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Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system, which has launched with a new look. The old design has been replaced with a new, modern look, and it has caused confusion among many users who were accustomed to the classic Windows interface. Many people are now looking for ways to get back the classic view on Windows 11. In this blog post, we will discuss several methods to help you achieve this.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Classic View on Windows 11
The classic view has been the hallmark of Windows operating systems. People are used to it and have become comfortable with it over the years. The new design can be tough for some users, especially those who have been using Windows for a long time. If you are one of them and find it hard to navigate the new interface, it is time to switch to the classic view. The classic view is easier to use, and you can get all the functions you need in one place.
Method 1: Via the Start Menu
The first way to get the classic view on Windows 11 is through the Start menu. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
2. Click on the gear icon to open the Settings page.
3. On the left-hand side of the Settings window, click on "Personalization."
4. Click on "Start" from the list of options.
5. Toggle on "Use Start full screen" to disable it.
6. Scroll down to find "Choose which folders appear on Start" and click on it.
7. Toggle on "Settings".
8. Now, click on "Back" and select "Taskbar".
9. Scroll down again to find "Taskbar corner overflow" and toggle it to "off".
That’s it. You have now enabled the classic view on Windows 11.
Pros:
– This method does not require the use of any third-party software.
– The changes take effect immediately.
Cons:
– You will not get the transparency that the new Windows 11 interface offers.
– You cannot customize the appearance of the classic view.
Method 2: Via Registry Editor
The second way to get the classic view on Windows 11 is by using the registry editor. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" in the text field and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following folder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\
4. Right-click on the Advanced folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value "Start_ShowClassicMode" and set its value data to "1".
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
You have now successfully enabled the classic view on Windows 11.
Pros:
– This method is simple and easy to follow.
– You get the classic view along with the transparency of the new interface.
Cons:
– Making changes directly to the registry can be risky if you don’t follow the instructions properly.
– You cannot customize the classic view.
Method 3: Via Third-Party Software (Classic Start Menu)
If the above methods don’t work for you or you want more customization options, you can try using third-party software. Classic Start Menu is a popular choice. Here are the steps to use it:
1. Download Classic Start Menu from its official website and install it on your PC.
2. Once installed, launch the software.
3. You will see an option to switch to the classic view. Click on it.
That’s it. You have now enabled the classic view on Windows 11 using Classic Start Menu.
Pros:
– This method offers more customization options compared to the other methods.
– You can make changes to the taskbar, start menu, and other elements.
Cons:
– You need to download and install third-party software, which can sometimes slow down your PC.
– The software may not be fully compatible with Windows 11.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Classic View on Windows 11
If you try all the above methods and still can’t get the classic view on Windows 11, it may be due to compatibility issues or other underlying problems. Here are some fixes you can try:
– Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
– Update your graphics drivers and other hardware drivers.
– Try restoring your PC to its previous state using System Restore.
– Contact Microsoft customer support for assistance.
Bonus Tip
If you want to get the classic view on Windows 11 without losing the transparency effects of the new interface, you can use TranslucentTB. TranslucentTB is a lightweight software that enables transparent taskbars on Windows 11. You can download it from the Microsoft Store.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to edit the registry?
A: Editing the registry can be risky if you don’t know what you are doing. Make sure you follow the instructions precisely to avoid any issues.
Q2: What happens if I can’t get the classic view on Windows 11?
A: If you can’t get the classic view on Windows 11, it may be due to compatibility issues or other underlying problems. You can try restoring your PC, updating your drivers, or contacting Microsoft customer support for assistance.
Q3: Can I customize the classic view?
A: The classic view offers limited customization options. You can change the color and appearance, but you cannot add new features or functions.
Q4: Will using third-party software affect my PC’s performance?
A: It depends on the software you are using. Some software may slow down your PC, while others may have no effect.
Q5: Can I switch back to the new interface after enabling the classic view?
A: Yes, you can easily switch back to the new interface by following the same steps you used to enable the classic view.
Final Thoughts
Getting the classic view on Windows 11 is easy if you follow the methods listed above. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that suits you best. Remember to be careful when editing the registry or downloading third-party software. If you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft customer support for assistance.