When many users upgraded to Windows 11, the first complaint was almost universal:
“The taskbar and Start menu don’t feel right.”
If you’re among those who miss the classic Windows 10 layout, the good news is you don’t have to settle. A free, open-source tool called ExplorerPatcher can restore the Windows 10 taskbar, the Windows 10 Start menu, old context menus, and even add features Microsoft removed.
In this dtptips-style guide, we’ll walk through:
- What ExplorerPatcher is
- How to install it safely
- How to enable the Windows 10 Start menu & taskbar
- How to customize taskbar buttons, Start menu layouts, context menus, and window switcher
- Optional tweaks to make Windows 11 feel perfect
- How to uninstall it safely
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started.
🌟 1. What Is ExplorerPatcher?
Before applying any tweaks, it helps to understand what this tool actually does.
ExplorerPatcher is a free, open-source project hosted on GitHub:
🔗 https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
Its purpose is simple:
✔ Restore Windows 10 taskbar
✔ Bring back the Windows 10 Start menu
✔ Bring back old right-click menus
✔ Add classic Alt+Tab switcher
✔ Add customization options Microsoft removed
✔ Fix or patch parts of explorer.exe behavior
Because it is open-source, anyone can view its code. It is one of the safest and most respected customization tools for Windows.
It also supports the latest Windows 11 23H2 and 25H2 builds.
📥 2. How to Download ExplorerPatcher (Correct Version)
Let’s move to the installation process.
Step 1 — Visit the official GitHub page
Go to:
➡️ https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
Step 2 — Click on Releases
You will see the latest version available. ExplorerPatcher updates frequently to support new Windows builds.
Step 3 — Choose the correct installer
Under Assets, you will find two files:
- ep_setup.exe → for Intel/AMD processors
- ep_setup_arm64.exe → for ARM/Snapdragon laptops
Select the file that matches your hardware.
Step 4 — Windows may show a warning
Because the file is not downloaded often, Windows might label it “unsafe”.
To allow it:
- Click three dots
- Choose Keep
- Click Keep anyway
This is normal for small open-source projects.
Step 5 — Run the installer
In your Downloads folder:
- Double-click the file
- Click More info → Run anyway
- Click Yes on the admin prompt
ExplorerPatcher will:
- Close and restart explorer.exe
- Apply the Windows 10 taskbar automatically
Within a few seconds, your taskbar will already look different.
🔄 3. Switching to Windows 10 Start Menu (Step-by-Step)
After installation, your taskbar changes immediately—but the Start menu remains Windows 11 style.
Let’s fix that.
Step 1 — Right-click the taskbar
Choose Properties.
This opens the ExplorerPatcher configuration panel.
Step 2 — Go to Start Menu options
Here you will find a drop-down labeled:
Start menu style
Change it from:
➡️ Windows 11
to
➡️ Windows 10
Click Restart File Explorer if prompted.
Now your Start menu becomes the classic Windows 10 layout.
🧭 4. Customize Start Menu Position, Corners & Layout
ExplorerPatcher gives extra customization that Windows 10 never offered.
4.1 Change Start menu position
Options include:
- At screen edge
- Floating
- Centered spacing
Example: setting Rounded corners + Floating menu creates a smooth modern/retro mix.
4.2 Enable Full-Screen Start Menu (Windows 8 Style)
If you miss the Windows 8.1 full-screen Start experience:
- Go to Start Menu → Display Mode
- Select Fullscreen Start
This gives you large tiles and a full app grid.
You can return to default anytime.
4.3 Hide or Disable App List
Under App list, you can:
- Hide app list
- Replace list with icons
- Show pinned apps only
This gives a cleaner, modern Start menu layout.
🖥️ 5. Restore Classic Windows 10 Taskbar Features
Let’s move to the taskbar section, where ExplorerPatcher shines.
5.1 Change Taskbar Style
Under Taskbar → Taskbar Style:
✔ Set to Windows 10 (ExplorerPatcher) (default after install)
✔ Optionally switch back to Windows 11 style while keeping other tweaks
5.2 Adjust Start Button Style
You can mix & match:
- Windows 10 taskbar + Windows 11 Start button
- Windows 11 taskbar + Windows 10 Start button
(Useful if you like the design of the new Start icon)
5.3 Change Icon Size
Choose between:
- Large
- Medium
- Small
Small taskbar icons bring back the compact Windows 7 feel.
5.4 Disable Icon Combining (Never Combine)
Under taskbar options:
- Set Combine taskbar icons → Never
This shows window names next to icons, just like classic Windows versions.
🗂️ 6. Restore Classic Right-Click Menu (Windows 10)
Windows 11 uses a simplified context menu with an extra “Show more options” step.
ExplorerPatcher allows you to revert it instantly:
Go to:
File Explorer → Disable Windows 11 Context Menu
Now right-click shows the full classic Windows 10 menu.
🔄 7. Switch Windows 11 Alt+Tab to Windows 10 Style
Under Window Switcher, you can replace the Windows 11 view with:
- Classic Windows 10 switcher
- Simple switcher
- Old-school compact switcher
Choose the one that fits your workflow.
🔔 8. System Tray, Wi-Fi, Volume & Clock Tweaks
ExplorerPatcher even lets you change flyout styles:
- Windows 10 network flyout
- Windows 11 Wi-Fi flyout
- Windows 10 volume pop-up
- Windows 11 volume UI
This helps you create a complete Windows 10 look—or mix features from both versions.
🧹 9. Updating or Uninstalling ExplorerPatcher (Safe Method)
If you ever want to remove it:
Method 1 — From Settings
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Search ExplorerPatcher
- Click Uninstall
- Approve any prompts
- Restart your PC
Method 2 — Using the installer
Rename the installer:
ep_setup.exe → ep_uninstall.exe
Run it → it uninstalls automatically.
Both methods fully restore Windows 11 defaults.
❓ FAQs
1. Is ExplorerPatcher safe?
Yes. It is open-source and widely used by developers and power users. Source code is public on GitHub.
2. Will Windows updates break the tool?
Major updates may temporarily disable it, but patches release quickly. ExplorerPatcher updates frequently.
3. Does it slow down Windows?
No. It modifies explorer.exe behavior but does not run heavy background services.
4. Can I use only the Start menu but keep the Windows 11 taskbar?
Yes. All features are optional. You can mix Windows 10 and Windows 11 styles freely.
5. Does it work on the latest Windows 11 23H2/25H2?
Yes. The developer updates the tool frequently to support new builds.
#Windows11 #ExplorerPatcher #WindowsTips #TaskbarFix #StartMenuFix #Customization #DTPtips
