How to Customise the Windows 11 Taskbar to Windows 10 Style

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Last Updated: August 5, 2024

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

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1
Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
- This should reveal a small menu.
2
Click on Taskbar settings. This is the second option.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Getting Back the "Show Desktop" Button

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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
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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Changing the Alignment of Taskbar Icons

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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
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
Select Left from the menu.
- Notice your taskbar icons shift to the left on doing so.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Enabling Search Box

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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
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
Select "Search box" in the selection menu.
- Notice your search icon become a large box in doing so.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Enabling or Disabling Taskbar Items

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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
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.

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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!

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Missing "Copilot" after removing it from the taskbar? You may use the shortcut keys ⊞ Win+C to use it anytime.

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