This is how you make Windows 11 look like Windows 10 again

Have you made the switch to Windows 11, but can’t get used to the new features like the start menu and taskbar? With a few quick tweaks, you’ll enjoy both worlds: the familiar of Windows 10 and the new of Windows 11.

More options in the context menu

When you right-click on the desktop, the familiar context menu appears with options such as Display Settings and Sort by† Windows 11 does things differently than you’re used to from Windows 10 and hides less important options, such as Open in Windows Terminal† Only when you choose Show more options, the full menu is displayed. Do you want to see all the options right away? You restore the situation via the registry.

Open the Registry Editor from the start menu: type Regedit.exe and press Enter† Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID† Choose To process† New and call this key {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}† Choose again Edit / New and call this subkey InprocServer32†

Open the key and double click Default (right). Make sure the box Value data is empty and click OK† After you restart Windows, the classic right-click menu is back in use.

Windows registry

For some steps you adjust a setting in the Windows registry. Think of the registry as Windows’ central database, where most of the settings for apps, hardware, and general computer operation are stored. Be careful when editing the registry, incorrect adjustment can lead to a malfunctioning or non-functioning computer.

Always make sure you have a recent backup of your personal files so that you can return to them in an emergency. For example, you can manage cloud backups via the Windows settings window. Press Windows key+I to open the window and choose Accounts† click on Windows backup†

Align Windows 11 taskbar left

Perhaps the most notable change is the alignment of the Windows taskbar: in Windows 11, all components are centered, whereas previously they were shown on the left. Nostalgia for the situation in Windows 10 (and all versions before it)? Make sure the taskbar is aligned left again.

Open the Windows settings window (Windows key+I) and choose Personal settings† Taskbar† Flip the section Taskbar Behavior open and choose at Taskbar alignment in front of Left† The taskbar looks familiar again.

Also read: Windows 11 taskbar, better or worse than in Windows 10?

Old start menu back

We use Stardock’s Start11 to customize the start menu. You can find the latest version of this on www.stardock.com/products/start11† You can try the program for 30 days. After that period you pay 6.99 euros once.

There are various programs available that allow you to customize the start menu, but Start11 distinguishes itself in terms of user-friendliness and the number of customization options.

After opening Start11, you will find the available categories on the left. Choose here Home Menu† Now it is important to transfer control of the start menu to Start11. Turn on the slider on at the option Use the Start11 Start Menu† After that you can choose which start menu you want to use.

Choose Windows 10 style to show the start menu as you are used to from Windows 10. Are you in favor of the familiar menu of Windows 7? That variant is also available: choose Windows 7 style†

In some variants – such as Windows 7 style – you will find an arrow: this opens a submenu with additional views. This way you can chooser Compact Windows 7 style if you prefer a compact menu. So plenty of options to display the Windows 11 start menu in familiar ways again!

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