Alternative Windows 11 start menus


I think you misunderstood. Open Shell classic start button and start menu are still working fine. There is one component, a "legacy" toolbar called Classic Explorer Bar which shows cut/copy/paste and other icons (can be customized) top left of a File Explorer window. See my screenshot in post #62. This toolbar disappears with every Windows 2026 update due to Microsoft turning off some "legacy" components in File Explorer. Using Vive Tool or otherwise we can issue commands that undo changes to File Explorer, so our "legacy" toolbars keep working (see my earlier posts to this thread). However that was the case until build 8037/8039. Newer builds, including 8246 have some new changes in File Explorer that there is no any workaround to undo them yet. Until there is another workaround, we either downgrade to 8037/8039 by uninstalling the latest Windows update, or we use File Explorer without the convenience of Classic Explorer Bar. I know there are alternatives for the start menu, but I haven't found a WORKING alternative for Open Shell's Classic Explorer Bar component. I tried QTTABBAR but this is also "legacy" toolbar and doesn't appear after upgrading to 8117 or newer build. I also tried Windhawk, but I didn't manage to create a custom toolbar with cut/copy/paste and other icons. It seems too difficult to use, unlike Classic Explorer Bar which is straightforward.
No I never misunderstood. I just think people overcomplicate something that has very little real significance.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Zenbook 14
    CPU
    I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB soldered
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop OLED screen
    Screen Resolution
    2880x1800 touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
    PSU
    Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
    Keyboard
    Built in UK keybd
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
    Internet Speed
    900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

    Macrium Reflect Home V8
    Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
    Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
Very little significance for some. For all of us is a handy toolbar that want it working and we don't like when Microsoft just mess with it without a way to fix it. The point of this thread is to find a workaround, not to judge us if it is an important feature or not. For us it is important.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
I use an alternative to all the alternatives. It called Windows Start Menu and it is built in to Windows.

I discovered decades ago, menus are pretty much an item only used for a minute or two at most in any day.

I never have to worry about menu alternative updates failing etc.

The KISS principle 100% applies.
lol... well a lot of stuff is built into windows... but its still garbage, aesthetically
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
1) i am providing copies of system32\ExplorerFrame.dll and syswow64\ExplorerFrame.dll from 25h2 26200.6901 (you can use any you have pre-kb5083769)

2) i used @LesFerch Right Click Tools and opened cmd as Trusted Installer (not necessary if boot from install media or safe and use cmd)

3) open cmd as trusted installer and run:
Code:
cd C:\Windows\System32
Code:
ren ExplorerFrame.dll ExplorerFrame.dll.bak
Code:
cd..
Code:
cd SysWOW64
Code:
ren ExplorerFrame.dll ExplorerFrame.dll.bak
Code:
copy (path to the .dll i supplied for system32) C:\Windows\System32\ExplorerFrame.dll
Code:
copy (path to the .dll i supplied for syswow64) C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ExplorerFrame.dll
Code:
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
Code:
start explorer.exe

exit CMD

No logout or reboot required

this has survived a restart, hibernate, sleep and windows update (so far). i have had no explorer/file explorer crashes in hours now. if anyone @garlin or otherwise can tell me what i can test to be sure there are no terrible side-effects, i will do so but i have yet to run across any.



EDIT:
as a matter of fact, using windhawk to remove the win 11 command bar and using the fluent icons on this isn't half bad since you can make the custom commands and use ahk scripts to do anything you want...
View attachment 169811
I tried replacing the files in a virtual machine running Windows 11 Pro 25H2 build 26200.8246 and it didn't work. I did it a little different, but I don't think this was the case. I copied the files from my main PC (currently running build 8039 with working Classic Explorer Bar) in a temporary folder in the virtual machine. I then replaced the owner of C:\Windows\System32 and all subfolders and files from TrustedInstaller to Administrators, so I can modify the access rights. I then granted full access to the folder, subfolders and files to Administrators so I can replace the files. I did the same for the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64. I then opened a Command Prompt as Administrator and terminated File Explorer from Task Manager. Using the appropriate commands, I navigated to the folders and replaced the two files. Classic Explorer Bar didn't work upon restarting File Explorer. I decided to run the Vive Tools commands and uninstall Open Shell. I restarted the virtual machine, reinstalled Open Shell, the Classic Explorer Bar still didn't work. I even replaced the file C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Explorer.exe with the build 8039 version, no change. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
i wouldnt be changing all of those permissions.... just do 1 of the 2 methods i listed for having the right perms to change/overwrite/rename those files...

i even ran an sfc /scannow on that pc and when it reverted the DLLs and the Classic Explorer Bar didnt work again, i just repeated those steps and it began working immediately again...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
The best alternative Windows 11 start menu is the one that you prefer.
 

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
    Keyboard
    PC/AT Enhanced PS2 Keyboard (101/102-Key)
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    USB2.0 HD UVC Webcam
The best alternative Windows 11 start menu is the one that you prefer.
Well said!!! (y)
This thread is now closed to further replies!!! :cool:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I tried replacing the files in a virtual machine running Windows 11 Pro 25H2 build 26200.8246 and it didn't work. I did it a little different, but I don't think this was the case. I copied the files from my main PC (currently running build 8039 with working Classic Explorer Bar) in a temporary folder in the virtual machine. I then replaced the owner of C:\Windows\System32 and all subfolders and files from TrustedInstaller to Administrators, so I can modify the access rights. I then granted full access to the folder, subfolders and files to Administrators so I can replace the files. I did the same for the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64. I then opened a Command Prompt as Administrator and terminated File Explorer from Task Manager. Using the appropriate commands, I navigated to the folders and replaced the two files. Classic Explorer Bar didn't work upon restarting File Explorer. I decided to run the Vive Tools commands and uninstall Open Shell. I restarted the virtual machine, reinstalled Open Shell, the Classic Explorer Bar still didn't work. I even replaced the file C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Explorer.exe with the build 8039 version, no change. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.
oh i forgot about this windhawk mod because i never use it.. you can resource redirect so you dont need to overwrite the files... try that with the dll
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
Unless I did something wrong, replacing the files didn't work. As soon as I find a working workaround and confirm it in my virtual machine, I will let you know. In the meantime I am at build 8039 and I don't dare to upgrade my main PC to a higher build.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Unless I did something wrong, replacing the files didn't work. As soon as I find a working workaround and confirm it in my virtual machine, I will let you know. In the meantime I am at build 8039 and I don't dare to upgrade my main PC to a higher build.
Must’ve missed a step somewhere. I confirmed 100% it works.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
Well, I didn't use any utility to gain TrustedInstaller access level, I just transfered ownership from TrustedInstalled to Administrators group for that folder, subfolders and files so I can change access rights. I then granted full access to Administrators group for that folder, subfolders and files so I can modify individual files. I confirmed that the owner of the specific file was the Administrators group and granted full access to that file so I can replace it. I then opened a Command Prompt as Administrator so I can modify system files and killed the File Explorer process from Task Manager, so the specific files are not in use and I can replace them. Using the appropriate commands I renamed the original files as backup and then copied the 8037 version into the same folder.

That apparently wasn't enough because it didn't work. I had to do something more. Or it might be that TrustedInstaller is not the owner of the folder and files, but I don't think that matters. I replaced both the file in System32 and in SysWOW64. I even replaced the file Explorer.exe in SysWOW64, again it didn't work.

Should I replace the files again using a utility to get TrustedInstaller access? I don't think it will make any difference. I tried to make TrustedInstaller the owner again but it wasn't in the list to select and when I typed it manually I got an error that the user/group is invalid.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
SOLUTION FOR BUILD 8117 AND ABOVE (REGISTRY FIX):

According to this Github post, you can delete/modify a few specific Registry keys and upon restarting Classic Explorer Bar appears and works again!

The procedure is to this:

1) Search for regedit and load Registry Editor.
2) Navigate to this key: hkey local machine/system/current control set/control/FeatureManagement/Overrides/
3) Expand it and look inside key 15
4) Find key 1519792783, right-click on it and select Permissions.
5) Go to Advanced and change the owner from System to Administrators group. Make sure this is for all subfolders and files (subkeys and values).
6) Set full access rights to Administrators group, again for all subfolders and files.
7) Close the windows, return to Registry and delete key 1519792783.
8) Now find key 815149711, right-click on it and select Permissions.
9) Go to Advanced and change the owner from System to Administrators group. Make sure this is for all subfolders and files (subkeys and values).
10) Set full access rights to Administrators group, again for all subfolders and files.
11) Close the windows, return to Registry and delete key 815149711.
12) Now close key 15 and expand key 8.
13) Find key 815149711 (inside key 8) and expand it.
14) Make sure the value of EnabledState parameter is set to 1. In case there is not available, create a new 32-bit word parameter, rename it to EnabledState and set it to 1.
15) Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

PS: I even dared to upgrade the virtual machine from build 8246 to 8328 and Classic Explorer Bar still works! Hurray! 🍾
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
SOLUTION FOR BUILD 8117 AND ABOVE (REGISTRY FIX):
Test this in your vm. Run powershell as TI:

Code:
# ---Take ownership and grant Administrators full control---
function Set-RegKeyPermissions {
    param(
        [string]$KeyPath
    )

    Write-Host "Processing permissions for: $KeyPath"

    # Take ownership
    $takeownCmd = "takeown /F `"$KeyPath`" /A /R"
    cmd.exe /c $takeownCmd | Out-Null

    # Grant Administrators full control
    $icaclsCmd = "icacls `"$KeyPath`" /grant Administrators:F /T"
    cmd.exe /c $icaclsCmd | Out-Null
}

# --- Registry base ---
$base = "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides"

# --- Keys to remove ---
$key15 = Join-Path $base "15"
$keyA = Join-Path $key15 "1519792783"
$keyB = Join-Path $key15 "815149711"

# --- Fix permissions and delete ---
Set-RegKeyPermissions -KeyPath $keyA
Remove-Item -Path $keyA -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Set-RegKeyPermissions -KeyPath $keyB
Remove-Item -Path $keyB -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

# --- Modify \8\815149711 ---
$key8 = Join-Path $base "8"
$key8Target = Join-Path $key8 "815149711"

# Ensure exists
if (-not (Test-Path $key8Target)) {
    New-Item -Path $key8Target -Force | Out-Null
}

# Ensure EnabledState set to 1
Set-ItemProperty -Path $key8Target -Name "EnabledState" -Value 1 -Type DWord

Write-Host "`nAll operations completed. Please restart your computer."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
Thanks for the code, but I don't like typing commands, even copy-paste commands, unless I have no other choice. I prefer using a GUI when possible. So I rather load Registry Editor and do too many clicks with the mouse than using CLI. Thanks anyway. Besides I prefer to do it myself, learn and understand what I am doing rather than blindly copy-paste code. Do you know what the specific keys we delete/modify do? Just curious.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Code:
# ---Take ownership and grant Administrators full control---
function Set-RegKeyPermissions {
    param(
        [string]$KeyPath
    )

    Write-Host "Processing permissions for: $KeyPath"

    # Take ownership
    $takeownCmd = "takeown /F `"$KeyPath`" /A /R"
    cmd.exe /c $takeownCmd | Out-Null

    # Grant Administrators full control
    $icaclsCmd = "icacls `"$KeyPath`" /grant Administrators:F /T"
    cmd.exe /c $icaclsCmd | Out-Null
}



This doesn't do anything to registry keys. Takeown and icacls operate on files and folders. Your code operates on the basis that you're running as Trusted Installer, so you already have full control. There are no useful native commands in Windows to change Registry key ownership and permissions.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2 Pro Build 26200
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI PRO ADL-U Cubi 5 (MS-B0A8)
    CPU
    i3-1215U
    Memory
    8GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony 43" 4k TV
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    250GB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 3 SSD
    PSU
    External 65W
    Case
    Mini PC
    Browser
    FireFox
    Antivirus
    MS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 3070 SFF
    CPU
    Intel i3-9100
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell S2721
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 500GB nvMe
    Case
    Dell small form factor
    Keyboard
    Cherry mechanical (Blue)
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
Unless you copy-paste the commands, it takes much more time to type them and double check for errors than you do it from Registry Editor with the mouse. My instructions might seem a lot, but for an experienced user it only takes a couple of minutes.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Your code operates on the basis that you're running as Trusted Installer, so you already have full control.
TI is exactly what i stated, so yes. If you use vivetool and just run cmd as TI, you can make it even easier:

Code:
reg delete "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\15\1519792783" /f
Code:
reg delete "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\15\815149711" /f
Code:
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\8\815149711" /v EnabledState /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f & reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\8\815149711" /v TelemetryFlags /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reboot

*Edited for even more simplicity; no vivetool necessary
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
Oops! Truth time... I just got a warning of Windows Update needs to restart my PC. It installed update KB5089549 which updates to build 8457. I will restart it later in the day because it is busy right now. Let's just hope that the Registry method will work and restore Classic Explorer Bar after the upgrade. I will post back to confirm success. Fingers crossed...
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
It would be a good idea to update Open-Shell to the last pre-release 4.4.198 which was built yesterday. There are some bugfixes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Legion 5-15ARH05
    CPU
    AMD Rysen 5 4600H
    Memory
    32 GB (2 x 16 GB Samsung SO-DIMM DDR4-3200)
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, 4 GB GDDR6
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD M.2 512 GB SAMSUNG MZALQ512; SSD M.2 1 TB Seagate FireCuda 530
    Mouse
    Logitech M650L in Bluetooth mode
I hadn't noticed that there is a newer version. I will upgrade, thanks.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (8457)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    VDSL 50 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.8457)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Sunnyline OptiEye PS/2
    Internet Speed
    100Mbps
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4

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