Windows 11 isn’t known for its customization capabilities (much like Windows 10), and you’d probably like to be able to modify some of its components. If the built-in tools don’t allow this, third-party developers are a great help in customizing the system.
The Windows 11 user interface is more attractive than that of Windows 10, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, nor is it as effective in many areas as it seems at first glance. There are still areas that need to be improved, and the customization aspect remains difficult to manage for more advanced tasks, when we want to substantially change its appearance, the behavior of its components, or access advanced features that aren’t directly accessible in the interface. But there are solutions.
How to customize Windows 11
There’s something for everyone , especially for those more inquisitive users who like to customize the look and feel of their operating system. The available applications range from complete suites that allow you to touch absolutely everything to those that affect specific aspects such as the main interface, the Start menu, the taskbar, icons, or the behavior of the system itself. We leave you with a selection of our favorites, but remember that it’s highly recommended to create restore points beforehand in case something goes wrong and you want to return to the previous version of the system.
ThisIsWin11
A free, open-source, and truly powerful all-in-one, it goes beyond customizing visual elements and offers tweaks for almost the entire system, provides information on new features and comparisons with previous versions, automates certain functions, and improves privacy by managing telemetry and apps to reduce bloatware. It also includes a package manager, which is more useful and intuitive than Microsoft’s own WinGet. Its developer has announced that it will not update the version for the time being, but it continues to work perfectly with a free download from GitHub .
Start11
One of the best for getting a custom Start menu, with four different styles. Windows 7 and Modern offer the traditional two-column display with all apps or favorites on the left and shortcuts to different functions and locations on the right. Windows 10 uses a familiar menu and tile combination. There’s also a Windows 11 style, but with more features and flexibility than the official one. It’s commercial software from Stardock and costs $5.99, but it’s one of the best to use for alternative Start menus. It has a trial version .
RoundedTB
If customizing the Windows 11 taskbar with its native settings isn’t enough, it’s time to look for solutions outside the box, and this one is one of the best, as you can round the corners of the taskbar, divide it into segments, and add margins. Another interesting feature is making the taskbar act as a floating dock. It’s available in the Microsoft Store and is free.
Winaero Tweaker
Another of the most well-known and comprehensive applications for customizing Windows. Its developer has combined most of the available options into an all-in-one tool under a single interface. It has a huge number of features to vary visual aspects: colors; the size of window borders, title bars, and menus; as well as audio and overall system behavior. Available for free on its website .
Files App
Microsoft has updated the system’s File Explorer, but if you still don’t like it, there are third-party alternatives to replace it. This is a powerful UWP file manager that features tabs for multitasking, labels for tagging, a column layout, a dual-pane layout, cloud drive detection, file previews, custom themes, and much more. It also works with a touchscreen or mouse and keyboard. It’s more intuitive than the system default and can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store .
Lively Wallpaper
If you like to regularly change your desktop background, the one we selected is easy to change and goes even further, allowing you to set GIFs, videos, and web pages as your background. After adding the background, you can modify the brightness, speed, zoom, overlay color, and more. It’s free on the Microsoft Store . And if you want something more comprehensive, check out this special on really cool dark themes.
BeWidgets
Microsoft included Widgets as part of Windows 11, but it’s no match for this program, which lets you place customizable widgets on your desktop. You can add different types of information, such as local weather, the time, actions, or app shortcuts. You can also hide official Widgets from view. Available for free from the Microsoft Store.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker
Another of the most comprehensive tools for customizing Windows 10. It offers more than 200 settings, including privacy and security, performance, context menus, search, and much more. It also works as a taskbar customization software and lets you change the battery layout, date and time, volume, show or hide frequently used folders and recent files, and more. Free download .
TweakNow PowerPack
Aimed at customizing how Windows 10 behaves rather than how it looks, this app is one of the most comprehensive you’ll find. It offers access to over 100 hidden Windows settings, a registry cleaner, RAM optimizer, virtual desktop profiles, a revamped startup manager, and the ability to allocate CPU resources for intensive applications. It’s commercial software priced at $8.99.
Windows 11 Classic Context Menu
The Windows 11 context menu is quite annoying. When you right-click on an item, you no longer see the context menu you were used to in previous versions of Windows. Instead, you’ll see a new menu with rounded corners and fewer options. It’s customizable, but if you want an app to do the work for you, here’s one that will bring back the classic context menu.
Taskbar Tweaker
Another good taskbar customization app. It includes quite a few tweaks, many of which aren’t accessible even by working in the registry.
All of the above is a selection of the dozens of third-party apps available to customize Windows 11. Create restore points beforehand and test to get the system to your liking and needs.
