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How to Enable the Classic File Explorer Ribbon on Windows 11
The Ribbon gives access to handy features and commands
2 min. read
Updated onAugust 12, 2024
updated onAugust 12, 2024
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Every time Microsoft makes a design upgrade in Windows, there are people that prefer the old way because of different reasons.
One example is the new File Explorer in Windows 11 that substitutes the ribbon with a new command bar, unlike Windows 10.
Nowadays, it seems that every fresh UI design detail that Microsoft comes with for Windows 11 immediately gets rejected by the user community, under the pretext that they liked things better on Windows 10.
Can I get the classic File Explorer ribbon menu back in Windows 11?
Luckily, there still are some tips and tricks that some of the more tech-savvy users know how to use in order to revert some UI elements back to how they looked on the previous operating system like the File Explorer Ribbon on Windows 11.
Anything can be achieved, as long as you know where to look.
If you are one of the users that greatly appreciate the old style of doing things, as well as the old system layout, know that you can revert to the File Explorer ribbon from Windows 10, and here’s how you do it.
How do I restore the old File Explorer ribbon menu on Windows 11?
1. Manually edit the Registry
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Click the search icon on your taskbar and typeRegistry Editor, then click the first result.
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Navigate to the following registry key: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions
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Right-click theShell Extensionsfolder on the left side and selectNew > Key.
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Name the new keyBlocked.
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Open theBlockedregistry key and create a new string value by right-clicking any free space in the main panel and selectingNew > String Value.
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Name the string value{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}.
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Restart your PC to apply changes.
The process of getting the old File Explorer ribbon only requires a few moments of your time and it’s achievable without having a thorough knowledge of how computers actually work.
A simple Registry tweak will get you the desired result within a few clicks. However, you should know that performing Registry modifications is risky and should be done carefully, as to not cause any damage to your PC.
To return to default File Explorer in Windows 11, open Registry Editor and delete the Blocked key you created, close the editor, and then restart your PC.
2. Via Control Panel (only works on versions prior to build 71)
If, however, at some point you get bored with this look and want to switch to the Windows 11 version, simply follow the same steps and untick the little box you ticked in order to make this happen.
Before you go, you might want to check our guide on how tocustomize File Explorer on Windows 11for more useful tips.
Which one of the ribbons do you prefer for your File Explorer? The old Windows 10 one, or the new and improved Windows 11 version? Let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
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Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
