Windows 11 File Explorer - Navigation and Context Bars Swapped Places


trumpy81 said:
I think your semi-success/success is down to the versions you have installed. If you were to update your machines to 23H2, then they would all fail consistently as far as I can tell, at least until the correct procedure in ViVeTool is discovered.
Click to expand...
All three of my test machines were 23H2 with all updates applied. They're all Insider builds (Release Preview, Beta, and Canary). I'm currently building a fresh 23H2 Release. I'll test that as soon as it's built and report back.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
OK, so we are back to inconsistent results it would appear. I can only imagine that to be tied to various KB's being installed or not.

I'll be interested in seeing your results. :-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
trumpy81 said:
I'll be interested in seeing your results. :-)
Click to expand...
It also worked fine for me with 23H2 Release.

Here are the complete steps I went through:
  1. USB boot, fresh install from 23H2 release ISO (and format partition).

  2. Boot up and trigger option to create a local account (by entering "a@a.com" for email and "a" for password).

  3. Uncheck all tracking and advertising options.

  4. Check for updates and apply all listed (three passes, three restarts).

  5. Open Explorer and verify that it's the latest version.

  6. Run Cmd as administrator and then run ViVeTool.exe /disable /id:40729001

  7. Restart
Explorer then opened to the older version with the basic tabs and the address and search bars below the tool bar.

The command ViVeTool.exe /enable /id:40729001 with a restart also brings back the latest Explorer.
 

My Computer

System One

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

Do you have any before/after screenshots?

I have not been able to replicate your results.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
Zamzummin said:
Hi, after a recent update to Windows 11 I noticed that the navigation bar (back, forward, etc). and the context bar (new, cut, copy, etc.) swapped positions in file explorer. It's really messing with my muscle memory when navigating between folders. Below is a screenshot to show what I mean.

Does anyone know how to change it back to the old layout?

View attachment 77781
Click to expand...
I rarely use File Explorer as I'm a long time user of Directory Opus.
I just opened up File Explorer now, and mine is like that too. Maybe that's how Mother Microsoft intends it to be.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Stigg's Build
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-10900X
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE X299X DESIGNARE 10G
    Memory
    Corsair 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) CMW64GX4M4C3000C15 Vengeance RGB Pro 3000Mhz DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1660 Super Mini ITX 6 GB OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" FHD LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (LS27F350FHEXXY)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Pro Series 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    PSU
    Corsair HX1200 1200W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7 Black Solid Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
    Keyboard
    Razer Ornata V2
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    Logitech BRIO 4k Ultra HD USB-C Webcam
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Zephyrus M GM501GS
    CPU
    Core i7-8750H
    Motherboard
    Zephyrus M GM501GS
    Memory
    SK Hynix 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) HMA82GS6CJR8N-VK 16 GB DDR4-2666 DDR4 SDRAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC294
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AU Optronics B156HAN07.1 [15.6" LCD]
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung MZVKW512HMJP-00000 512 GB, PCI-E 3.0 x4
    Samsung SSD 860 QVO 4TB 4 TB, SATA-III
    PSU
    N/A
    Case
    N/A
    Cooling
    N/A
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Keyboard
    PC/AT Enhanced PS2 Keyboard (101/102-Key)
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    USB2.0 HD UVC Webcam
trumpy81 said:
@LesFerch

Do you have any before/after screenshots?

I have not been able to replicate your results.
Click to expand...
Sure...
1700701935174.png

Before:
1700700677534.png

After:
1700700960331.png

Maybe it only works correctly for Home and/or en-US? I guess I'll have to try Pro and en-GB.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

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

Thanks for that :-)

I re-downloaded the 23H2 ISO from Microsoft and I'm installing it in a VM now.

1700701446502.png

Something did feel off with my previous attempt, but I could not put a finger on it, I am hoping I have better results this time.

I am installing Pro though, because you said earlier that you would try Pro, but I see you have installed Home.

If this fails, I will try with Home though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
trumpy81 said:
@LesFerch
I am installing Pro though, because you said earlier that you would try Pro, but I see you have installed Home.
If this fails, I will try with Home though.
Click to expand...
I actually did a Canary Pro build earlier, but now I can't remember if that was the one that reverted back to the Win 10 Explorer. I'll do a Release Pro build and see what I get. I only get activated if it's a Home build, so that's a variable I can't make the same on Pro. I doubt it matters, but I like to leave no stone unturned...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
LesFerch said:
I only get activated if it's a Home build
Click to expand...

No problem, I can always try with Home, it will just take a little longer ... lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
OK, so I finally retried applying ViVeTool.exe /disable /id:40729001

Here are the results:

Info.png

Before:

Before.png

Apply Commands:

Apply.png

After:

After.png

I also reversed things with ViVeTool.exe /enable /id:40729001 and had no issues.

I have no idea why it would not work earlier, but I can confirm success this time round. :-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
@LesFerch

Thanks, that seems to have solved this issue ... next ... lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
I also had success with the ViVeTool method, and consequently it seems to have also returned the option to me
to display my Quick Access icons in multiple size formats.
This was something I was unable to do until now so thanks to all concerned for your time and your help.
Very much appreciated. 👍

QA.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Boot 10 / 11 Pro
@Lucas North

That's good to hear Lucas. :-)

I also noticed when restoring the old layout, that it also removes the useless Gallery button ... lol
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    G-Skill RipjawsV F4-3600C18 (16GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RX 5700 XT Gaming OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278 (x 2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    Samsung 970 Pro NVMe 512GB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0004 10TB (x 2)
    ST10000VN0008 10TB (x 2)
    ST4000VN000 4TB (x 2)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 400R
    Cooling
    AMD Wraith Prism (Stock)
    Keyboard
    Logitech G213
    Mouse
    Logitech G502
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps down / 40Mbps up
    Browser
    Firefox - Chrome - Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender - Clamwin
Zamzummin said:
Thanks. Modifying the registry values worked and the correct orientation returned:

View attachment 77794

Why they made this dumb change is beyond me, but I'm glad it's back now the way my brain remembers it.
Click to expand...
How you did it back the orientation ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo T490s
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8665U CPU @ 1.90GHz 2.11 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo 20NYS6BN00
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SNV251000G
LesFerch said:
Old Explorer:
Vivetool.exe /disable /id:407290012
Restart

New Explorer:
Vivetool.exe /enable /id:407290012
Restart
Click to expand...
Vivetool.exe is not opening for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo T490s
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8665U CPU @ 1.90GHz 2.11 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo 20NYS6BN00
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SNV251000G
jk22 said:
Vivetool.exe is not opening for me.
Click to expand...
It's not built-in. Download it from here:
github.com

Releases · thebookisclosed/ViVe

C# library and console app for using new feature control APIs available in Windows 10 version 2004 and newer - thebookisclosed/ViVe
github.com github.com

I guess you didn't go back and scan the thread. The info is all there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
LesFerch said:
It's not built-in. Download it from here:
github.com

Releases · thebookisclosed/ViVe

C# library and console app for using new feature control APIs available in Windows 10 version 2004 and newer - thebookisclosed/ViVe
github.com github.com

I guess you didn't go back and scan the thread. The info is all there.
Click to expand...
Worked.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo T490s
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8665U CPU @ 1.90GHz 2.11 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo 20NYS6BN00
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics 620
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SNV251000G
jk22 said:
Didnt worked for me.
Click to expand...
In the testing we did, it was reliable with a newly built 23H2 with all Windows updates completed. Other starting points were less consistent. If you're running a fully updated 23H2 and it's still not working, then your other option is ExplorerPatcher. StartAllBack is also an option if you are okay with going all the way back to the Windows 10 ribbon. AFAIK, StartAllback does not yet have an option to go back to the pervious Windows 11 Explorer UI.
 

My Computer

System One

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