Improve Windows OS environment

ExplorerPatcher is a free and open-source Windows desktop utility that brings back the functionalities of Windows 10 on a Windows 11 operating system. This includes classic features mostly from the menus and taskbar with labels support, small icons. A wide range of customizations are also accessible.  

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Aiming to enhance your computer environment, you have the liberty to tailor your PC to your liking and convenience. Keep in mind though that ExplorerPatcher works more as a DLL file to retrieve your favorite Windows functions rather than running as a simple application. 

How do I install ExplorerPatcher?

ExplorerPatcher will require installation to make use of its services. Before proceeding to run the installer, you have to place it first in the main folder of your Windows 11 system. This way the added functionality will be activated along with the current ones, expanding further your computer’s abilities. It includes the restoration of the original Windows 10 taskbar that many loved for its tons of handy options. 

During the installment process, an internet connection must be secured. Afterward, a restart will be prompted to see the changes. Once done, a familiar Windows 10 interface will greet you. If you want to modify it to your liking, you can freely do so simply through a taskbar right-click and select ‘Properties’ thereafter. From here, you can opt to disable Windows 11 context menu and command bar in File Explorer

On top of that, you can pick which action to perform when left and/or right-click the network icon. Deactivating the Windows Search altogether and reverting the Windows 7 search box instead can be possibly done as well. Even the immersive menus and utilization of mitigations can optionally be shut down. The only downside though is that pinning of shortcuts is not supported by the patcher package.

Expand Windows desktop features

If you're missing Windows 10’s elegant tools then, ExplorerPatcher will be a great keep for you. It's a powerful utility that retrieves the nostalgic interface along with its user-friendly functions. However, using this doesn’t mean you have to discard the Windows 11 capabilities that you also like, rather it provides you the capacity to use both of the Windows version’s elements depending on whichever will suit your current need.

  • Pros

    • Use Windows 10 features on Windows 11 OS
    • Easily install
    • Highly customizable
    • Free and open-source patcher
  • Cons

    • Pinning shortcuts to the taskbar is not accessible
 0/10

App specs

  • License

    Free

  • Version

    22631.5335.68.2
  • Latest update

  • Platform

    Windows

  • OS

    Windows 11

  • Downloads

    8.5K

    Last month's downloads

    • 353
  • Size

    12.06 MB

  • Developer

Program available in other languages


Icon of program: ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher for PC

  • Free
  • 2.3
    10
  • 8.5K
  • V22631.5335.68.2

User reviews about ExplorerPatcher

2.3

1 reviews

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Main reviews for you

  • Anonymous user

    Don't use Explorerpatcher. I downloaded this on two older computers awhile back and it worked fine. But I had new dell laptop with windows 11. When I downloaded EP this time, it kept crashing win explorer and dell tech support could not fix issue and sent a replacement laptop. Stupidly, i downloaded it again on the replacement laptop thinking it was just a fluke. Nope. Same thing. Tech support at least guided me to factory reset on the replacement so I didn't have to send it back. I'm uninstalling on the older computers now because I think a new windows 11 update will create the same problem and crash my older computers.

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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.
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Is ExplorerPatcher safe?

96/100

Score result: Clean

This file passed a comprehensive security scan using VirusTotal technology. It is safe to download.

  • Virus free
  • Spyware free
  • Malware free
  • Verified by Security Partners

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Scan Info

Last scan
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Scan provider
VirusTotal · Full report

File Integrity

File
22631.5335.68.2.exe
SHA256
3680aa912d3ed60fd4762b349701e280a3d34771b659f14809d3882ababd64f0
SHA1
83722b0918661bb73ccdbf93ed8a098161aab379

Softonic security commitment

ExplorerPatcher has been thoroughly scanned by our advanced security systems and verified by industry-leading partners. This file comes from the official developer and has passed all our security checks, showing no signs of viruses, malware, or spyware. For more information, visit our Security and Trust Center