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You can restore several familiar Windows conveniences through Windows 11’s built-in settings: move Start to the left, hide taskbar buttons, and reorganize Start. But there is no single switch that brings back the complete Windows 10 interface. Some newer options Microsoft has announced—including a compact taskbar and more context-menu controls—are tied to Insider builds or staged rollouts, so availability depends on your version and channel.
Move the Start button to the left
Windows 11 centers the taskbar by default, and the Start button follows the taskbar’s alignment. To move it to the left, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, then choose the left alignment option. Microsoft’s instructions are at Customize the taskbar in Windows 11 and Customize the Start menu in Windows 11.
Hide Search, Widgets, or Task View
To reduce taskbar clutter, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Under Taskbar items, turn Widgets or Task View off. For Search, use its display control to select a search box, an icon with a label, an icon only, or hide it. The precise available Search display choices are documented by Microsoft in Customize the taskbar in Windows 11.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYou can also unpin taskbar apps you do not need and rearrange the remaining icons by dragging them. These options let you simplify the current taskbar; they do not recreate the entire Windows 10 taskbar.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
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Clean up the Start menu
Windows 11 lets you change the pins and recommendations shown in Start, as well as how the installed-app list is presented. Open Settings > Personalization > Start to review the available controls. Microsoft’s Start menu customization guide describes these options:
- Reorder or remove pins: Drag pinned apps into a preferred order, or right-click a pin and unpin it.
- Group related pins: Drag one pinned app onto another to create a folder, then add related apps or rearrange its contents.
- Change the app-list view: Choose Category, Grid, or List, where those options are available in your Start settings.
- Adjust Recommended content: Use Start settings to control which recommendations appear.
- Choose account-area folders: Select which common folders appear beside the power button.
Can you get the old right-click menu back?
The current Microsoft taskbar and Start support guides do not document a universal Settings switch that restores the Windows 10 context menu. Microsoft’s August 17, 2026 Windows Insider Blog described a customizable context-menu experience with controls to toggle built-in commands and decide whether app extensions appear in the main menu or a submenu. That is an Insider announcement, not confirmation that the controls are present on every Windows 11 PC. Check your Windows build and release channel before looking for the feature or assuming it is available.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Microsoft explained the motivation this way: “Clutter isn’t only a visual problem; it slows the menu down because every app that adds its own options can make the menu do extra work each time it opens.” — Windows Insider Blog, August 17, 2026.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How to make the taskbar smaller
Microsoft’s May 15, 2026 Windows Insider Blog post described a smaller-taskbar option with smaller icons and a shorter taskbar, leaving more vertical workspace. At the time of that announcement, Microsoft said the experience was rolling out in the Experimental channel; the post also described planned Start layout changes for Insiders. Check the current release notes and your channel before following instructions that assume you have these controls. An announcement does not establish availability on all Windows 11 installations.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Microsoft’s announcement is in its May 15, 2026 Windows Insider Blog post.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a technical configuration reference is relevant
Microsoft Learn lists configuration values related to Start layout, recent apps and recommended content, taskbar badges, button grouping, and taskbar behavior across multiple monitors. These are technical configuration references, not a blanket method for recreating every legacy feature. Prefer the documented Settings controls when they meet your needs; use the Learn documentation only when you specifically need to understand or manage the listed configuration values: Configure the taskbar.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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