How to Restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11

written by ShaadLife Team July 26, 2021

What You Will Learn in This Guide:

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FE in Windows 11
Restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11

Do you want to switch back to Win10 File Explorer on Windows 11? If yes then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll show you how to restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 22000, which includes several beneficial enhancements, one of which is an enhanced File Explorer. When you right-click in File Explorer, it appears tidy and comes with a brand-new command bar and a nicely designed context menu.

In the meantime, if you want an improved File Explorer in Windows 11, Microsoft has done its best to provide it. Some users want to reinstate the traditional File Explorer that comes with Windows 10 after installing Windows 11. Perhaps they don’t like the new one or prefer the original since the alternatives are apparent.

FE in Windows 11

There’s a lot to enjoy about Windows 11, but the new File Explorer interface is a letdown for many users. It has a similar look and functionality to Windows 10’s File Explorer, but there is no ribbon menu, and many common menu items, such as “see extensions,” are hidden under the settings submenu.

Worse, the buttons for simple actions like cut, paste, and rename are nothing more than icons with no text above them. The jump lists that appear when you right-click on a folder may also have fewer options.

Restore Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11

Here are the steps to restore Windows 10 File Explorer via Registry Editor:

Step 1.Click the search icon next to the start menu, type registry editor, and then open it.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShell Extensions

Step 3. Now, right-click on Shell Extensions > New > Key.

Step 4. Rename it Blocked.

Step 5. Open the Blocked key and right-click in the right window pane and select New > String Value. A new entry appears with the name “New Value #” and a number.

Step 6. Rename your value to {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}. Once finished, close Registry Editor.

Step 7. Press Ctrl+Shift-Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the Processes tab and find Windows Explorer, right-click on it and select Restart.

Your pc should now display the original Windows 10 File Explorer, albeit the icon designs may change somewhat. In Windows 11, for example, the library folders are not just yellow, but also other colors. Overall, you’re regaining the lost user experience and functionality.