How to Restore the Classic File Explorer Ribbon in Windows 11

There are many reasons why you might want to go back to the old classic file browsing ribbon from modern design. You may not like the level of options offered in the new design, or you’re used to the classic ribbon. Whatever the reason may be, in this article we will show you how to restore the classic file explorer ribbon in Windows 11.

Before you begin, it’s important to note that some methods may not work depending on the version of Windows 11 you’re running. With that in mind, let’s start the article by learning the difference between the classic and new design ribbon on Windows 11.

Difference between Classic Ribbon Menu with New Design

There is a good difference between the old classic ribbon menu with the new modern ribbon design. The new ribbon on Windows 11 is clean, visually appealing, and focuses more on simplicity and clarity. In contrast, the classic ribbon allows users to find and use commands more easily by organizing them into logical groups.

In addition, the new modern ribbon is more responsive and can adapt to different screen sizes and shows only the most relevant commands based on the user’s current context. While there are some additional functions and new ribbon features on Windows 11 to offer, some users still prefer the classic ribbon. So let’s start with methods.

1. Temporarily Restore File Explorer Classic Ribbon Using Control Panel

This method, as mentioned, is a temporary way to get the old classic ribbon on the file browser. However, it still works because this is the only method that works if you are using the latest version of Windows 11. There’s no other way to bring the classic ribbon back.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Dashboard and press Enter.

Step 2: Now click the Up arrow in the Control Panel.

Step 3: Click the Up arrow again. This will take you to the main Dashboard page.

Step 4: You will land on the Desktop in File Explorer with the old Classic ribbon.

You can move around folders and other documents. However, the old ribbon will disappear when you close and reopen the window. If you don’t want a temporary solution but a permanent solution, move on to the next method.

2. Restore Classic File Explorer with Registry Editor

Before we start with this method, it is important to understand that this method no longer works if you are using Windows 11 version 22H22 or later. However, if not belonging to a specific user group, restoring the classic file browser in Windows 11 may seem complicated because it involves Registry Editor, but it is quite simple. Follow the instructions below.

Note: We strongly recommend backing up the Windows Registry before performing the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Registry Editorand click ‘Run as administrator.’

Note: You can also press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run dialog, type regedit.exe and click OK to open the Registry Editor.

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar enter the address mentioned below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions

Note: You can also navigate to the location manually.

Step 3: In the Shell Extensions folder, right-click on the right pane, select New and select Key.

Step 4: Name the Key as Blocked.

Step 5: Go to the Blocked folder, right-click, select New, and select String Value.

Step 6: Now, type like below:

{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}

Step 6: Finally, restart your Windows 11 PC.

That’s it, you have successfully restored the old file browsing ribbon in Windows 11. If you want to go back to the modern ribbon, click the string {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}, right click the string there and click Delete. In the ‘Confirm delete value’ prompt, click Yes.

If the steps are too long to follow, you can do the same method using the Command Prompt. Read on.

3. How to Enable Classic File Explorer with Command Prompt

Restoring the old file explorer ribbon on Windows 11 is simple. However, similar to the above method, this method no longer works if you are using Windows 11 version 22H22 or later. That way, let’s start with the steps.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Command promptand click ‘Run as administrator.’

Step 2: Type the command below and press Enter.

To enable, type the command below:

reg delete “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}” /f​

To disable, type the command below:

reg add “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocServer32” /f /ve​

Step 3: Close the Command window and restart your computer.

You’ll be greeted with the classic old file explorer ribbon on Windows 11. If you have any questions, check out the FAQs section below.

File Explorer Classic Ribbon Restore FAQ

1. What is the File Explorer ribbon?

The ribbon is a graphical user interface element in the File Explorer application in Microsoft Windows. It replaces the menu bar and toolbar in previous versions of the application. It is organized into a series of tabs, each containing a set of buttons and related menus. This makes it easy for users to find and access their needed features and options.

2. How many categories are there in the File Explorer ribbon?

You can find various tabs on the File Explorer ribbon. Each tab contains buttons and menus associated with it. Such as; Home: This tab includes buttons and options for managing files and folders. Sharing: This tab contains options for sharing files and folders with other users. View: This tab contains options to adjust how files and folders are displayed in the File Explorer window, etc. Additionally, the File Explorer ribbon may also include other tabs depending on the context or task. specifically what you are doing.

Back to the classic

The above methods are some of the ways you can restore the classic File Explorer ribbon in Windows 11. Now that you know, you may also want to disable the ‘Show mode options’ context menu in Windows 11. That is to say, you are better off adapting to the changing design than going back to the classic.

Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/