Did you know that you can restore the classic Windows 10 Action Center in Windows 11 without using any third-party software? In this article, we will show you how to restore the old Action Center interface with simple steps that will allow you to enjoy a more familiar and simplified notification experience. Follow our guide to easily change your system settings and return to the Windows 10 design without the need for additional software or complicated settings.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 share a common core and are very similar at a basic level. However, some useful features from Windows 10 are still missing in Windows 11, including the ability to move the taskbar. On the bright side, Windows 11 has features like the Action Center with a more modern design. If the new Action Center in Windows 11 made you miss the old Action Center in Windows 10, then you’re in luck! Now we know how to get it back in Windows 11.
Windows 10 Action Center is now available on Windows 11
You don’t need third-party customization software to restore the old Action Center to your Windows 11 PC. Instead, you need to know how to use the Windows Registry. If this is you, then half the work is done. You can copy the following registry key, save it as a .reg file, and open it to get the old Action Center back.
You can do this manually if you want. But in this case, be sure to restart your computer for the change to take effect. However, it would be best if you were a Windows Insider on the Canary channel to restore the old Action Center on your computer. Windows tinkerer @TheBobPony successfully restored the Windows 10 Action Center on Windows 11 Canary Build 27744, which was released a week ago. I tried this hack on my computer running Windows 11 23H2, but it didn’t work. This means that the trick only works on Build 27744.
Is it worth using the old Action Center, and what will you lose after switching?
If you want to get rid of the nostalgia, then this is the way to go. For everyone else, the answer is unclear. The old Action Center is the winner for a reason. I loved its Calendar integration and I’m disappointed that it’s not available in Windows 11. It’s unclear whether you’ll get the same Calendar integration after switching to the old Action Center. If you’re interested in Build 27744, give it a try.
However, it’s worth noting that in Windows 10 Action Center, you can get all your notifications and quick settings in one place, but that’s not the case in Windows 11. Also, quick settings and notifications have their own dedicated panels, making them easier to use. They can be accessed, viewed, and managed by multiple people.
How to restore the old Windows 10 Action Center in Windows 11
There are several ways to restore the classic Windows 10 action center in Windows 11. From simple registry tweaks to third-party tools, these methods allow you to get back the familiar notification interface without making any complicated changes.
Method 1: Using Registry Editor (For Windows 11 Canary Build 27744)
This method involves modifying the Windows Registry and can be risky if done incorrectly. It is very important to back up your registry before proceeding.
1. Open Registry Editor
- Press the Windows key, type “regedit” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following key
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control\Center
3. Create a new DWORD value
- Right-click in the right-side pane, select “New”, and then select “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
4. Name the new value
- Name the new DWORD value “EnableLegacyActionCenter”.
5. Change the value data
- Double-click the newly created DWORD value and set the “Value data” to “1”.
6. Restart your computer
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Note: This method has been confirmed to work only on Windows 11 Canary Build 27744. It may not work on other versions.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor (No Third-Party Software Required)
Windows 11 doesn’t offer a built-in option to revert the Action Center to the Windows 10 design, but you can manually change the registry settings to restore the old UI.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Open Registry Editor:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type regedit, and press Enter. You will be asked to allow the app to make changes to your device – click Yes to continue.
2. Navigate to the Action Center registry key:
- In Registry Editor, navigate to the following path. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Create a new DWORD value:
- Right-click the Advanced folder in the left pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value “UseActionCenterExperience” (without the quotes).
4. Modify the DWORD value:
- Double-click the newly created UseActionCenterExperience entry.
- To restore the classic Action Center (Windows 10 style), set the value data to 0.
- Click OK to confirm the changes.
5. Restart your computer:
- Close Registry Editor and restart your computer. The old Windows 10 Action Center should now be visible when you click the notification icon on the taskbar.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Tool (For Windows 11 23H2)
There is no official way to restore the old Action Center on Windows 11 23H2, but some third-party tools claim to offer this feature. However, using such tools may introduce risks and instability to your system. We recommend that you proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Important:
1. Back up your system:
- It is recommended that you create a system restore point or a full system image backup before making any major changes to your system.
2. Be careful:
- Modifying the Windows registry can have unintended consequences if done incorrectly. Always exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks.
3. Consider the alternatives:
- While the old Action Center may be familiar, the new Action Center in Windows 11 offers some improvements and modern features. You may want to explore its features and see if they suit your needs.
Please note that Microsoft does not officially support these methods, and they will not be available in future updates to Windows 11.
Method 4: Use a third-party tool (if you want a simpler solution)
The registry tweaking method works, but if you prefer a more user-friendly approach, there are third-party tools like StartAllBack or Classic Shell that can help you restore the old Windows 10 UI elements, including the Action Center. However, these require downloading and installing additional software.
Important Note:
Back-Up Your Registry:
- Always back up your registry before making any changes, as improper changes can negatively affect system stability.
No Revert:
- If you want to revert to the Windows 11 Action Center after enabling the classic version, set the UseActionCenterExperience DWORD value back to 1 or delete it completely.
Final Words
By following these steps, you can easily restore the classic Windows 10 action center in Windows 11, offering a more familiar interface to users who prefer the old design. While this tweak may help you restore the functionality and layout you’re used to, it’s important to note that these methods are not officially supported by Microsoft. As a result, there’s no guarantee that they’ll continue to work in future Windows 11 updates. If you decide to change your system, back up your registry and be prepared for possible changes in upcoming releases. Always be vigilant and keep your system up to date for optimal performance and security.
