Making Windows 11 Behave More Like Windows 10: Essential Tips

Making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 has become a priority for many businesses and individuals transitioning to Microsoft’s newest operating system. While Windows 11 offers enhanced security features and performance improvements, its redesigned user interface represents a significant departure from the familiar Windows 10 experience that users have relied on for years. This change can impact productivity as employees navigate the learning curve associated with the new interface. At Velocity Solutions, we understand that maintaining operational efficiency during OS transitions is crucial, which is why we’ve developed this comprehensive guide to customizing Windows 11.

Key Interface Differences Between Windows 10 and 11

Before diving into customization techniques for making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10, it’s important to understand the major interface changes Microsoft introduced:

• Centered taskbar icons (versus left-aligned in Windows 10)
• Redesigned Start menu with pinned apps and recommendations (versus live tiles)
• Removed taskbar customization options (such as never combining icons)
• Hidden system tray icons with fewer customization options
• New right-click context menu with frequently used actions
• Settings app replacing more Control Panel functions
• Rounded window corners and updated visual design

These changes, while aesthetically pleasing, can disrupt workflows for users accustomed to Windows 10’s layout and functionality. The good news is that many aspects of Windows 11 can be modified to create a more familiar experience.

Making Windows 11’s Taskbar More Like Windows 10

Left-Aligning the Taskbar

One of the most noticeable differences in Windows 11 is the centered taskbar icons. Fortunately, making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 in this regard is straightforward:

1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar
2. Select “Taskbar settings”
3. Find “Taskbar behaviors”
4. Change “Taskbar alignment” from “Center” to “Left”

This simple adjustment immediately makes the Windows 11 taskbar feel more familiar to Windows 10 users.

Restoring Missing Taskbar Features

Windows 11 removed several popular taskbar customization options. While making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 completely isn’t possible through standard settings, third-party tools can help restore missing functionality:

• StartAllBack: Provides extensive taskbar customization including never combining icons, restoring the old taskbar style, and bringing back small taskbar icons
• ExplorerPatcher: Open-source solution that restores many Windows 10 taskbar features including a more traditional system tray
• Start11: Commercial solution with robust customization options for both taskbar and Start menu

For enterprise environments, we recommend testing these solutions thoroughly in a controlled setting before deployment.

Showing Labels for Taskbar Icons

While Windows 10 allowed users to display labels alongside taskbar icons, this option isn’t available in Windows 11’s settings. For organizations where this feature was important, third-party solutions like StartAllBack can restore this functionality when making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10.

Transforming the Windows 11 Start Menu Experience

Restoring a Windows 10-Style Start Menu

The Windows 11 Start menu represents perhaps the biggest departure from the Windows 10 interface. For users heavily reliant on the Windows 10 Start menu layout, several approaches to making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 exist:

1. Using Open-Shell (formerly Classic Shell): This free, open-source customization tool allows users to implement a highly customizable Start menu reminiscent of earlier Windows versions.
2. Start11: Offers a Windows 10 Start menu mode that closely mimics the original experience.
3. StartAllBack: Provides a Windows 10-style Start menu with additional customization options.

For most enterprise environments, commercial solutions like Start11 offer the most reliable experience with regular updates and support.

Organizing the Default Windows 11 Start Menu

If third-party tools aren’t an option, you can still improve the native Windows 11 Start menu when making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10:

1. Resize the Start menu: Click and drag the corners to make it larger
2. Pin critical applications: Right-click frequently used apps and select “Pin to Start”
3. Remove unwanted recommendations: Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off “Show recommendations”
4. Organize apps into folders: Create folder groups in the pinned section for better organization

While these adjustments won’t completely replicate the Windows 10 Start menu, they can significantly improve usability for transitioning users.

Restoring the Windows 10 Right-Click Context Menu

Windows 11 introduced a simplified right-click context menu that hides many options behind an additional “Show more options” click. When making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10, restoring the classic context menu is often a priority. This can be accomplished through a simple registry edit:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter
3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID
4. Create a new key: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
5. Create another key inside this one: InprocServer32
6. Double-click the (Default) value and press OK without entering any data
7. Restart File Explorer or reboot your system

For enterprise deployment, this registry change can be implemented via Group Policy or script.

Customizing Windows 11 File Explorer

Bringing Back the Windows 10 Ribbon Interface

Windows 11 replaced File Explorer’s ribbon interface with a simplified command bar. To help with making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10, tools like ExplorerPatcher can restore the classic ribbon interface from Windows 10.

Restoring Compact View

Windows 11’s File Explorer uses a more spaced-out layout by default. To implement a more compact view similar to Windows 10:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the View dropdown in the toolbar
3. Select “Compact view”

This adjustment increases information density to more closely match the Windows 10 experience.

Tweaking Windows 11 Visuals for a Windows 10 Feel

Disabling Rounded Corners

Windows 11’s rounded window corners represent a significant visual departure from Windows 10. While there’s no official setting to disable them, third-party tools like WindowsXAML can help with making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 visually.

Classic Alt-Tab Experience

Windows 11 modified the Alt-Tab interface to include Edge browser tabs. To restore the Windows 10 behavior:

1. Go to Settings > System > Multitasking
2. Under “Alt + Tab,” select “Open windows only”

This change makes the task-switching experience more consistent with Windows 10.

Optimizing Windows 11 for Productivity

Restoring Quick Access to Control Panel

Windows 11 continues Microsoft’s trajectory of moving functionality from Control Panel to the Settings app. When making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 for system administration tasks:

1. Create desktop shortcuts to frequently used Control Panel applets
2. Pin Control Panel to the Start menu for quick access
3. Add GodMode for comprehensive system setting access:
   • Create a new folder on the desktop
   • Rename it to: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Keyboard Shortcuts and Productivity Enhancements

Leverage these Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts that still work in Windows 11:

• Win+X: Quick access menu for system tools
• Win+I: Open Settings
• Win+A: Open Action Center
• Win+E: Open File Explorer
• Win+R: Open Run dialog

Teaching users these consistent shortcuts can help ease the transition when making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10.

Implementing Windows 11 Customizations in Business Environments

Group Policy Considerations

For enterprise environments, many Windows 11 customizations can be deployed via Group Policy, including:

• Taskbar alignment
• Start menu configuration
• Default File Explorer view
• Context menu preferences

When making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 across an organization, develop a standardized configuration that balances familiarity with Windows 11’s security benefits.

User Training Strategies

While customizing the interface helps with making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10, user training remains essential:

1. Create quick reference guides highlighting interface differences
2. Develop short tutorial videos for new workflows
3. Identify and train departmental “power users” who can assist colleagues
4. Implement a phased customization approach that gradually introduces Windows 11 features

This balanced approach allows users to maintain productivity while gradually adapting to new features.

Important Considerations When Customizing Windows 11

Update Compatibility

Microsoft’s regular updates to Windows 11 may occasionally reset customizations or make third-party tools temporarily incompatible. When making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 using third-party solutions:

• Test updates in a controlled environment before deployment
• Document all customizations for easy restoration if needed
• Follow developer channels for compatibility announcements

Performance Impacts

Most interface customizations have minimal performance impact, but extensive modifications using multiple third-party tools may affect system responsiveness. Monitor performance metrics when implementing solutions for making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 across your organization.

Security Implications

While most cosmetic customizations don’t affect security, be cautious with tools requiring deep system integration. Always:

• Obtain tools from reputable sources
• Review permission requirements carefully
• Balance customization needs with security best practices

The Future of Windows 11 Customization

Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11 based on user feedback. Some Windows 10 features have already returned in updates, such as improved taskbar overflow and additional Start menu customization options. When making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10, it’s worth monitoring upcoming Windows 11 releases for native solutions to current customization challenges.

How Velocity Solutions Can Help

At Velocity Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses navigate OS transitions with minimal disruption. Our services for making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 include:

• Custom deployment packages with pre-configured settings
• User training and change management support
• Compatibility testing for customization tools
• Ongoing support for maintaining customizations through updates

Our approach balances the security benefits of Windows 11 with productivity needs, ensuring your team maintains efficiency throughout the transition.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Making Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10 can significantly reduce the learning curve during migration, but a balanced approach is recommended. Rather than trying to replicate Windows 10 entirely, focus on the most impactful customizations while gradually introducing users to Windows 11’s improved features.

By implementing the techniques outlined in this guide, your organization can enjoy Windows 11’s enhanced security and performance while maintaining the familiar workflows that keep your team productive. Contact Velocity Solutions today to learn how we can support your Windows 11 migration with customized solutions tailored to your specific business needs.