How to Change Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10?
Windows 11 has brought about a lot of changes to the taskbar, which might be puzzling for those who are used to the classic Windows 10 taskbar. Many users have been operating with the thought of "how to change Windows 11 taskbar to Windows 10?" If you’re one of them, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to change the Windows 11 taskbar to a more familiar and preferred Windows 10 style or appearance.
Why Change the Taskbar?
Before we dive into the process, let’s quickly discuss why users might want to change the Windows 11 taskbar to Windows 10. Some users might find the new taskbar visually unappealing, while others might miss the familiarity and simplicity of the classic taskbar. Whatever the reasons, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps to achieve the desired taskbar experience.
Method 1: Use the Windows 11 Built-in Setting
One of the easiest ways to change the Windows 11 taskbar to Windows 10 is by making use of the built-in setting. Follow these steps to achieve this:
Step 1: Go to Settings
Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon (represented by an icon that looks like a gear).
Step 2: Click on Taskbar
In the Settings window, click on the Taskbar option from the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Toggle Off the Aligned Icon Grid
Under the Taskbar settings, toggle off the Aligned icon grid option. This will change the taskbar appearance to a more familiar look.
Step 4: Restart Your System
To apply the changes, restart your system. After restarting, you should notice that the taskbar has transformed to a more Windows 10-like appearance.
Method 2: Use Registry Editor (Not Recommended for Non-Technical Users)
A more advanced method to change Windows 11 taskbar to Windows 10 is by tweaking the registry. This method is not recommended for non-technical users, as it can potentially cause system instability or other issues if not done correctly. However, for those who are familiar with registry editing, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialogue box, type regedit, and click Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer
Step 3: Create a New DWORD (32-Bit) Value
Right-click on the Explorer key and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named ForceClassicShell. Set its value data to 1.
Step 4: Restart Your System
To apply the changes, restart your system. After restarting, the taskbar should now look similar to the Windows 10 taskbar.
Additional Tips for Customizing Your Taskbar
Here are a few additional tips to help you customize your Windows 11 taskbar to your liking:
- Show more icons: You can increase the number of icons shown on the taskbar by adjusting the Taskbar settings > Show more icons option.
- Check for new messages: You can display an envelope icon to indicate new messages by toggling on the Taskbar settings > Show new message indication option.
- Taskbar settings: You can also adjust other settings like the Taskbar settings > Auto-hide the taskbar option to control when the taskbar should hide or show.
Comparison of Windows 11 and Windows 10 Taskbar
Here’s a comparison of the two taskbars:
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar appearance | Aligned icon grid, center-aligned text | Non-aligned icon grid, left-aligned text |
| Icon size | Adjustable | Fixed |
| Icon alignment | Center-aligned | Left-aligned |
| System tray icons | Merged into the taskbar | Separate system tray icon area |
In this article, we’ve outlined two methods to change the Windows 11 taskbar to Windows 10. While the first method uses the built-in setting, the second method utilizes the Registry Editor. Additionally, we’ve provided some tips for customizing your taskbar to meet your preferences. By following these steps, you can adapt your Windows 11 taskbar to a more familiar and comfortable experience similar to Windows 10.