With the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft unveiled a plethora of enhancements, both in terms of features and design. Among these changes, the redesigned File Explorer stands out, showcasing a modern interface tailored to fit the new aesthetics of Windows 11. However, this transformation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For users who’ve transitioned from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the absence of the familiar ribbon, context menu, and a host of other features can be somewhat jarring. If you find yourself missing the traditional layout and functionality of Windows 10’s File Explorer, fret not! Microsoft has made it possible for users to revert to the older version. Through a simple registry modification, you can restore the Windows 10 File Explorer experience on your Windows 11 system. Dive into our guide below to learn how you can achieve this seamlessly.
Windows 11 Default File Explorer look:
Windows 11 Classic File Explorer look:
Fortunately, you can retrieve the old Windows 10 File Explorer on Windows 11, restoring the classic ribbon and jump menus in the right-click context menu. However, this requires editing the registry file. This risewindows article will guide you on how to bring back Windows 10’s File Explorer in Windows 11.
How to Reclaim Windows 10 File Explorer on Windows 11?
Follow the below-mentioned steps to get the Windows 10 File Explorer to Windows 11:-
Step 1. First, open Registry Editor.
To do so, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously from the keyboard to open the Run dialog box. In the Run box, type regedit and hit Enter from the keyboard.
Step 2. Now, in the registry editor, navigate to the following key from the left side pane:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Step 3. Then, on the right side of the Advanced key, double-click on the DWORD (32-bit) Value SeperateProcess and change its Value data from 0 to 1.
Step 4. After that, click OK.
Step 5. Finally, reboot your computer to apply the changes.
After completing the above steps, Windows 10 File Explorer will turn into Windows 11. So, the Ribbon menu will appear, and even the right-click menu on File Explorer will turn to Classic. Even some of the icon designs may be a bit different. For instance, the library folders in Windows 11 are in different colors, not just yellow.
If you change your mind and want to restore the default File Explorer of Windows 11 in the future, then repeat the above steps, and in step 3, change the Value data of SeperateProcess from 1 to 0. Restart your computer, and you will see a brand-new Windows 11 File Explorer.
Further, decrease the distances between icons on Windows 11 File Explorer to get a complete look and feel of Windows 10 File Explorer.
Also Read: How to Increase or Decrease Space between Items in File Explorer on Windows 11?
Conclusion
For those who transitioned from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the redesigned File Explorer can be a significant change to adapt to. Microsoft’s modern take on the File Explorer does resonate with the aesthetics of Windows 11. However, the absence of the ribbon, the old context menu, and several other features can be disconcerting for some users. Thankfully, Microsoft offers a way to retrieve the familiar Windows 10 File Explorer on Windows 11. By following a few simple steps in the registry editor, users can revert to the classic File Explorer experience. It’s a testament to Microsoft’s user-centric approach, ensuring that every user feels at home, irrespective of the changes introduced.
