ExplorerPatcher
Brings the Windows 10 taskbar, Start menu and Alt+Tab back to Windows 11, along with a lot of other interface options.
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2 more ways to get ExplorerPatcher
Other download sites
Run by third parties, not by valinet. Prefer the official page above when it works.
Package managers
- winget
winget install --id valinet.ExplorerPatcher
About ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher restores the parts of Windows 10 that Windows 11 removed. After installing, you right-click the taskbar, choose Properties, and pick a taskbar style, a Start menu style and a window switcher style, along with dozens of other options for File Explorer, the system tray and the ribbon.
It is the standard answer for people who want ungrouped taskbar buttons, labels on taskbar items, a Start menu that is not centred, or the Windows 10 Alt+Tab. There are builds for Intel and AMD processors and for Snapdragon ARM64 machines.
Two practical points: some features are unavailable on some Windows versions, and because it patches Explorer, a major Windows update can break it until the project catches up. Uninstalling is straightforward, which matters when that happens.
Strengths
- Restores the Windows 10 taskbar, Start menu and Alt+Tab on Windows 11
- Dozens of further options for File Explorer, the tray and the ribbon
- Separate builds for x64 and Snapdragon ARM64 machines
- Built-in update checking, and several clean ways to uninstall
Limitations
- It patches Explorer, so a major Windows update can break it until the project catches up
- The project notes some features are unavailable on some Windows versions
- Windows only
- Requires elevation and closes Explorer during installation
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source under the GPL.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Developer
- valinet
- Platforms
- Windows
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Getting the Windows 10 taskbar and Start menu back on a Windows 11 machine
- Categories
- Window tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Selected from the TechWalrus downloads catalog (Window & Display); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 3 sources on file.
Alternatives to ExplorerPatcher
Compare allSoftware that can replace ExplorerPatcher for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
StartAllBack
Customize the Windows 11 Start menu, taskbar and Explorer interface.
StartAllBack also customizes the Windows 11 Start menu, taskbar and Explorer, but it is paid, closed-source software whose compatibility follows supported Windows builds.
Open-Shell
The continuation of Classic Shell, bringing a classic Start menu and Explorer toolbar back to Windows 7 through 11.
Open-Shell focuses on a classic hierarchical Start menu and Explorer toolbar under the MIT license, but does not restore the Windows 10 taskbar or Alt+Tab.
Start11
Replace the Windows Start menu with customizable layouts and organization.
Start11 is a paid, closed-source Start menu replacement with multiple designs and some taskbar customization, requiring a license after the trial.
Seelen UI
Customize the Windows desktop with replacement interface components.
Seelen UI replaces Windows interface components with its own configurable panels, launching and window-management features under AGPL-3.0, rather than bringing back the Windows 10 look.
ExplorerPatcher as an alternative
Listings that name ExplorerPatcher as an alternative.
7+ Taskbar Tweaker
Change grouping, clicking and other behavior of the classic Windows taskbar.
ExplorerPatcher stays free and GPL-licensed but restores the Windows 10 taskbar on Windows 11 by patching Explorer, so major Windows updates can break it for a while.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
TranslucentTB
Makes the Windows taskbar transparent, blurred or tinted, and changes it depending on what is on screen.
SmartTaskbar
Hide the Windows taskbar automatically when it overlaps a window.
SecureUxTheme
Load custom Windows visual styles with an in-memory theme patcher.
PowerToys
Microsoft’s own bundle of more than thirty Windows utilities, from window layouts to a key remapper.
