ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is an open-source program that brings a Windows 10 style taskbar and Start menu to Windows 11. It restores removed features such as the classic context menu and taskbar options, so you can set up your desktop the way you are used to.
github.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 26100.9711.71.1
- Release date
- Oct. 29, 2026
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Installer type
- exe
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id valinet.ExplorerPatcher -eSHA256 (file verification)
2165c7d12f10b1a137472de5b64abdc64dcdd9fc31362c7ff41d7c5b57c8e9e6We couldn't find a macOS version of ExplorerPatcher in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of ExplorerPatcher in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Android version of ExplorerPatcher in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Platform pages: Windows · macOS · Linux · Android
Old versions (10)
ExplorerPatcher 26100.9711.71.1: what's new?
- ep_taskbar now verifies ITrayUI compatibility before activating and safely reverts to the stock taskbar if incompatible.
- Fixed multiple taskbar, Start menu, Alt+Tab, battery flyout, and fullscreen crashes across recent Windows builds.
- Resolved File Explorer issues, including address bar sizing, Windows 11 context menu disabling, and memory/buffer overrun bugs.
- Localized "Settings and Uninstall" into Dutch and fixed Google weather script runtime failures.
Summarized from the publisher's release notes.
Highlights
- Windows 10 style taskbar and Start menu
- Restores the classic right-click context menu
- Taskbar on different screen edges
- Alt+Tab and File Explorer appearance options
- Undo everything and return to the defaults
Who is it for?
For people who dislike the new Windows 11 taskbar and menus and want their old way of working back.
Good to know before installing
- It can break after major Windows updates until a new release is out.
- Because it modifies File Explorer, some antivirus programs may warn about it.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page.
- Run the installer; File Explorer restarts briefly.
- Right-click the taskbar and choose Properties to adjust the settings.
Alternatives
- StartAllBack
- Open-Shell
- RetroBar
Frequently asked questions
Is ExplorerPatcher free?
Yes. It is open source and free.
Why does my antivirus warn about it?
Because it hooks into Windows File Explorer, some security software, including Microsoft Defender, has flagged it by mistake at times. Only download it from the official source.
How do I remove it?
Uninstall it from Apps in Settings; the standard Windows look comes back.