To get the Windows 10 taskbar back on Windows 11, download and install ExplorerPatcher from the official GitHub releases page. It automatically restores the classic taskbar when you run the installer. Right-click the taskbar after installation, open Properties, and confirm the taskbar style is set to Windows 10.
Applies to: Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: May 27, 2026
Key Takeaways
- ExplorerPatcher is free and open-source — download it from the official GitHub repository, not from third-party sites
- Installation is fully automatic — the taskbar disappears briefly and reappears in Windows 10 style, no configuration needed for the basic restore
- Verify the taskbar style after installation: right-click the taskbar > Properties > Taskbar tab > confirm “Taskbar style” is set to Windows 10
- Windows 11 updates can temporarily break ExplorerPatcher — when that happens, download the latest release from GitHub which typically includes compatibility fixes within a few days
- Uninstalling is clean — remove it via Settings > Apps > Installed apps and the taskbar reverts to Windows 11 style immediately
Quick Steps
- Search for “ExplorerPatcher GitHub” in your browser and open the official GitHub repository
- Click the Releases tab on the right side of the GitHub page
- Download the latest
ep_setup.exefile from the most recent release - Run the downloaded file and accept any security prompts
- Wait for the taskbar to disappear and reappear in Windows 10 style
- Right-click the taskbar, select Properties, go to the Taskbar tab, and confirm Taskbar style is set to Windows 10
Why Use ExplorerPatcher for the Windows 10 Taskbar?
The Windows 11 taskbar removed features that many power users relied on — moving the taskbar to different screen edges, adjustable icon sizes, and certain third-party customization options. Microsoft has not brought these back, and the built-in settings in Windows 11 don’t give you a way to restore the classic layout.
ExplorerPatcher is the most widely used solution for this. It’s free, open-source, and actively maintained on GitHub. The developer keeps up with Windows updates, so when a new build temporarily breaks compatibility, a fix usually comes within a few days.
How to Install ExplorerPatcher on Windows 11
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub
Open your browser and search for “ExplorerPatcher GitHub”. The official repository at github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher should be the first result. On the GitHub page, find the Releases section on the right side and click it.
On the releases page, find the latest release and download the executable file — it’s typically named ep_setup.exe. Always download from the official GitHub repository to ensure you’re getting a safe, authentic version.
Note: Windows Defender or your antivirus may flag the installer. This is a common false positive for tools that modify the Windows shell. The code is fully open-source and publicly reviewed on GitHub.
Step 2: Run the Installer
Double-click the downloaded ep_setup.exe file. Windows may show a security warning — click Yes or Run anyway to proceed. The installation is automatic and requires no user input.
You’ll notice the taskbar and desktop icons disappear briefly as ExplorerPatcher restarts Windows Explorer. This is normal — it usually takes just a few seconds. When the taskbar reappears, it will already be in the Windows 10 style.
Step 3: Verify the Taskbar Settings
Right-click on any empty area of the taskbar. You should see a Properties option in the context menu — this is added by ExplorerPatcher. Click it to open the configuration window.
In the Properties window, click on the Taskbar tab. Confirm that the Taskbar style dropdown is set to Windows 10. This should already be the default, but it’s worth verifying. From here you can also adjust other settings like taskbar position, icon size, and system tray behavior.
Tip: If you don’t see Properties when you right-click the taskbar, ExplorerPatcher didn’t install correctly. Try running the installer again as administrator by right-clicking the file and selecting Run as administrator.
Additional ExplorerPatcher Features
Beyond the taskbar, ExplorerPatcher can also restore the Windows 10 Start menu, the File Explorer ribbon interface, and the classic right-click context menu. If you want to go all-in on making Windows 11 look and feel like Windows 10, I have a dedicated guide that covers all the available options in depth:
Read: How to Turn Windows 11 into Windows 10 with ExplorerPatcher
If you want to restore the classic right-click context menu specifically, check out my guide on getting the Windows 10 right-click menu on Windows 11.
Alternatives to ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is my go-to for restoring the classic taskbar, but there are a couple of other tools worth knowing about:
- StartAllBack — a paid option (~$5) that also restores the Windows 10 taskbar and Start menu, with excellent stability across Windows updates
- RetroBar — free and open-source, restores the classic Windows taskbar style with additional retro themes
- Moving the taskbar — if your main goal is repositioning the taskbar rather than changing its style, this guide shows how to do it without ExplorerPatcher
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Properties option doesn’t appear when right-clicking the taskbar. This means ExplorerPatcher isn’t installed. Run the installer again as administrator — right-click ep_setup.exe and select Run as administrator. Also check that your antivirus isn’t blocking the installation silently.
Taskbar icons are missing or the display looks corrupted. Open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer in the Processes tab, right-click it, and select Restart. This reloads the shell and ExplorerPatcher along with it.
ExplorerPatcher stopped working after a Windows update. This is the most common issue and it’s expected. Windows updates can break compatibility. Go to the GitHub releases page and download the latest version — compatibility fixes usually ship within a few days of a major Windows update.
Some taskbar features still behave like Windows 11. Open ExplorerPatcher Properties and review all settings in the Taskbar tab. Make sure Taskbar style is set to Windows 10 and explore the other available options to match your preferred configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExplorerPatcher safe to use?
Yes. ExplorerPatcher is open-source software — the full source code is publicly available on GitHub for anyone to review. It’s maintained by a known developer and used by hundreds of thousands of people. As always, make sure you’re downloading from the official GitHub repository at github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher, not from random download sites.
Will ExplorerPatcher slow down my system?
No. ExplorerPatcher modifies the Windows shell interface but doesn’t run as a separate background process consuming significant resources. It integrates directly with Windows Explorer, so the performance overhead is negligible. Most users won’t notice any difference.
Can I uninstall ExplorerPatcher if I don’t like it?
Yes, and uninstalling is clean. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find ExplorerPatcher in the list, click the three dots, and select Uninstall. Your taskbar reverts to the default Windows 11 style immediately — no restart required.
Does ExplorerPatcher work with all Windows 11 versions?
It works with most Windows 11 versions including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Major Windows updates may temporarily break compatibility — this is the most common issue people run into. The fix is simple: download the latest release from GitHub, which typically includes a compatibility update within a few days of a new Windows build dropping.
Can I move the taskbar to the top or sides with ExplorerPatcher?
Yes. One of ExplorerPatcher’s key features is restoring the ability to position the taskbar on any screen edge. In Properties > Taskbar settings, you can set the taskbar position just like in Windows 10. If you want more details, check out my guide on how to move the Windows 11 taskbar. If ExplorerPatcher doesn’t work for you, StartAllBack is a solid paid alternative that also handles taskbar repositioning.
