Are you tired of the never-ending learning curve that comes with each new Windows update? Do you miss the familiarity and simplicity of your old Windows 10 PC? Look no further! In this article, we will explore various methods to make your new Windows 11 PC behave like your old reliable Windows 10, allowing you to save time and energy while still enjoying the benefits of a modern home PC.
1. Customize the Start Menu
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the Start Menu. To make it resemble Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings".
- Scroll down and click on "Taskbar behaviors".
- Change the "Taskbar alignment" to "Left".
- Turn on "Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode".
- Go back to the main settings page and click on "Personalization".
- Click on "Start" from the left-hand menu.
- Turn off "Show recently added apps" and "Show recommended items in Start".
1.1. Add Traditional Start Menu
If you prefer the classic Start Menu from Windows 7 or Windows 8, consider these third-party options:
2. Bring Back the Context Menu
Windows 11 has a streamlined context menu, which can be less functional than its Windows 10 counterpart. To restore the classic context menu:
- Right-click on the Start Button or press Windows Key + X.
- Click on "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type: reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}" /v System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
- Press Enter.
3. Disable Windows Updates
While it's essential to keep your system up-to-date for security purposes, you can control when updates occur to save time and energy. To pause updates for up to 35 days:
- Click on the Start Button and select "Settings".
- Click on "Windows Update" from the left-hand menu.
- Click on "Pause for 1 week" up to 5 times.
4. Restore Desktop Icons
By default, Windows 11 hides desktop icons. To restore them:
- Right-click on an empty space on the Desktop.
- Select "View" and then "Show desktop icons".
5. Optimize Performance
Improve your PC's overall performance by disabling unnecessary visual effects and background services:
- Click on the Start Button and type "Performance".
- Select "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows".
- Click on the "Visual Effects" tab.
- Select "Adjust for best performance".
- Click on the "Advanced" tab.
- Under "Performance", set "Memory (RAM)" to "Adjust for best performance".
6. Additional Tools
Consider using tools that help you manage and customize your Windows 11 PC:
- O&O ShutUp10: Control which Windows 11 features are active