To get the Windows 10 taskbar back on Windows 11, download and install ExplorerPatcher from its GitHub releases page. The tool automatically restores the Windows 10-style taskbar, and you can verify it’s set to Windows 10 mode by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Properties > Taskbar tab.
Quick Steps:
- Open your browser and search for “ExplorerPatcher GitHub”
- Navigate to the GitHub releases tab
- Download the latest ExplorerPatcher executable file
- Run the downloaded file and accept any prompts
- Wait for the taskbar to disappear and reappear
- Right-click the taskbar and select Properties
- Verify taskbar style is set to Windows 10
Why Use ExplorerPatcher for Windows 10 Taskbar?
ExplorerPatcher is a free, open-source tool that restores the classic Windows 10 taskbar to Windows 11. Many users prefer the Windows 10 taskbar because it offers more customization options, better functionality, and a familiar interface that doesn’t require relearning workflows.
The Windows 11 taskbar removed several features that power users relied on, including the ability to move the taskbar to different screen edges, customize icon sizes, and use certain third-party taskbar modifications. ExplorerPatcher brings back these features while maintaining compatibility with Windows 11’s core functionality.
This tool is particularly useful for users who upgraded to Windows 11 but miss the productivity features of the Windows 10 taskbar. It’s actively maintained on GitHub and receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with Windows 11 updates.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub
Open your preferred web browser and search for “ExplorerPatcher” or “ExplorerPatcher GitHub”. Click on the official GitHub repository link, which should appear as the first result. On the GitHub page, look for the “Releases” section on the right side of the page and click on it.
In the releases page, locate the latest version of ExplorerPatcher. Download the executable file, which is typically named something like “ep_setup.exe”. Make sure you’re downloading from the official GitHub repository to ensure you get a safe, authentic version of the software.
Step 2: Install ExplorerPatcher
Once the download completes, locate the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to run the installer. Windows may display a security warning asking if you want to run this file. Click “Yes” or “Run anyway” to proceed with the installation.
The installation process is automatic and requires no user input. You’ll notice the taskbar and desktop icons disappear temporarily as ExplorerPatcher restarts Windows Explorer. This is normal behavior and should only take a few seconds. When the taskbar reappears, it will be in the Windows 10 style.
Step 3: Access ExplorerPatcher Properties
To configure ExplorerPatcher settings, right-click on any empty area of the taskbar. In the context menu that appears, you should see a new “Properties” option. If you don’t see this option, it means ExplorerPatcher hasn’t installed correctly, and you should try running the installer again.
Click on “Properties” to open the ExplorerPatcher configuration window. This window gives you access to numerous customization options for the taskbar and other Windows interface elements.
Step 4: Verify and Customize Taskbar Settings
In the Properties window, click on the “Taskbar” tab. Verify that the “Taskbar style” dropdown is set to “Windows 10”. This should be the default setting, but it’s worth double-checking to ensure you’re getting the full Windows 10 taskbar experience.
From here, you can customize various taskbar settings according to your preferences. ExplorerPatcher offers extensive options including taskbar position, icon size, system tray behavior, and more. Adjust these settings to match your preferred Windows 10 taskbar configuration.
Additional ExplorerPatcher Features
Beyond restoring the Windows 10 taskbar, ExplorerPatcher offers several other interface customization options. You can restore the Windows 10 Start menu, File Explorer ribbon interface, and context menus. These features make Windows 11 feel much more like Windows 10 across the entire system.
For those interested in even more comprehensive Windows 11 customization, check out my guide on turning Windows 11 into Windows 10 with ExplorerPatcher, which covers all available options in depth. You might also want to explore alternative tools like StartAllBack or Windhawk for different customization approaches.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Properties option doesn’t appear when right-clicking the taskbar
Solution: This means ExplorerPatcher hasn’t installed properly. Try running the installer again as administrator by right-clicking the executable and selecting “Run as administrator”. Also ensure Windows Defender or your antivirus isn’t blocking the installation.
Problem: Taskbar appears corrupted or icons are missing
Solution: Restart Windows Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab, right-clicking it, and selecting “Restart”. This should reload ExplorerPatcher and fix display issues.
Problem: ExplorerPatcher stops working after a Windows update
Solution: Windows 11 updates can sometimes break ExplorerPatcher compatibility. Visit the GitHub releases page and download the latest version, which typically includes fixes for new Windows builds. Installing the updated version should restore functionality.
Problem: Some taskbar features still behave like Windows 11
Solution: Open ExplorerPatcher Properties and review all settings in the Taskbar tab. Some features may need to be manually configured to match Windows 10 behavior. Make sure “Taskbar style” is set to “Windows 10” and explore other available options.
FAQ
Is ExplorerPatcher safe to use?
Yes, ExplorerPatcher is safe and open-source software hosted on GitHub. The code is publicly available for review, and it’s maintained by a trusted developer community. Always download from the official GitHub repository to ensure authenticity.
Will ExplorerPatcher slow down my system?
No, ExplorerPatcher has minimal impact on system performance. It modifies the Windows shell interface but doesn’t run as a separate background process consuming significant resources. Most users won’t notice any performance difference.
Can I uninstall ExplorerPatcher if I don’t like it?
Yes, you can easily uninstall ExplorerPatcher through Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find ExplorerPatcher in the list, click the three dots, and select “Uninstall”. Your taskbar will revert to the default Windows 11 style immediately.
Does ExplorerPatcher work with all Windows 11 versions?
ExplorerPatcher works with most Windows 11 versions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. However, major Windows updates may temporarily break compatibility until the developer releases an updated version. Check the GitHub page for compatibility information with your specific Windows build.
Can I move the taskbar to the top or sides with ExplorerPatcher?
Yes, one of ExplorerPatcher’s main features is restoring the ability to move the taskbar to any screen edge. In the Properties > Taskbar settings, you can configure the taskbar position just like in Windows 10. For more details, see our guide on how to move the Windows 11 taskbar and if ExplorerPatcher doesn’t work for you, check out my guide on StartAllBack which you can also use to move the taskbar in Windows 11.
