to Change Start Menu via Third-Party Tools
Changing the Start Menu is one of the most noticeable aspects when transforming your Windows 11 desktop to resemble Windows 10. Fortunately, there are third-party tools available that can help you achieve this change. One such tool is "Start11" by Stardock. Follow the steps below to change your Start Menu:
1. Visit the Stardock website and download the Start11 tool.
2. Install the tool on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Once installed, open Start11 and customize the Start Menu according to your preferences.
4. You can choose various Start Menu styles, including Windows 10-inspired layouts.
5. Explore the settings to further customize your Start Menu, such as changing the color scheme or adding specific folders or shortcuts.
Pros:
– Start11 provides a seamless way to transform your Start Menu, with various customization options.
– It allows you to achieve the exact look and feel of Windows 10’s Start Menu.
Cons:
– Start11 is a third-party tool, so there is a possibility of compatibility issues or occasional bugs.
– The tool is not free and requires a purchase for full functionality.
By following these steps, you can effectively change your Start Menu to resemble Windows 10’s layout and design.
Option 2. How to Customize Taskbar via Settings
The taskbar is another crucial element in transforming your Windows 11 desktop to resemble Windows 10. While Windows 11 offers a centered taskbar with new features, you can customize it to align to the left and resemble Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
2. Select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu.
3. In the Taskbar settings window, go to the "Taskbar behaviors" section.
4. Under the "Taskbar alignment" option, select "Left."
5. This will move the taskbar to the left side of the screen, similar to Windows 10.
6. Additionally, you can enable "Make Start, taskbar, and action center transparent" for a more Windows 10-like appearance.
Pros:
– The taskbar customization options are built-in to Windows 11, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
– The changes are reversible, allowing you to switch back to Windows 11’s default taskbar layout easily.
Cons:
– While you can align the taskbar to the left and make it transparent, Windows 11’s new features, such as the integrated widgets, will still be present. This may not give you a complete Windows 10 experience.
By following these steps, you can adjust the taskbar to resemble the layout and appearance found in Windows 10.
Option 3. How to Change Desktop Background via Settings
The desktop background plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of your desktop. By changing your desktop background to a Windows 10-inspired image, you can further enhance the transformation. Follow these steps to change your desktop background:
1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
2. Select "Personalize" from the context menu.
3. In the Personalization settings window, navigate to the "Background" section.
4. Choose your preferred method for setting the background image (e.g., Picture, Solid color, Slideshow, etc.).
5. Select or browse for a Windows 10-inspired image to use as your background.
6. Adjust any additional settings, such as the picture fit or slideshow options, to your liking.
Pros:
– Changing the desktop background is quick and easy, requiring no additional tools.
– A Windows 10-inspired desktop background can significantly contribute to the overall transformation.
Cons:
– This option only changes the desktop background and does not alter other visual aspects of Windows 11.
By following these steps, you can customize your desktop background to resemble the aesthetics of Windows 10.
Option 4. How to Change Icons and UI Elements via Icon Packs
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have distinct sets of icons and UI elements. To complete the transformation, you can replace Windows 11’s icons with the corresponding Windows 10 icons. This can be achieved using icon packs, which are readily available online. Here’s how you can change your icons:
1. Search for Windows 10 icon packs online or visit reputable icon pack websites.
2. Download the icon pack of your choice.
3. Extract the contents of the downloaded icon pack to a folder on your computer.
4. Right-click on the desktop or a specific folder you want to customize.
5. Select "Properties" from the context menu.
6. In the Properties window, go to the "Customize" tab.
7. Click on the "Change Icon" button.
8. Browse for the folder that contains the icon pack’s extracted contents.
9. Select the desired icon and click "OK."
10. Repeat the steps for each icon you want to change.
Pros:
– Icon packs provide a comprehensive set of icons to replace Windows 11’s icons, resulting in a consistent Windows 10 look.
– You can selectively choose which icons to replace, allowing for a more personalized transformation.
Cons:
– Changing icons individually can be a time-consuming process, especially if you want to customize numerous elements.
– Some third-party icon packs may not offer an exact match for all Windows 10 icons, resulting in slight inconsistencies.
By following these steps, you can replace Windows 11’s icons with Windows 10 icons, completing the visual transformation.
Why Can’t I Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
While the steps outlined above provide a way to make your Windows 11 desktop resemble Windows 10, you might be wondering why you can’t simply downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10. Here are a few reasons:
1. Compatibility: Not all devices that support Windows 10 are eligible for a downgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft has specific hardware requirements for each operating system release.
2. Support: Microsoft prioritizes support and updates for the latest operating system. Downgrading to an older version means missing out on security patches and new features.
3. Licensing: Your Windows 10 license may not be valid on another device or after a specific period of time. Reinstalling Windows 10 may require a valid license key.
Considering these factors, it is generally recommended to embrace the latest operating system updates and leverage customization options to achieve a desired look and feel, rather than attempting a full downgrade.
Implications and Recommendations
Transforming your Windows 11 desktop to resemble Windows 10 through customization has both implications and recommendations:
1. Implications:
– Customization may require installing third-party tools, which might introduce compatibility or performance risks.
– Ongoing updates to Windows 11 may occasionally reset or interfere with the customized settings, requiring adjustment.
– Certain Windows 11 features and improvements may not be available when using customization options that emulate Windows 10.
2. Recommendations:
– Regularly backup your system to safeguard against any potential issues that may arise from customization or future updates.
– Stay updated with Windows 11 customization communities and forums for the latest tools, techniques, and compatibility guidance.
– Experiment with different customization options to find the balance between Windows 10 familiarity and Windows 11 advancements that suit your preferences.
Balancing the desire for a Windows 10-like desktop experience with the benefits of Windows 11 requires careful consideration and exploration of the available customization options.
The Bottom Line
Making your Windows 11 desktop look like Windows 10 is possible through various customization options, including changing the Start Menu, customizing the taskbar, adjusting the desktop background, and replacing icons and UI elements. While these options provide a tailored Windows 10 experience within the Windows 11 environment, it is important to consider the implications and recommendations associated with customization. By striking the right balance, you can enjoy the familiarity of Windows 10 while benefiting from the latest features offered by Windows 11.
5 FAQs about Making Windows 11 Desktop Look Like Windows 10
Q1: Can I revert these changes and restore my Windows 11 desktop?
A: Yes, you can revert most of the changes by undoing the customization steps or uninstalling any third-party tools. However, it’s recommended to create a system backup before making these changes to ensure you can restore your system if needed.
Q2: Are there any risks involved in using third-party tools for customization?
A: While most third-party tools are safe to use, there is always a slight risk of compatibility issues or occasional bugs. It’s essential to download tools from reputable sources and keep them updated to minimize any potential risks.
Q3: Will customizing my Windows 11 desktop affect system performance?
A: Customization itself does not significantly impact system performance. However, installing too many third-party tools or running unnecessary background processes may potentially affect performance. It’s recommended to be mindful of the tools you install and regularly assess their impact on system resources.
Q4: Can I switch back to Windows 11 default settings after customization?
A: Yes, you can switch back to Windows 11’s default settings by reversing the customization steps or uninstalling any third-party tools. Keep in mind that updates or future changes to Windows 11 may require additional adjustments or customization.
Q5: Do these customization options apply to earlier versions of Windows?
A: The customization options discussed in this article are specific to transforming the Windows 11 desktop to resemble Windows 10. While some options may be applicable to earlier versions of Windows, the steps and features mentioned here are tailored for Windows 11.