Solved How can I make W11 File Explorer just like W10

I'm working with Windows 11 for a few months now. Two things that have me frustrated:

1. As hard as I try , I can't get File Explorer to look and work like w10. All files on my "Old" computer were neatly arranged using libraries like Documents, downloads, Music, etc. I had subfolders in each library (e.g., under Documents I had computers - then subdocuments from computers by brand/type/components etc. I can’t even get W11 to break out the various libraries much less subcategorize them
2. W11 has OneDrive as the default for everything that I save, necessitating that I go back and save to My Documents or change e.g., MS Word to default to my preferred location.

Is there a setting to have File Explorer look and behave like W10?

Is there a setting to have File Explorer look and behave like W10?

Hello,

This below may do the trick.

Brink said:

Hello,

This below may do the trick.

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic File Explorer with Ribbon for your account or all users in Windows 11. File Explorer in Windows 10 has a ribbon, tabs, and a title bar with color. The ribbon includes common tasks, such as copying and moving, creating new folders, emailing...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

That has not worked for many years.

Brink said:

Hello,

This below may do the trick.

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic File Explorer with Ribbon for your account or all users in Windows 11. File Explorer in Windows 10 has a ribbon, tabs, and a title bar with color. The ribbon includes common tasks, such as copying and moving, creating new folders, emailing...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

Thanks Brink.

I THINK that it's wrking - but not without a major scare. I followed Option 2 (I think) and clicked on a warning that all the files on my subfolder would be irretrieaviably lost. I clicked anyway. when I restarted Windoew 11 I couldn't find the files saved to the sbfolder! But on browsing the new libraarys setup I've found the *lost* files. So I'm still checking it out, but I think that I've configured File Explorer to my liking. I only wish I'd screen captured my route to the fix.

Just a warning to others trying your fix,

I've been playing with Windhawk. While its installer & UI are a bit slow, it's free and has modules for restoring the classic Explorer Ribbon, and hiding Recommended items from the Start Menu.

cereberus said:

That has not worked for many years.

Click to expand...

Sure it does.

Open-Shell is available in GitHub. It can mimic previous versions of Windows. I found I prefer the Windows 7 Pro interface. The Windows 11 interface is still there. It has near endless customization, all while making the native interface available.