Use StartAllBack. Not only does it restore the old Taskbar features, it also lets you do even more things, like have the Start button on the left but keep the icons centered, and customize the transparency level (among other things). You can even use your favorite era of Start menu (7, 8.1, 10). Personally I’m using Win7’s Start Menu with Windows 11-related buttons added in (like Settings).

(Edit: It does cost $5 after a 90 day trial, but that’s less than the cost of lunch, and with all the features you’re getting I’d gladly pay 10x the amount.)