## H1: Restore the Windows 10 Taskbar in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows 11 brought a significant visual overhaul, and one of the most noticeable changes was the redesigned taskbar. While some users appreciate the modern, centered icons, others prefer the familiar look and functionality of the Windows 10 taskbar. Fortunately, there are several methods to customize the Windows 11 taskbar to resemble its predecessor, offering a blend of new features and classic usability. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of various techniques to achieve this, ranging from simple settings adjustments to third-party applications and registry tweaks. Before making any significant changes, it is highly recommended that you create a system restore point. This allows you to revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
### Why Revert to the Windows 10 Taskbar Style?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why some users prefer the Windows 10 taskbar:
* **Familiarity:** Muscle memory plays a significant role in user experience. Users accustomed to the Windows 10 taskbar find it easier to navigate and locate applications.
* **Efficiency:** The left-aligned start menu and taskbar icons can be more efficient for users who are used to that layout, reducing mouse travel and improving workflow.
* **Customization:** Windows 10 offered more straightforward customization options for the taskbar, such as moving its position to the top or sides of the screen.
* **Stability Concerns:** Early versions of Windows 11 had some performance issues related to the new taskbar, leading some users to seek alternatives.
### Method 1: Aligning Taskbar Icons to the Left
The simplest way to make the Windows 11 taskbar more like Windows 10 is to move the icons from the center to the left. This replicates the traditional start menu and application icon placement.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Settings:** Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then navigate to “Personalization” and click on “Taskbar.”
2. **Taskbar Behaviors:** In the Taskbar settings, scroll down and click on “Taskbar behaviors” to expand the section.
3. **Taskbar Alignment:** Locate the “Taskbar alignment” option. By default, it’s set to “Center.” Click the dropdown menu and change it to “Left.”
4. **Observe the Change:** The taskbar icons, including the Start button, will immediately shift to the left side of the screen, mimicking the Windows 10 layout.
This is the most basic customization, but it addresses the primary visual difference between the two operating systems’ taskbars.
### Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications: Start11
For a more comprehensive Windows 10 taskbar experience, third-party applications offer advanced customization options. Start11 is a popular choice that allows you to completely transform the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar to resemble Windows 10, Windows 7, or even earlier versions of Windows.
**Features of Start11:**
* **Start Menu Customization:** Choose from various Start menu styles, including Windows 10, Windows 7, and a modern style.
* **Taskbar Customization:** Adjust taskbar color, transparency, and icon size.
* **Taskbar Position:** Move the taskbar to the top, left, or right of the screen.
* **Context Menu Customization:** Enhance the right-click context menus with additional options.
* **Quick Access:** Pin applications and folders for quick access.
**Steps to Use Start11:**
1. **Download and Install Start11:** Visit the Stardock website ([https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/](https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/)) and download the Start11 installer. It’s a paid application, but a free trial is usually available.
2. **Run the Installer:** Double-click the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Start11. You’ll likely need to restart your computer after the installation is complete.
3. **Configure Start11:** After restarting, Start11 will automatically launch. The configuration window allows you to customize the Start menu and taskbar to your liking.
4. **Taskbar Style:** In the Start11 configuration window, navigate to the “Taskbar” section. Here, you can choose the taskbar style you want. Select the “Windows 10” style or a similar option that closely resembles the Windows 10 taskbar.
5. **Customize Further:** Adjust other taskbar settings, such as color, transparency, and icon size, to match your preferences.
6. **Apply Changes:** Click “Apply” to save your changes. The Windows 11 taskbar will now transform to resemble the Windows 10 taskbar.
Start11 provides a seamless and comprehensive solution for reverting to the Windows 10 taskbar style. It’s a paid application but offers a significant level of customization and control.
### Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications: Open Shell (Classic Shell successor)
Open Shell, the successor to the beloved Classic Shell, is a free and open-source application that allows you to customize various aspects of Windows, including the Start menu and taskbar. While Open Shell primarily focuses on the Start menu, it also provides options to tweak the taskbar’s appearance and behavior.
**Features of Open Shell:**
* **Classic Start Menu:** Replaces the Windows Start menu with a classic-style menu.
* **Taskbar Customization:** Adjusts taskbar color, transparency, and other settings.
* **Skin Support:** Supports various skins to customize the appearance of the Start menu and taskbar.
* **Free and Open-Source:** Open Shell is completely free to use and open-source, making it a cost-effective alternative to paid applications.
**Steps to Use Open Shell:**
1. **Download and Install Open Shell:** Visit the Open Shell website ([http://www.openshell.io/](http://www.openshell.io/)) and download the latest version of the installer.
2. **Run the Installer:** Double-click the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Open Shell. Make sure to select the “Classic Explorer” and “Classic Start Menu” components during installation. The “Classic IE” component is optional.
3. **Configure Open Shell:** After installation, Open Shell will automatically launch. The configuration window allows you to customize the Start menu and taskbar.
4. **Taskbar Settings:** Right-click on the Start button (which will now be the Open Shell Start button) and select “Settings.” This will open the Open Shell settings window.
5. **Taskbar Tab:** Navigate to the “Taskbar” tab in the Open Shell settings window.
6. **Customize Taskbar:** In the Taskbar tab, you can adjust various taskbar settings, such as:
* **Taskbar Color:** Change the color of the taskbar.
* **Taskbar Opacity:** Adjust the transparency of the taskbar.
* **Small Icons:** Use small icons on the taskbar to save space.
* **Other Settings:** Explore other settings to further customize the taskbar’s appearance.
7. **Apply Changes:** Click “OK” to save your changes. The Windows 11 taskbar will now reflect the customizations you’ve made in Open Shell.
While Open Shell’s primary focus is the Start menu, its taskbar customization options can help you achieve a more Windows 10-like appearance. The fact that it is free and open-source makes it a very attractive option.
### Method 4: Registry Tweaks (Advanced Users)
For advanced users comfortable with editing the Windows Registry, manual registry tweaks can provide more granular control over the taskbar’s appearance and behavior. However, this method is more complex and carries a higher risk of causing system instability if not performed correctly. **Back up your registry before making any changes.**
**Warning:** Incorrectly editing the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
**Steps to Modify the Registry:**
1. **Open Registry Editor:** Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
2. **Navigate to the Taskbar Registry Key:** In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced`
3. **Create or Modify the TaskbarAl Value:** In the right pane, look for a value named “TaskbarAl.” If it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
* **To create a new value:** Right-click in the right pane, select “New,” and then click “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the value “TaskbarAl.”
4. **Set the Value Data:** Double-click the “TaskbarAl” value to open its properties.
* **To center the icons (default Windows 11):** Set the Value data to “1” (without the quotes).
* **To left-align the icons (Windows 10 style):** Set the Value data to “0” (without the quotes).
5. **Restart Explorer or Reboot:** After modifying the registry value, you need to restart Windows Explorer or reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
* **To restart Explorer:** Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes, right-click on it, and select “Restart.”
6. **Verify the Change:** After restarting Explorer or rebooting, the taskbar icons should be aligned according to the value you set in the registry.
**Additional Registry Tweaks (Use with Caution):**
* **Disable Taskbar Transparency:** To disable transparency, navigate to:
`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced`
Create or modify a DWORD (32-bit) value named “UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency” and set its value data to “0” to disable transparency or “1” to enable it. Restart Explorer to apply the changes.
* **Adjust Taskbar Size (Requires Third-Party Tools):** Modifying the taskbar size directly through the registry is not officially supported and can lead to instability. Third-party tools are generally required for this type of customization.
While registry tweaks offer a high degree of customization, they also pose a greater risk. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your registry before making any changes.
### Method 5: Using Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education)
The Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) is a powerful tool available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It allows administrators to configure various system settings, including taskbar behavior. While it doesn’t offer direct options to revert to a Windows 10 style, it provides settings that can contribute to a more familiar experience.
**Note:** The Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 11 Home edition.
**Steps to Use Group Policy Editor:**
1. **Open Group Policy Editor:** Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
2. **Navigate to Taskbar Policies:** In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
`User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar`
3. **Explore Taskbar Policies:** In the right pane, you’ll find various policies related to the Start Menu and Taskbar. Some relevant policies include:
* **Lock the Taskbar:** Prevents users from moving or resizing the taskbar.
* **Remove access to the context menus for the taskbar:** Disables the right-click context menu on the taskbar.
* **Prevent changes to Taskbar settings:** Prevents users from accessing the Taskbar settings page.
* **Do not display the search box:** Hides the search box from the taskbar.
* **Remove the Meet Now icon:** Hides the Meet Now icon from the taskbar.
4. **Configure Policies:** Double-click a policy to open its settings. You can typically choose between “Not Configured,” “Enabled,” and “Disabled.”
* **To enable a policy:** Select “Enabled” and configure any additional options that appear.
* **To disable a policy:** Select “Disabled.”
* **To revert to the default setting:** Select “Not Configured.”
5. **Apply Changes:** Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes. The changes will typically take effect immediately, but you may need to restart your computer in some cases.
**Examples of Useful Group Policy Settings:**
* **Lock the Taskbar (Enabled):** This prevents accidental movement or resizing of the taskbar, contributing to a more stable and predictable experience.
* **Remove the Meet Now icon (Enabled):** This hides the Meet Now icon, which can clutter the taskbar if you don’t use it.
* **Do not display the search box (Enabled):** If you prefer using the Start menu for searching, you can hide the search box from the taskbar to save space.
While the Group Policy Editor doesn’t directly revert the taskbar to a Windows 10 style, it allows you to control various aspects of its behavior, which can help you create a more customized and familiar experience. Remember that these policies primarily affect the current user profile.
### Method 6: Using TranslucentTB for Taskbar Transparency
Windows 11’s default taskbar transparency might not be to everyone’s liking. TranslucentTB is a lightweight, free application that allows you to control the transparency and color of the Windows taskbar.
**Features of TranslucentTB:**
* **Customizable Transparency:** Adjust the taskbar transparency to various levels, from completely transparent to opaque.
* **Taskbar Color:** Change the color of the taskbar to match your theme or preferences.
* **Dynamic Modes:** Automatically adjust the taskbar’s appearance based on the active window or application.
* **Low Resource Usage:** TranslucentTB is designed to be lightweight and have minimal impact on system performance.
**Steps to Use TranslucentTB:**
1. **Download and Install TranslucentTB:** You can download TranslucentTB from the Microsoft Store or from GitHub. Search for “TranslucentTB” in the Microsoft Store, or visit the GitHub repository ([https://github.com/TranslucentTB/TranslucentTB](https://github.com/TranslucentTB/TranslucentTB)) to download the latest release.
2. **Run TranslucentTB:** After installing TranslucentTB, launch the application. It will run in the system tray (the area near the clock).
3. **Configure TranslucentTB:** Right-click on the TranslucentTB icon in the system tray to open the configuration menu. Here, you can adjust the following settings:
* **Normal:** Sets the transparency and color of the taskbar when no window is maximized.
* **Maximized Window:** Sets the transparency and color of the taskbar when a window is maximized.
* **Opaque:** Makes the taskbar completely opaque.
* **Clear:** Makes the taskbar completely transparent.
* **Acrylic:** Applies an acrylic effect to the taskbar (similar to Windows 10’s Fluent Design).
* **Tinted:** Allows you to choose a custom color for the taskbar.
* **Blur:** Applies a blur effect to the taskbar.
4. **Customize Transparency and Color:** Experiment with the different settings to achieve the desired level of transparency and color for your taskbar.
5. **Auto-Start:** To automatically launch TranslucentTB when Windows starts, right-click on the TranslucentTB icon in the system tray and select “Open at boot.”
TranslucentTB is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to customize the appearance of the Windows 11 taskbar and achieve a more personalized look. It helps if you want to replicate a more solid taskbar look as seen in Windows 10.
### Conclusion
Customizing the Windows 11 taskbar to resemble the Windows 10 style is achievable through various methods, ranging from simple settings adjustments to third-party applications and registry tweaks. The best approach depends on your technical skills and desired level of customization.
* **For basic customization:** Aligning taskbar icons to the left is a simple and effective way to mimic the Windows 10 layout.
* **For comprehensive customization:** Start11 provides a seamless and feature-rich solution for transforming the Start menu and taskbar.
* **For free and open-source customization:** Open Shell offers a cost-effective alternative for customizing the Start menu and taskbar.
* **For advanced users:** Registry tweaks provide granular control over the taskbar’s appearance and behavior, but require caution.
* **For controlling taskbar behavior (Pro, Enterprise, Education):** The Group Policy Editor allows you to configure various taskbar settings.
* **For customizing taskbar transparency:** TranslucentTB offers a lightweight and easy-to-use solution for adjusting the taskbar’s transparency and color.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can customize the Windows 11 taskbar to create a more familiar and efficient user experience that suits your preferences. Remember to create a system restore point before making any significant changes to your system.