How to Customise the Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10 Style

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

With the new Windows 11 update, many taskbar features have changed. If you prefer the old Windows 10 style, you're in luck! There are some built-in ways to customise your taskbar to match your preferences. This wikiHow will show you how to make the desired adjustments in just a few clicks.

Part 1
Part 1 of 5:

Opening Taskbar Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
    • This should reveal a small menu.
  2. 2
    Click on Taskbar settings . This is the second option.
    3. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 5:

Getting Back the "Show Desktop" Button

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Scroll down to find "Taskbar behaviors" and expand the dropdown.
    • You can expand the dropdown by clicking on the "v" symbol on the right.
  2. 2
    Look for the option "Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop" and check the box.
    • You can check it by clicking the empty box on the left of the text.
    • The "Show Desktop" shortcut immediately shows your desktop and minimises every app window on your screen. If an app freezes, use this shortcut to exit it.
    3. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 5:

Changing the Alignment of Taskbar Icons

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Scroll down to find "Taskbar behaviors" and expand the dropdown.
    • You can expand the dropdown by clicking the "v" symbol on the right.
    • Ignore this step if you already have this menu open.
  2. 2
    Look for the option "Taskbar alignment" and open the selection menu on the right.
    • You can open the selection menu by clicking on the "v" symbol on the right, although it may already be expanded.
  3. 3
    Select Left from the menu.
    • Notice your taskbar icons shift to the left on doing so.
    4. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 5:

Enabling Search Box

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Find "Taskbar items" and expand the dropdown.
    • You can expand the dropdown by clicking on the "v" symbol on the right, although it may already be expanded.
    • Ignore this step if you already have this menu open.
  2. 2
    Look for the option "Search" and open the selection menu on the right.
    • You can open the selection menu by clicking on the "v" symbol on the right.
  3. 3
    Select "Search box" in the selection menu.
    • Notice your search icon become a large box in doing so.
    4. Advertisement
Part 5
Part 5 of 5:

Enabling or Disabling Taskbar Items

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Find "Taskbar items" and expand the dropdown.
    • You can expand the dropdown by clicking on the "v" symbol on the right, although it may already be expanded.
    • Ignore this step if you already have this menu open.
  2. 2
    Turn the options for "Copilot", "Task view" and "Widgets" on or off as per your preferences. Do this by clicking on the toggles on the right.
    • "Copilot" was not in the Windows 10 taskbar, so you may want to disable it if you are aiming for the complete Windows 10 feel.
    • Widgets pin certain apps or features to the taskbar for quick access.
    • Task View is a Windows feature that allows you to manage open applications and virtual desktops, as well as a history of recently opened files.
    • Copilot is a Microsoft generative AI feature. It allows you to search for information, generate bodies of text and create images from text prompts.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you don't want to go through the hassle of enabling the "Show Desktop" button, as an alternative you may use the shortcut keys ⊞ Win + D to view the desktop!
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Missing "Copilot" after removing it from the taskbar? You may use the shortcut keys ⊞ Win + C to use it anytime.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Change the Windows Taskbar Position: 2 Easy Methods
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      5 Quick Ways to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper on Windows
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      3 Easy Ways to Move a Full Screen Game to Another Monitor
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 594 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement