How to Switch Your Windows 11 Start Menu Back to Windows 10 Look — Easy Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Your Windows 11 Start Menu Look Like Windows 10

Feeling a bit underwhelmed by the Windows 11 Start Menu? You’re not alone – many users miss the familiar layout of Windows 10. It just feels more intuitive and easier to navigate. Luckily, with a few tweaks — including some settings adjustments and a quick registry tweak — you can make your Start Menu look and feel more like the good old days. It might seem a bit technical, but it’s totally doable. Here’s how to get that classic Windows 10 style back.

How to Bring Back the Windows 10 Style on Windows 11

Essentially, to channel your inner Windows 10 vibe, you’ll need to adjust some settings and edit the registry. Once you’ve done that, navigating around will feel a lot more natural — like catching up with an old friend. Just keep in mind, there might be some trial and error involved, because Windows likes to keep us on our toes.

Start with Settings

First up, open the Settings app. Click the Start button or press Windows, then select the gear icon. This app is your go-to for customising a heap of options. Alternatively, press Windows + I to jump straight there. It’s straightforward, but just making sure we’re on the same page!

personalise Your Layout

Next, head over to Personalisation. That’s where all the visual tweaks happen — from themes to icon arrangements. Focus on the Start Menu and Taskbar settings to recreate that classic look. You can adjust how things are displayed here to suit your style.

Adjust the Taskbar

Scroll down a bit to find the Taskbar options. By default, Windows 11 centres icons and menus, but to get that Windows 10 feel, switch the alignment from Centre to Left. This simple switch instantly makes things feel a lot more familiar — like a walk down memory lane.

Edit the Registry (Still with me?)

Now for the more technical part — editing the registry. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Press Windows + S, type regedit, and hit Enter. Then, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. If you don’t see a DWORD called Start_ShowClassicMode, you’ll need to create one. Double-click to set its value to 1.

Heads up: if the DWORD already exists, just double-click and change the value to 1. Be cautious: messing around in the registry can cause issues if you’re not careful. Always back it up first by choosing File > Export. Better safe than sorry!

Restart Your PC to See the Results

After making the registry change, restart your PC. You can do this via Start > Power > Restart, or press Alt + F4 on the desktop and select Restart. When your system boots back up, your Start Menu should now look just like it did on Windows 10 — making navigation more straightforward for those who prefer the old style.

Helpful Tips Before You Get Started

It’s always a good idea to back up your registry before making changes — just in case something goes sideways. If diving into the registry sounds a bit much, there are handy third-party tools like Start11 or Open-Shell (formerly Classic Shell) that can do the heavy lifting for you. You can also tweak icon sizes, taskbar positions, and colours to get even closer to that Windows 10 look. And don’t forget to keep your system up-to-date — nothing’s more frustrating than compatibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these tweaks slow down my PC?

Nope. Most of these are purely aesthetic modifications, so they won’t impact performance.

How do I revert back to the default Windows 11 settings?

Just head into the registry again, delete the Start_ShowClassicMode DWORD, or set its value back to 0. Then, switch the taskbar alignment back to Center in Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar and restart your PC. That’s like hitting the reset button.

Is editing the registry safe?

Generally, yes — if you follow the proper steps. But it can go wrong if you’re not careful. Always back up first, and if you’re unsure, consider using third-party tools that make customisation safer and easier.

Do I need to restart my PC for changes to take effect?

Usually, yes. Changes made through Settings typically apply immediately or after signing out and in again. Registry edits, however, generally require a restart.

Can I customise the Windows 10 Start Menu even further?

Absolutely! You can change icons, wallpapers, themes, and how tiles are arranged. There are plenty of tools and tweaks available if you want to get really creative.

Wrapping Up

Restoring the Windows 10 look on your Windows 11 machine is surprisingly satisfying. It can make your workspace feel familiar and comfortable again. As you experiment with different tweaks, you might discover even more ways to tailor your Windows experience. Always remember to back up before making big changes, and if you ever get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for a hand. Making your system work just the way you like it is what it’s all about.