5 Ways To Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
Windows 11 has brought about a wide range of improvements over its predecessor — from the personalized Widgets to the convenient Snap Layouts to the updated look of most of its system apps. Despite the new features, some people actually aren’t fans of the latest OS. One of thethings people hate about Windows 11is the complete redesign of the interface. The Start menu, taskbar, and context menus have been overhauled to look simpler, more modern, and generally less box-looking. However, users actually prefer Windows 10’s flat and sleek style.
Unfortunately, with Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, you can’t simply go back to the previous OS without compromising on software compatibility and your security. You’d want to stick to Windows 11 if you’re after long-term support. Instead of installing Windows 10 outright, you can just turn your Windows 11 machine into a Windows 10 look-alike with these methods.
Preliminary steps
Before making any changes to your machine, it’s best to create a restore point first. This way, you can easily bring back your current setup in case you run into any issues or simply want the old look back. To set a restore point, here’s what you need to do:
Once that’s done, a popup will appear indicating that the restore point was successfully created. Simply click on Close to exit. To restore Windows 11 to the restore point you created, search for Recovery in the Control Panel and choose Open System Restore. Select the Recommended restore option, press Next, and hit Finish. Then, click on Yes to confirm. Your PC should eventually restart, and once it boots, you should be back to your original settings.
Method 1: Configure built-in personalization settings
Windows 11 comes with featuresspecifically designed to help you personalize your computer. Some of these can give your PC the look of your old Windows 10 machine. Here’s how to enable those built-in customization settings:
When you go back to the desktop screen, Windows 11 will now look closer to Windows 10 with the taskbar, Start menu, and wallpaper changes.
Method 2: Install Stardock Start11
The Start menu and taskbar in Windows 10 are two of its most prominent features. If you’re just looking to change those elements, the Start11 app by Stardock can easily do the trick. It essentially changes the style of the Start menu and taskbar to look like Windows 10 but also brings back some of the previous OS’s functionalities, like the taskbar’s right-click context menu. It’s important to note, though, that Start11 is a paid app. If you’re not ready to buy it for US$9.99, you can try the free 30-day trial. Here’s how to use Start11 to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10:
There are also other nifty configurations you’re able to enable from Start11, so feel free to explore them yourself.
Method 3: Use ExplorerPatcher
If you’re looking for more customization options than what Windows 11 can provide, one third-party app worth checking out isExplorerPatcher. It allows you to revamp the look of your taskbar, window frames, and control buttons to mimic that of Windows 10’s design. The app is an open-source software, unlike Start11, so you can download and use it completely free of charge. Follow these steps to install and configure ExplorerPatcher to turn your Windows 11 machine into a Windows 10 copycat (at least design-wise):
Once you’re done, hit the Restart File Explorer to apply the changes.
Method 4: Use StartAllBack
StartAllBack is another paid third-party application that can change how your Windows 11 computer appears. Although it mainly offers Windows 7 and 8 UI styles, there are also a couple of customization settings inspired by Windows 10. Here’s how you can use StartAllBack to give your Windows 11 PC a Windows 10 look:
StartAllBack comes with other personalization options that you can check out to make Windows 11 work better for you.
Method 5: Use some mods from Windhawk
Windhawk is an open-source app where you can easily browse and install open-source and free modifications for several Windows programs like Chrome and Notepad and for Windows itself. You can find a host of UI mods here that can readily recreate the Windows 10 look on your Windows 11 PC. Follow this guide on how to install and setup the mods from Windhawk:
Browse through the other mods in Windhawk and install the ones you want to use, such as the Vertical Taskbar for Windows 11 to make the taskbar sit on the left or the Disable rounded corners in Windows 11 to bring back the sharp-cornered windows.
