How To Customize Windows 11 Start Menu to Resemble Windows 10

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

So, Windows 11’s Start Menu just isn’t cutting it? It’s kind of weird, but a lot of folks really miss the Windows 10 layout. It feels familiar and just… easier to use. If this resonates, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel! A few setting tweaks and a quick registry edit can help the Start Menu look (and feel) more like what you remember. Sure, it might sound a bit daunting, but it’s totally doable. Here’s the lowdown on making that transition.

Transforming Your Windows 11 Start Menu

Basically, to channel your inner Windows 10 vibe, you’re gonna need to change some settings and dive into the registry. When it all clicks into place, the navigation feels smoother — almost nostalgic. Just be ready for a bit of trial and error, because, of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes.

Get into Settings

First off, fire up the Settings app. Tap the Start button or just hit Windows, then select that gear icon. This app is your best friend for tweaking a ton of things. Alternatively, use Windows + I to skip straight there. It’s a no-brainer, but just making sure you’re on the same page!

Personalization Time

Next, cruise over to Personalization in the settings. It’s where all the fun visual stuff happens, from themes to icon arrangements. Focus on the Start Menu and taskbar settings to get that retro interface. You can adjust how things are displayed here to mimic that classic layout.

Taskbar Tweaks

Scroll down a bit to find the Taskbar option. By default, Windows 11 loves centering everything, but to bring back the classic style, switch the alignment from Center to Left. This simple move makes everything look way more familiar right off the bat. It’s like taking a warm trip down memory lane.

Registry Editing (Yikes!)

Now for the heavier lifting — editing the registry. It might feel intimidating, but here goes: search for regedit in the Start menu or hit Windows + S, type that in, and hit Enter. Then navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. If you don’t see a DWORD named Start_ShowClassicMode, you’re creating one. Set its value to 1.

Heads up: If there’s already a DWORD with that name, just double-click and set it to 1. But please, if you mess something up here, your system could act up, so back it up first by going to File > Export. Better safe than sorry!

Restart to See the Magic

Once you’ve tackled that registry change, you’ve got to restart your PC to see your handiwork. Hit Start > Power > Restart, or just shoot for Alt + F4 on the desktop and pick Restart. After the reboot, you should notice your Start Menu has transformed like it’s been transported back to 2015. It’s going to make the navigation a lot easier for those who aren’t so into the new gimmicks.

Some Handy Tips

Before diving into this, backing up your registry isn’t just a good idea, it’s a must. For those a bit wary of mucking with the registry, there are third-party tools like Start11 or Classic Shell (now called Open-Shell) that take the guesswork out of it. Also, tweaking icon sizes, taskbar positions, and colors can help you get that Windows 10 feel just right. And hey, make sure all updates are in place; nothing’s worse than a compatibility hiccup.

Common Questions

Will changing these settings slow things down?

Not really. These tweaks are mostly cosmetic, so they shouldn’t bog down your system at all.

How to revert to Windows 11’s default?

Easy! Just head back into the registry, delete the Start_ShowClassicMode DWORD or set it back to 0. Also, switch the taskbar alignment back to Center in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and restart again. Like hitting the reset button.

Is messing with the registry safe?

Sure, usually, but it can go sideways if something goes wrong. Always back it up first. If in doubt, there are plenty of easier tools out there that don’t involve registry gymnastics.

Do I need to keep restarting?

Typically, you only need a restart after the registry edits. Changes made in Settings usually kick in right away, or after you sign out and back in.

Can I personalize the Windows 10 Menu even more?

Absolutely! You can change icons, wallpapers, themes, and even how the tiles are arranged. A little digging into tools will open up even more possibilities.

Wrapping It Up

Getting your Windows interface back to something that feels right is super satisfying. Restoring the Windows 10 Start Menu in Windows 11 can totally make your workspace feel like home again. As you get the hang of customizing, you might even stumble onto more tweaks that really work for you. Always back things up before major changes, and don’t be shy about asking for help if you hit a wall. Making your setup work for you is the name of the game.