Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon in Windows 11


File_Explorer_banner.png

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 and zipping items, and changing the view. The tabs change to show extra tasks that apply to the selected item. You can hide or show the ribbon on demand.

In Windows 11, Microsoft made File Explorer modern with a clean look and brand-new command bar instead of the ribbon.

If you prefer, you can restore the classic File Explorer with ribbon in Windows 11.


Contents

  • Option One: Temporarily Open File Explorer with Ribbon
  • Option Two: Create Shortcut to Always Open File Explorer with Ribbon
  • Option Three: Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User using REG file (Works in 23H2+)
  • Option Four: Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for All Users using REG file (No longer works in 22H2+)
  • Option Five: Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using REG file (No longer works in 22H2+)
  • Option Six: Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using Command (No longer works in 22H2+)


EXAMPLE: File Explorer with command bar and ribbon in Windows 11

File_Explorer_with_command_bar.webp
File_Explorer_with_ribbon.png





Option One

Temporarily Open File Explorer with Ribbon


This option will open a File Explorer window with the ribbon.

You will be able to browse and navigate in this File Explorer window with a ribbon only for as long as this window is open.


1 Open the Control Panel.

2 Perform one of the following actions depending on which Control Panel view is used: (see screenshots below)
  • If using small icons view, click/tap twice on the Up arrow.
  • If using large icons view, click/tap twice on the Up arrow.
  • If using category view, click/tap once on the Up arrow.
Control_Panel_small_icons_view.png
Control_Panel_large_icons_view.png
Control_Panel_category_view.png

3 You will now have a File Explorer window with the ribbon open. (see screenshot below)

File_Explorer_window_with_ribbon.png





Option Two

Create Shortcut to Always Open File Explorer with Ribbon


You can Pin to Taskbar, Pin to Start, add to Start menu All apps, assign a keyboard shortcut to, or move this shortcut to where you like for easy usage.


If there's a folder or location you want File Explorer to open to by default that's not listed below, then please post a request for it. I'll be happy to add it to the shortcut list below for you.


The shortcut commands below will only work with an English language installation. If you use a different language, then please post a request for a translated version of the shortcut command you want to use. "Control Panel" and the folder name (ex: "Desktop") in the command needs to be translated for your language instead.



1 Create a new shortcut using the command below for the path you want:

Open File Explorer to Desktop with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lDesktop~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to Home with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lHome~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to OneDrive with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lShell:OneDrive~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to This PC with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lThis PC~"'")}"




Option Three

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User using REG file


This option will only work on Windows 11 version 23H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (default - undo) below for what you would like to do.


 2. Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon_for_current_user.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{2aa9162e-c906-4dd9-ad0b-3d24a8eef5a0}]
@="CLSID_ItemsViewAdapter"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{2aa9162e-c906-4dd9-ad0b-3d24a8eef5a0}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\\Windows\\System32\\Windows.UI.FileExplorer.dll_"
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{6480100b-5a83-4d1e-9f69-8ae5a88e9a33}]
@="File Explorer Xaml Island View Adapter"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{6480100b-5a83-4d1e-9f69-8ae5a88e9a33}\InProcServer32]
@="C:\\Windows\\System32\\Windows.UI.FileExplorer.dll_"
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar\ShellBrowser]
"ITBar7Layout"=hex:13,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,20,00,00,00,10,00,01,00,\
  00,00,00,00,01,00,00,00,01,07,00,00,5e,01,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
  00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00


 3. Restore Modern File Explorer with Command Bar and Tabs for Current User

This is the default setting to undo step 2.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar_for_current_user.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{2aa9162e-c906-4dd9-ad0b-3d24a8eef5a0}]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{6480100b-5a83-4d1e-9f69-8ae5a88e9a33}]

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Four

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for All Users using REG file


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (default - undo) below for what you would like to do.

2 Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked]
"{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}"=-

3 Restore Modern File Explorer with Command Bar

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked]
"{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}"=""

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Sign out and sign in or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Five

Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using REG file


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.


 2. To Enable File Explorer Command Bar

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Enable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}]


 3. To Disable File Explorer Command Bar

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Disable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg​


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocServer32]
@=""

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Six

Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using Command


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below you want into Windows Terminal, and press Enter.

(Disable)​
reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocServer32" /f /ve​

OR​

(Enable - default)​
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}" /f​

3 Close Windows Terminal.

4 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 

Attachments

Last edited:
Click to expand...
Strange...,
in Settings it shows as a Security update...

0005644.png


... but in Control Panel it shows as a 2 Part update...

0005643.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I have the same issue after I updated my Canary build to 25997.1010.

I had installed StartAllBack 3.6.16 before running the update (despite the red warning saying it's not compatible) and had it set to Proper 11. Explorer is now in Windows 10 mode. I'll see if I can roll back and try again without StartAllBack installed, as it may have nothing to do with the issue.

P.S. StartAllBack popped up a notice regarding 3.7beta. I'll look at that after testing without StartAllBack.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
After removing StartAllBack and applying the next update that came up (.Net Famework update) all returned to normal. Sorry for changing two variables at once, as now I'm not sure which one had an effect, but at least I saw the issue and now see it fixed. Hope that helps. I'll report back if I run some more tests.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
LesFerch said:
After removing StartAllBack and applying the next update that came up (.Net Famework update) all returned to normal. Sorry for changing two variables at once, as now I'm not sure which one had an effect, but at least I saw the issue and now see it fixed. Hope that helps. I'll report back if I run some more tests.
Click to expand...
My bet would be on SAB, but maybe their Beta version will correct the issue.
Although I do not use SAB, your efforts are appreciated.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. TUF Gaming FX705GM
    CPU
    2.20 gigahertz Intel i7-8750H Hyper-threaded 12 cores
    Motherboard
    ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. FX705GM 1.0
    Memory
    24428 Megabytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 630 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
    Sound Card
    Intel(R) Display Audio / Realtek(R) Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated Monitor (17.3"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD 1920X1080 16:9
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD SATA/NVM Express 1.3
    WDS500G2B0A-00SM50 500.1 GB
    WDCSDAPNUW-1002 256 GB
    PSU
    19V DC 6.32 A 120 W
    Cooling
    Dual Fans
    Mouse
    MS Bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    Fiber 1GB Cox -us & 400MB Orange-fr
    Browser
    Edge Canary- Firefox Nightly-Chrome Dev
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    VMs of Windows 11 stable/Beta/Dev/Canary
    VM of XeroLinux- Arch based & Debian 12
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Insider Canary
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X751BP
    CPU
    AMD Dual Core A6-9220
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R5 M420
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1600X900 16:9
    Hard Drives
    1TB 5400RPM
Someone posted about it over on Tihiy's page..., no response yet...

5630.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I uninstalled the updates and reinstalled them, but it didn't work. I installed the StartAllBack application, uninstalled and reinstalled it, but nothing changed. The problem probably won't be fixed in the next Canary update either. I reinstalled with the ISO file, and still, nothing changed. The same process will likely occur with the new update. If nothing changes, I might have to use it like this until a clean installation is possible. Perhaps if the StartAllBack developer addresses this issue and allows it to be replaced with the normal version instead of the old one, it might be resolved. Otherwise, I'll have to stick with it until a clean installation is needed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel-NVIDIA
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Internet Speed
    100Mbit
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Total Security
I haven't a clue what the heck is goin on..., I'm just content my Explorer is cooperating... 🤞🤞🤞

0005647.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
OAT said:
My bet would be on SAB, but maybe their Beta version will correct the issue.
Although I do not use SAB, your efforts are appreciated.
Click to expand...
Seems that's the case. I reinstalled Canary from ISO without installing SAB. All of the updates applied without issue and Explorer remained as the Windows 11 version. Once everything was updated, SAB 3.6.16 appears to work just fine, even though it warns "not intended for this Windows version". The 3.7 Beta shows the same warning for Canary, but also appears to work fine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
Solution for me:
I use the command vivetool /resetall. I honestly forgot if I restarted, but along with that, I executed the sfc /scannow command and restarted. Explorer is back to normal. (I think i didn't restart after vivetool /resetall command.)

Delete all tweakers (StartAllBack etc.)
Run the command with vivetool.
Code: 
vivetool /resetall
Also, execute the command sfc /scannow in the command prompt and restart after completion.

1700337573986.png
1700337621258.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel-NVIDIA
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Internet Speed
    100Mbit
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Total Security
The irony is that I would really like to know how I can force the old Explorer to be the default without having to use StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
LesFerch said:
The irony is that I would really like to know how I can force the old Explorer to be the default without having to use StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher.
Click to expand...
The real irony is that I did it..., but, I don't have a clue how I did it!!! :zany:

SAB disabled:

0005648.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Edwin said:
The real irony is that I did it..., but, I don't have a clue how I did it!!! :zany:
Click to expand...

Do the new Notepad and Paint still load on your machine? And is the behavior the same if you login with a different account? And does it change if you completely uninstall SAB?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Edwin said:
Nope!
Click to expand...
One of 2 things, either SAB is leaving residue behind or, the boys in the kitchen at Redmond fecked something up! 🤷‍♂️
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I've got some weird :poop: goin on here!
Look at the full context menu when I right click on a Nav Pane item! 🤷‍♂️

0005649.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Edwin said:
One of 2 things, either SAB is leaving residue behind or, the boys in the kitchen at Redmond fecked something up! 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
Based on the testing I did earlier today, I lean to the former. I did a fresh build from the 25905 ISO and installed all updates without any problem. I only recreated the issue when SAB was involved. Again, no blame, since it says "not intended for this Windows version".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
I don't have New context menu's anywhere!

0005650.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
LesFerch said:
Based on the testing I did earlier today, I lean to the former. I did a fresh build from the 25905 ISO and installed all updates without any problem. I only recreated the issue when SAB was involved. Again, no blame, since it says "not intended for this Windows version".
Click to expand...
Doesn't make sense though..., I've been running the 3.7BETA for 2½ weeks now and the glitch only appeared with 25997!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
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