Windows 11 Taskbar Modified To Go Back To Windows 10 Taskbar

I, like millions of others, have complained that the new Windows 11 taskbar is something I dislike for various reasons. In my case, I wish to have a taskbar that I can place as many shortcuts as possible (to keep my desktop clear so that it displays my chosen "Background" photos without a lot of Icons blocking it. I actually have many thousands of photos which rotate every minute.

After trying various methods to "fix" the problem, including the 3rd party software ($4.99 per machine) "StartAllBack", I have finally found a method where I can install Windows 11 on all 7 of my machines compatible with Windows 11 and still have something close to the old Windows 10 taskbar. Please note that "StartAllBack" is wonderful software and is an easy to install solution to the problem if you prefer to have the old Windows 7 start menu look. I do not prefer Windows 7 start menu.

My method to return the Windows 10 taskbar look ... do a search for the file dxgi.dll and download the latest version. Copy (or cut) the file and paste it into the C:\Windows directory. Restart your machine WITH INTERNET ACCESS and the file should be automatically updated and your taskbar will revert to something like the older Windows 10 taskbar. Note that this may take a minute or two after the reboot appears finished. Unfortunately, at this point, the taskbar will not show a clock until you install a certain free 3rd party application.

Next, download (from Major Geeks) the free application "ElevenClock". ElevenClock is intended to add the clock to the taskbars of secondary displays, but with a simple checkmark in it's settings, will also place a clock in the primary taskbar. Install ElevenClock, go to it's settings and place a checkmark (tick) in the box next to "Show the clock on the primary Screen".

Please note that if you have a black taskbar, you may also have to tick "Force the clock to have white text".

To Major Geeks ... I give you permission to use the above in your tutorials or to modify as you wish in order to use it.

 

Whoops ... it appears that you must download a specific version of dxgi.dll . I found the required version at https://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Explorer-Patcher-for-Windows-11.shtml . Without the required version, the above method will not work.

 

I've now successfully setup 7 different Windows 11 machines with the Windows 10 taskbar and a clock using the methods above.