Recreate Windows 10 Experience on Windows 11 with This Open-Source App

After experiencing several frustrations with Windows 11, I ultimately found myself reverting back to Windows 10. However, with Microsoft set to discontinue support for Windows 10 in the near future, I had no option but to re-embrace Windows 11—despite my earlier decision to downgrade.

The initial transition was challenging, as it brought back unpleasant memories of why I initially abandoned Windows 11. Fortunately, I discovered ExplorerPatcher, an open-source tool designed to restore many of the beloved features from Windows 10 while using Windows 11.

With ExplorerPatcher, a significant portion of my grievances disappeared, making my experience on Windows 11 much more bearable. While it may not replicate my perfect setup, it landscape feels closer to the operating system I prefer.

One-Click Access to All Options

Windows 11 with the old context menu — Screenshot by Raghav – NAR

One of my primary frustrations with Windows 11 was the new, simplified context menu. It not only stripped away numerous options but also replaced familiar actions like copy, paste, and rename with ambiguous icons rather than clear text—a change I found very frustrating.

Moreover, many features were hidden, requiring repetitive clicks on “Show more options”to access the complete menu. This overly stylized design seemed counterintuitive and inefficient.

Thankfully, ExplorerPatcher rectifies this by reinstating the traditional Windows 10 context menu. Users can now find all necessary options clearly displayed and accessible with a single click. To utilize this feature, open ExplorerPatcher, right-click the taskbar, select Properties, navigate to File Explorer, and choose Disable the Windows 11 context menu to restore the familiar layout.

Similar to the context menu, both the taskbar and Start menu in Windows 11 were surprisingly diminished in functionality. Microsoft’s design choices focused more on aesthetics than user convenience, leading to increased clicks for basic tasks.

With ExplorerPatcher, the classic Windows 10 taskbar is back. Users have the freedom to position it anywhere on their screen—something Windows 11 bizarrely removed. Personally, I prefer the taskbar at the bottom, but for those who enjoy having it on the left side, ExplorerPatcher provides that flexibility.

The system icons for Wi-Fi, volume, and battery are now accessible immediately, without being consolidated into a cumbersome flyout. This improves usability dramatically by eliminating unnecessary steps through the Action Center.

The Start menu, which was frustratingly cluttered with “recommended apps”that felt more like advertisements, has also seen a much-welcomed return to its Windows 10 roots. Now, users can easily access a straightforward alphabetical list of apps—no more digging through clicks to find what they need. Additionally, those who appreciated live tiles can reintroduce them, creating a more personalized experience.

Questioning the Changes Made

Windows 11 desktop with the Windows 10-style File Explorer open

Much like the context menu issues, File Explorer’s ribbon in Windows 11 suffers from an excess of ambiguous icons and a reduction in usability. While the interface may appear “cleaner, ”the end result is a frustrating user experience, requiring unnecessary clicks to complete straightforward tasks.

ExplorerPatcher effectively reinstates the traditional Windows 10 ribbon menu, and I can confidently say it is a welcome return. All essential tools are prominently displayed and organized for easy access, reinforcing my belief that Windows 11’s focus on aesthetics comes at the cost of functionality.

Ongoing Challenges with Windows 11

While ExplorerPatcher solves a multitude of my issues with Windows 11, some frustrations remain, including the mandatory Microsoft account setup. Fortunately, various workarounds do exist.

Ultimately, I still view Windows 10 as the peak of Microsoft’s operating system lineup. Its combination of efficiency and user-friendliness has left a lasting impression. With a necessity for Windows on at least one device for specific applications, I find myself navigating through Windows 11 reluctantly while also exploring Linux alternatives to escape the increasingly invasive features integrated into Windows 11.

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