Each new Windows release introduces changes designed to modernize its UI. However, you may miss the classic functionality of an earlier Start menu and taskbar, which many users still prefer. A variety of utilities exist to restore these traditional UI elements while expanding customization options.

Microsoft has reintroduced the ability to move the taskbar to the top and to the sides in Windows 11 26H2, and there's a new smaller taskbar option, too, but native settings are still limited if you want total customization. Below is a curated selection of widely used utilities that allow you to restore classic Windows navigation or transform the desktop layout into a dock-based experience similar to macOS.

Windows UI Restorers

These utilities rebuild or replace the native Windows taskbar and Start menu to restore legacy navigation, menu layouts, and system tray functionality.

StartAllBack

StartAllBack is a lightweight, low-overhead utility for modifying the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu.…