How to permanently restore the old File Explorer experience in Windows 11

File Explorer on Windows 11 is considered by most users to be a good experience. It may not be really fast to respond, especially when compared to the old File Explorer of Windows 10, but it offers users a bunch of useful additional features, such as tab mode, modern UI, the ability to preview file contents, etc.

However, some users still choose fast performance over a rich feature set. So in the Windows 11 user community, there are quite a few opinions expressing dissatisfaction with the new File Explorer, in favor of a similar familiar File Explorer experience on Windows 10. If you are one of them, this article will guide you how to permanently restore the old File Explorer experience in Windows 11.

How to permanently restore the old File Explorer experience in Windows 11

All you need to do is make a tweak in the registry editor. This guide works on all versions of Windows 11, including 24H2.

Restore Old File Explorer in Windows 11

Open Notepad and paste the following text:

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

Now, click on File > Save and select the All items option from the " Save as type " drop-down list . Give any name you like to the file but don't forget to put .reg at the end. For example, " file.reg ".

How to permanently restore the old File Explorer experience in Windows 11

Open the file you just created and confirm the changes in the registry, then restart your computer. Now you have the old File Explorer experience with Ribbons and honestly, it is less buggy and offers better performance.

Disable Old File Explorer in Windows 11

Reverting to the new File Explorer experience in Windows 11 is a similar process: you need to make some changes to the registry using a specially crafted reg file. Open Notepad and paste the following text into it:

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}]

Click File > Save , select All items , and save the file with a .reg extension . Open the file, confirm the changes to the registry, and restart your computer. The standard File Explorer experience in Windows 11 should return.

Leave a Comment

5 File Explorer Search Tricks You Need to Know

5 File Explorer Search Tricks You Need to Know

Imagine being able to instantly find any file on your computer with just a few keystrokes! File Explorer offers powerful search tricks that make locating files a breeze.

How to Add Recycle Bin to File Explorer

How to Add Recycle Bin to File Explorer

This guide will show you all the steps needed to show the Recycle Bin in File Explorer, regardless of whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

7 Useful Changes Microsoft Should Make to File Explorer

7 Useful Changes Microsoft Should Make to File Explorer

File Explorer is still an important part of Windows, and with a few smart updates, Microsoft could improve things even more for users.

How to Rearrange Columns in File Explorer Windows 11

How to Rearrange Columns in File Explorer Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to rearrange columns for a folder (directory) when in details view in File Explorer for a personal account in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How to Show File Explorer Preview Pane on Windows 10/11

How to Show File Explorer Preview Pane on Windows 10/11

It's easy to preview files without opening them in Windows 10 thanks to the Preview Pane feature in File Explorer. You can see thumbnails of most images, videos, audio files, and some text-based documents.

Change Default Folder View of Search Results on Windows 10

Change Default Folder View of Search Results on Windows 10

Learn how to change the Default Folder View of Search Results on Windows 10 to enhance your file exploring efficiency. Follow our step-by-step guide to easily set your preferred view.

Microsoft may integrate Copilot into File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft may integrate Copilot into File Explorer in Windows 11

Microsoft is betting big on artificial intelligence and a partnership with OpenAI to make Copilot a reality.

Why do many people prefer Windows File Explorer over macOS Finder?

Why do many people prefer Windows File Explorer over macOS Finder?

If you're a user of both systems, many people still come back to File Explorer because of its simplicity and more user-friendly features.

10 indispensable features of File Explorer

10 indispensable features of File Explorer

Most Windows users spend a lot of time in File Explorer. However, there are specific features that people rely on to streamline their workflow and increase productivity.

How to fix File Explorer crashes and freeze on Windows 10

How to fix File Explorer crashes and freeze on Windows 10

Many Windows 10 users have reported that in the process of loading data, they often encounter File Explorer hangs causing the File Explorer window to completely freeze. Especially when the number of files is large and the computer configuration is weak.

Instructions to delete the file in use by another program

Instructions to delete the file in use by another program

Windows File Explorer will display a notification whenever the user is trying to delete a file that is currently opened by another program or system. At that time, you cannot open, edit or delete this file. They are still running in the background and have been closed improperly.

How to Use Windows 11 Accessibility Features 2026

How to Use Windows 11 Accessibility Features 2026

Discover how to harness the latest Windows 11 accessibility features in 2026 to make your computing experience inclusive, efficient, and empowering. Step-by-step guides for everyone.

Troubleshooting Java Development Kit (JDK) Install Failures

Troubleshooting Java Development Kit (JDK) Install Failures

Struggling with JDK install failures? Dive into this comprehensive troubleshooting guide to resolve common Java Development Kit issues on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Get back to coding without the hassle.

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Sticky Notes Database Error

Troubleshooting Windows 11 Sticky Notes Database Error

Struggling with the Windows 11 Sticky Notes database error? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to restore your notes quickly and effortlessly. Get back to productivity without the frustration.

How to Fix Windows 11 Rainmeter Skin Positioning Error

How to Fix Windows 11 Rainmeter Skin Positioning Error

Struggling with Rainmeter skin positioning errors on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes for misalignment, dragging issues, and DPI glitches. Step-by-step guide to restore your desktop perfection.

How to Use Windows 11 Virtual Desktops Correctly

How to Use Windows 11 Virtual Desktops Correctly

Discover how to use Windows 11 virtual desktops correctly to supercharge your workflow. Learn setup, management, and pro tips for seamless multitasking without the overwhelm.

Converting MBR to GPT Without Data Loss in Windows 11

Converting MBR to GPT Without Data Loss in Windows 11

Discover how to safely convert MBR to GPT without data loss in Windows 11. Follow our step-by-step guide using built-in tools and third-party software for a seamless upgrade to modern partitioning.

How to Fix 0x80072ee7 Store Connectivity Error

How to Fix 0x80072ee7 Store Connectivity Error

Struggling with the 0x80072ee7 Store connectivity error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your Microsoft Store access quickly and easily. Say goodbye to frustrations!

How to Fix Background Change Error on Windows 11 Pro

How to Fix Background Change Error on Windows 11 Pro

Struggling with background change errors on Windows 11 Pro? This step-by-step guide helps gamers fix the issue fast, restoring your custom setups without hassle. Discover proven methods to personalize your desktop effortlessly.

How to Setup Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate

How to Setup Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate

Discover how to set up Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate for buttery-smooth performance on compatible displays. Follow our step-by-step guide to optimize your PC

How to Fix Windows 11 Memory Leaks in Browsers

How to Fix Windows 11 Memory Leaks in Browsers

Struggling with slow browsers on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes for memory leaks in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and more. Boost performance and end frustration today.

Solving Windows 11 Photos App File System Error

Solving Windows 11 Photos App File System Error

Struggling with the Windows 11 Photos App File System Error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your photo viewing experience without hassle. Updated with the latest troubleshooting tips for seamless performance.

Troubleshooting Windows 11 OBS Studio Black Screen Fix

Troubleshooting Windows 11 OBS Studio Black Screen Fix

Struggling with OBS Studio black screen on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes for smooth streaming and recording. Step-by-step guide to resolve black screen issues quickly and easily.

Solving GPT Partition Style Not Supported on Old PCs

Solving GPT Partition Style Not Supported on Old PCs

Struggling with "GPT Partition Style Not Supported" error on your old PC? Discover proven solutions to convert partitions safely, upgrade your system, and get back to smooth computing without data loss. Perfect for legacy hardware users.

Solving Windows 11 Stylus Pen Pressure Sensitivity Fix

Solving Windows 11 Stylus Pen Pressure Sensitivity Fix

Struggling with stylus pen pressure sensitivity on Windows 11? Discover proven fixes to restore smooth, responsive drawing and note-taking. Step-by-step guide with tips for optimal performance.

How to Use Windows 11 Power Shell as Administrator

How to Use Windows 11 Power Shell as Administrator

Discover step-by-step how to use Windows 11 PowerShell as administrator. Learn to launch, run commands, and troubleshoot with elevated privileges for ultimate control. Perfect for beginners and pros alike.