Before we dive into it, let us tell you that Windows 10 does not have a native way to change the appearance of the taskbar. You will have to play with the system settings. The good thing is that it's not rocket science.
However, with this method it is not possible to replicate the entire look. For example, the Start button will always be on the left. And icons for Wi-Fi, volume, etc. will be the standard Windows 10 icons.
If you still want to get ahead, here's how to get the Windows 11-like taskbar in Windows 10.
How to Get Windows 11-like Taskbar in Windows 10
This should work on all editions of Windows 10.
Step 1 : Open Windows Explorer and create two empty folders. The name and location of the folders does not matter.
In our case, we named our folders F1 and F2.
Step 2 : Next, right-click on the taskbar and select Toolbars > New Toolbar. The system will now prompt you for a location. Choose one of the empty folders you just created.
Do the same for the second folder.
Once down, you will see two toolbars on the taskbar with the names of the folders you just created.
Step 3 : Next, right-click on the taskbar and uncheck the Lock all toolbars option. You will notice vertical markers next to the toolbars you just created. These markers are movable.
All you have to do is swipe one of the toolbars to the left, next to the Start button. Leave the right toolbar as it is.
Step 4: After that, drag the icon folder to the right and align it in the center.
Now you will see a rough structure forming. For the final touch, right-click on the toolbars and uncheck the Show Title and Show Text option for both toolbars.
This will remove the name and text, giving you empty space on either side of the icons folder, just like Windows 11.
Step 5 : Finally, right-click on the taskbar and select Lock Taskbar to securely lock the taskbar in place. After that, you cannot change the height or location of the taskbar.
This is how you can change the location of the taskbar and make it look like Windows 11.
Although this process seems tedious, you only need to set it up once.
Taskbar customizations
In Windows 11, Microsoft minimized the entire taskbar to the center. By default, the Start button and the Search button are next to the application icons and center folder options.
But as we noted earlier, you won't be able to bring the Start button to the center. Nevertheless, there are some customizations you can still make.
1. Delete News and Weather
If you want the full experience, you can remove or disable the News & Weather widget from the taskbar.
To do this, right-click on the taskbar and select News & Interests > Disable. That's it.
The widget will disappear from the taskbar.
2. Declutter the System Tray
At the same time, if you want to declutter the system tray, you can do so by removing certain icons. By default, Windows 10 displays Wi-Fi status, volume, battery, among others.
However, if you don't check it regularly, it can be overflowing with icons. For example, one of our Windows PCs had icons for Meet Now, Windows Update Status, and Dropbox, which made it cluttered.
Step 1 : Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. Next, scroll down until you see the option for the notification area.
Select the 'Select which icon…' option.
Step 2: Next, toggle the switch for the icons you want to remove. It is more or less that.
You will have a clean system tray like Windows 11, although the user experience and icons remain the same as Windows 10.