Our verdict: ExplorerPatcher is the tool to install if you dislike the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu. It restores the Windows 10 versions and lets you adjust them from one Properties window. Because it patches File Explorer, a Windows update can break features until a new version is out.
About ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is an open-source project by valinet that modifies explorer.exe, the process that draws the Windows taskbar, Start menu and File Explorer. After installation, it restarts Explorer and shows the Windows 10 taskbar right away.
All options are in one Properties window opened by right-clicking the taskbar. You can choose the taskbar style, switch to the Windows 10 Start menu and the Windows 10 Alt+Tab switcher, and change many other details. The app has a built-in updater, and some features are not available on every Windows build.
What it does well
- Windows 10 taskbar. Restores the Windows 10 taskbar style on Windows 11.
- Windows 10 Start menu. Switches the Start menu style back to Windows 10.
- Classic Alt+Tab. Lets you use the Windows 10 window switcher instead of the Windows 11 one.
- One settings window. All tweaks are in Properties, opened from the taskbar context menu.
- Built-in updates. Checks for and installs new versions from the Updates section.
Who it is for
Good fit
Windows 11 users who want the Windows 10 taskbar and Start menu back.
Look elsewhere
Managed work PCs, and users who install Windows Insider builds or cannot fix a broken taskbar after an update.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Restores the Windows 10 taskbar, Start menu and Alt+Tab
- All settings in one place
- Built-in updater
Cons
- Windows updates can break features until ExplorerPatcher is updated
- Some options are unavailable on some Windows versions
- Patches a core Windows process, so problems affect the whole desktop
How to install ExplorerPatcher
Run ep_setup.exe (use ep_setup_arm64.exe on Snapdragon PCs). It asks for administrator rights, restarts Explorer and shows the Windows 10 taskbar. Right-click the taskbar and open Properties to change styles. To uninstall, use the Uninstall section in Properties or Apps in Settings.
Questions about ExplorerPatcher
Is ExplorerPatcher free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU GPL v2 and accepts optional donations through GitHub Sponsors.
How do I remove ExplorerPatcher?
Open Properties from the taskbar menu and use the Uninstall section, uninstall it from Apps in Settings, or run ep_setup.exe /uninstall.
