When Windows 11 was introduced to the public, it had numerous new features and notable modifications, including areas of the operating system that had stayed practically untouched for decades yet may be deemed unappealing by others. The most noticeable change was the transition of File Explorer from the popular ribbon-based user interface to a more simplified layout. If the new File Explorer menu choice in Windows 11 does not suit you, the procedure of reverting to Windows 10 File Explorer from Windows 11 is, thankfully, simpler than some of the other adjustments. Microsoft anticipates customer demand and allows you to Restore Windows 10's Classic File Explorer in Windows 11 with a pretty easy registry modification. There is no need for third-party apps.
How Do I Reinstall Classic File Explorer on Windows 11?
If you are already familiar with the File Explorer bar user interface in Windows 10, it is simple to use. With a single DWORD, you may replace Windows 11 Explorer with Windows 10 and prior. All you need to know is what to title it and where to store it. The following are the measures to take:
- Start the search tool, type "Regedit," and then choose Regedit from the results.
- Go to the Shell Extensions registry key and double-click it.
- Shell Extensions in HKEY LOCAL MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion. To get there, copy and paste the above path into the Registry Editor browser window.
We need to create a new key, so right-click on the Shell Extensions folder and choose New, then key, and then name it Blocked.
We must now add a string value. Create a new string value in the 'Blocked' registry entry.
To use the default contemporary explorer with the command bar, double-click the key and type delete> in the Value Data box.
This is what Windows 11 File Explorer looks like. To save the changes, click OK. For it to take effect, restart your computer or sign in and out.
To utilise Windows 10 Classic Explorer on Windows 11, double-click the key and type delete> in the Value Data box.
To save the changes, click OK. Now you may close the registry file editor and restart your computer.
To restore Windows 11's default explorer, open Regedit, erase the locked key you generated, exit the editor, and restart your machine.
