Restore Classic Start Menu in Windows 11

The method in this tutorial no longer works starting with Windows 11 build 22000.65.

The Start menu contains shortcuts of all your apps, settings, and files.

Windows 11 comes with a new Start menu without live tiles.

If you do not like the new Start menu in Windows 11, you can restore the classic Start menu similar to the Windows 10 Start menu.

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic Start menu for your account in Windows 11.

EXAMPLE: Default and classic Start menu in Windows 11

Here's How:

The downloadable .bat files below will modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Start_ShowClassicMode DWORD

0 or <delete> = Default Start menu
1 = Classic Start menu

1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (default) below for what you would like to do.

2 To Restore Classic Start Menu in Windows 11

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_classic_Start_menu_in_Windows_11.bat

Download

3 To Restore Default Start Menu in Windows 11

This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_default_Start_menu_in_Windows_11.bat

Download

4 Save the .bat file to your desktop.

5 Unblock the .bat file.

6 Run the .bat file

7 You will now notice your screen flicker and a command prompt quickly opens and closes as the explorer process is restarted to apply the registry changes.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .bat file if you like.

That's it,
Shawn Brink

Last edited: Aug 13, 2024

Click to expand...

Try3

Well-known member

Guru

VIP

Aug 25, 2021

vannn said:
someone is working on it....

Code:

https://rammichael.com/7-taskbar-tweaker-and-a-first-look-at-windows-11#comments

Vannnnn,

Thanks for the link. I'll watch that as well.
- Its link to https://www.actualtools.com/multiplemonitors is encouraging

Denis

My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....

OS: Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.9168

IanMosley

Windows Insider

Power User

VIP

Oct 10, 2021

Has this hack been re-worked for Build(22000.194) and beyond?

If so, where might I find it?

My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (Build 26200.9267)Intel Core Ultra 9 285 5.6 GHz32.00 GBIntel Integrated Graphics (128 MB)

OS: Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (Build 26200.9267)

Computer type: PC/Desktop

Manufacturer/Model: Dell Pro Max Tower T2 FCT2250

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285 5.6 GHz

Motherboard: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Memory: 32.00 GB

Graphics Card(s): Intel Integrated Graphics (128 MB)

Sound Card: Realtek Audio

Monitor(s) Displays: Dell P2714H Monitor

Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Hard Drives: 1 x 512GB M.2 XG10d SED KIOXIA PCIe solid state drive (Internal)
1 x 2TB Seagate ST2000DM008-2UB102 HDD (Internal)
1 x 4TB Seagate STGX4000400 External HDD
1 x 6TB WD Elements AE 2689 External HDD

PSU: 500 Watts

Cooling: Air

Keyboard: Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600

Mouse: Microsoft USB Basic Optical Mouse v2.0

Browser: Firefox

Antivirus: Windows Defender + Malwarebytes Premium

Other Info: BaseBoard Manufacturer Dell Inc.
BaseBoard Product 022RY57
BaseBoard Version A01

Megahertz

Wish to be flying

Power User

VIP

May 29, 2022

Brink said:
View attachment 148
The method in this tutorial no longer works starting with Windows 11 build 22000.65.

That's it,
Shawn Brink

Brink

I just found a way to get win 10 start back and then on it I used Open shell.
I used ExplorerPatcher
Win 11 21h2 - 22000.675

My Computers

System One System Two

At a glance
Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530

OS
Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
custom build
CPU
i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
Motherboard
GA-Z170-HD3P
Memory
4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
Graphics Card(s)
IG - Intel 530
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung 226BW
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
(1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
(2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
(3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
(4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
PSU
Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
Keyboard
Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
Mouse
Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
Internet Speed
500 Mb/s
Browser
Firefox 64
At a glance
Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M

Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Asus Q550LF
CPU
i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
Motherboard
Asus Q550LF
Memory
(4+4)G DDR3 1600
Graphics card(s)
IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
Sound Card
Realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
& 1T HDD for data
Internet Speed
500 Mb/s
Browser
Firefox 64

A0020119

Member

Oct 18, 2025

Nice thank you I miss the classics :)

My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro11th Gen Intel Core I5 2.4 GHZ8 GBIntel XE Graphics Family 128 MB

OS: Windows 11 Pro

Computer type: Laptop

Manufacturer/Model: Dell Inspiron Latitude 3420

CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core I5 2.4 GHZ

Motherboard: Dell

Memory: 8 GB

Graphics Card(s): Intel XE Graphics Family 128 MB

Sound Card: Intel Audio

Monitor(s) Displays: 14" Inch LED Monitor Display

Screen Resolution: 1600 x 900

Hard Drives: Samsung NVME

PSU: Default

Case: Default

Cooling: Default

Keyboard: Built In

Mouse: Gaming Mouse

Internet Speed: 300 MBPS

Browser: Chrome

Antivirus: Trend Micro

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