Making Windows 11 Feel Like Home: 8 Tips for Familiarity and Productivity
As the countdown to Windows 10’s end-of-support date in October continues, many professionals are transitioning to Windows 11. While the new operating system offers exciting features, its differences from Windows 10 can initially feel unfamiliar. Here are eight ways to customize Windows 11 to work more like its predecessor without compromising productivity.
#### 1. Adjust Taskbar Icons
By default, Windows 11’s centered taskbar icons may disrupt your workflow if you’re accustomed to the traditional left-aligned layout. To realign the icons to the left for a more familiar setup, right-click on an empty taskbar space, choose “Taskbar settings,” navigate to “Taskbar alignment,” and select “Left.”
#### 2. Restore Start Menu Style
If you miss the classic Start menu, consider using tools like Stardock’s Start11 to customize your Start menu experience. Start11 offers various options, including Windows 10 or Windows 7-style menus, allowing you to tailor it to your preference.
#### 3. Revert to Classic Context Menu
Return to the traditional Windows 10-style context menu in File Explorer by exploring options like “Show more options,” holding down the Shift key while right-clicking, or utilizing a registry hack. This adjustment can enhance your workflow if you prefer the previous context menu layout.
#### 4. Simplify Notepad
Customize the new Notepad in Windows 11 by configuring it to start a new session and discard unsaved changes, providing a more traditional text editing experience. Alternatively, explore third-party options like Notepad++ for advanced text editing capabilities.
#### 5. Disable Snap Layouts
If Snap Layouts hinder your multitasking experience, you can disable this feature by accessing the Settings app, navigating to “Multitasking,” and adjusting the Snap windows settings to suit your preferences.
#### 6. Reset File Explorer’s View
Customize File Explorer to open directly to the “This PC” view rather than the default “Home” view for a more conventional file browsing experience. This adjustment can streamline your navigation within File Explorer.
#### 7. Turn Off Recent Files and Folders
Tailor File Explorer’s Home view by disabling options like showing recently used files and folders. This modification can declutter your File Explorer interface, providing a cleaner browsing environment.
#### 8. Uncombine Taskbar Buttons
For those who prefer separate taskbar buttons over combined icons, Windows 11 now offers the option to uncombine taskbar buttons. By adjusting the taskbar settings, you can revert to the classic taskbar button layout for enhanced usability.
In conclusion, with these simple tweaks and tools, you can customize Windows 11 to align more closely with the familiar Windows 10 interface, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining your productivity levels. Embrace these adjustments to make your Windows 11 experience feel like home.