Are you tired of the Windows 11 taskbar and miss the good old Windows 10 layout? In this guide, I’ll show you how to bring back the Windows 10 taskbar and start menu on your Windows 11 PC using a tool called Explorer Patcher. Follow along as I walk you through the process of downloading and setting up this handy program to enhance your Windows 11 experience.
Key Takeaways
- Restore the Windows 10 taskbar on Windows 11 easily with Explorer Patcher.
- Customize system tray icons, taskbar location, and more for a tailored experience.
- Explorer Patcher gives you control over various Windows 11 elements like the context menu and file explorer.
Requirements
To follow this guide, you’ll need:
- A Windows 11 PC (stock version or de-bloated).
- An internet connection to download Explorer Patcher.
- Administrator rights to install and make changes to your system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Explorer Patcher
1. Download and Install Explorer Patcher
- First, head over to the Explorer Patcher GitHub page and download the latest release.
- Click on the Releases tab on the right side and choose the setup executable file.
Once the download completes, run the setup file. You’ll see the taskbar flicker, and the layout will change to the Windows 10 taskbar style. Don’t worry if it seems like the computer is breaking for a bit—it will come back.
2. Customize the Taskbar and System Tray
Once Explorer Patcher is installed, you can access its settings by right-clicking an empty space on the taskbar and selecting Properties.
From here, you can tweak several settings:
- Taskbar Style: Set it to Windows 10 or Windows 11 depending on your preference. I recommend sticking with Windows 10 for this tutorial.
- System Tray Icons: You can choose which icons are visible and which are hidden in the system tray. To move icons around, simply drag and drop them from the hidden tray into the main taskbar area.
3. Change Taskbar Alignment and Button Styles
In the Taskbar section, you can:
- Change the alignment of the taskbar icons. Set it to Centered to mimic the default Windows 11 look, or keep it at Screen Edge for a traditional Windows 10 layout.
- Adjust the Start Button Style to match Windows 10, or keep the Windows 11 version if you prefer a modern touch.
4. Modify Start Menu and Context Menus
By default, Explorer Patcher retains the Windows 11 Start Menu. However, you can switch to the Windows 10 Start Menu by selecting the Start Menu tab and choosing Windows 10 as the style. This will move the menu from the center of the screen to the left edge, like it used to be in Windows 10.
Explorer Patcher also allows you to Make the Start Menu Full Screen in Windows 11.
You can also revert to the Windows 10 context menu by enabling the Legacy Context Menu under the File Explorer section. This is great if you prefer the older right-click options.
5. Additional Settings and Tips
Explorer Patcher also allows you to:
- Change Taskbar Size: Make the taskbar icons larger or smaller according to your preference.
- File Explorer Ribbon: Switch back to the Windows 10 command ribbon or even the Windows 7 style if you prefer the classic look.
- Disable Rounded Corners: For a more traditional look, you can disable the rounded corners in application windows.
6. Saving Your Explorer Patcher Configuration
One of the great features of Explorer Patcher is the ability to save your configuration settings. Once you’ve customized everything to your liking, you can export these settings to a file for future use. Simply go to Settings > Export, choose a location to save the file (such as your desktop), and it will be saved as a registry file. If you ever reinstall Windows or need to set up a new system, you can quickly import this file to restore your exact Explorer Patcher configuration without manually adjusting all the settings again.
Using Open Shell with Explorer Patcher (Optional)
While Explorer Patcher allows you to restore many Windows 10 features on Windows 11, you can take customization even further by combining it with Open Shell. Open Shell (formerly known as Classic Shell) is a powerful tool that brings back the classic Windows Start Menu, with options to emulate the look and feel of Windows 7 or Windows XP.
To get started, follow these steps:
1. Download and Install Open Shell
Visit the Open Shell GitHub page and download the latest release. Install it just like any other program.
2. Set Up the Classic Start Menu
After installation, Open Shell will automatically replace the default Start Menu. When you first click the Start button, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred style. You can choose between:
- Classic Style: Similar to Windows XP.
- Classic with Two Columns: Offers a more modern version of the classic style.
- Windows 7 Style: Emulates the look of the Windows 7 Start Menu.
You can also customize the Start Menu with different skins, like Windows Aero, for a sleek, translucent look.
3. Combine Open Shell with Explorer Patcher
By using Open Shell alongside Explorer Patcher, you can have the best of both worlds. For instance, you can:
- Use Explorer Patcher to bring back the Windows 10 taskbar, file explorer, and system tray.
- Use Open Shell to emulate the Windows 7 Start Menu for a truly retro experience.
This combination gives you even more control over your Windows 11 interface. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Windows 7 Start Menu or want a fully customized taskbar with Windows 10 features, these two tools work seamlessly together.
4. Customize the Start Menu Further
Open Shell also allows for advanced Start Menu customizations, such as:
- Pinning Applications: You can pin your most frequently used apps to the Start Menu for quick access, just like in older versions of Windows.
- Search Box Customization: Tailor the Start Menu’s search functionality to your preferences, making it faster to find files or apps.
For a detailed look at Open Shell, check out my guide on How to Get the Windows 7 Start Menu in Windows 11.
Uninstalling Open Shell
If at any point you wish to revert back to the default Windows 11 Start Menu, simply uninstall Open Shell through Settings > Apps. You’ll need to restart your computer afterward for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
Explorer Patcher is an excellent tool for those who want to bring back the familiar Windows 10 layout on Windows 11. With its customizable options, you can tweak everything from the taskbar and system tray to the start menu and file explorer. If you’re looking to enhance your Windows 11 experience, give Explorer Patcher a try!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I uninstall Explorer Patcher?
You can uninstall Explorer Patcher from your system like any regular program. Simply go to Settings > Apps, find Explorer Patcher, and select Uninstall. You may need to restart your computer afterward.
Does Explorer Patcher slow down my PC?
No, Explorer Patcher is lightweight and doesn’t affect system performance. It modifies the shell without using many system resources.
Can I use Explorer Patcher on a de-bloated version of Windows 11?
Yes, Explorer Patcher works on both stock and de-bloated versions of Windows 11.
What happens if I want to revert to the original Windows 11 taskbar?
You can easily revert to the Windows 11 taskbar by uninstalling Explorer Patcher. Alternatively, within the Explorer Patcher settings, you can switch back to the default Windows 11 taskbar style.
Is Explorer Patcher safe to use?
Yes, Explorer Patcher is safe and widely used by many users to customize their Windows 11 interface. It’s regularly updated on GitHub.
