Microsoft has completely blocked the ability to switch back to the good old Windows 10 Start menu in Windows 11 in the latest test version of the upcoming operating system, which disappoints many testers.
This is perhaps not so surprising, in that the way one could previously go back to the regular start menu (button on the left, instead of in the middle) was a relatively complicated process – which Tom’s Hardware notices, then one had to go into the Windows registry and make a kind of little “hack” to make it happen.
It is normally not recommended to mess too much in the Windows registry, and especially not if you do not have steel control over what you do. If you make a mistake in the registry, it can have major consequences for the operating system of the individual user. That said, the majority of users testing Windows 11 are of the more tech-savvy type, but it’s understandable that Microsoft is trying to limit how much mischief people can do in a software that is still in the testing stage.
In the new test version of Windows 11, with the sounding version name 22000.65, Microsoft has made a change which means that the registry trick no longer works, and now it is not possible to recall the good old Windows 10 menu, if you do not has something special left over for the new Windows 11 variant.
After all, a test
It is no wonder that Microsoft is early on with such a change, given that one of the purposes of such a test is to refine the new start menu, and then one must of course make sure that testers actually use the new variant, and do not go back to previous version.
It is currently unclear whether the final version of Windows 11 will be locked to the new Start menu. Microsoft may allow users to choose between new and old at launch, but it remains to be seen. Ultimately, supporting older features can serve as a lure for anyone who does not like change, but who is still interested in trying Windows 11 – because there are quite controversial changes that are on the way with the new operating system and the new centered start menu.
It’s still too early to speculate what Microsoft will end up with supporting new and old in the final version of Windows 11, and feedback from testers (and other potential users online) is likely to have an impact on Microsoft’s plans – but even if the change in the Windows registry is permanent, and you can not change the start menu with a built-in solution, then undoubtedly third parties will come on the scene (such as players like Stardock), and help anyone who wants to go back in time when it applies to user interfaces.
Windows 11 will be launched step by step, and the rollout of the new operating system will start later in 2021. For Windows 10 users, this will be one free upgrade, and in theory you will be able to switch to the new OS, even if you are still using Windows 7 or 8.1.
