Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon in Windows 11


  • Staff
File_Explorer_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic File Explorer with Ribbon for your account or all users in Windows 11.

File Explorer in Windows 10 has a ribbon, tabs, and a title bar with color. The ribbon includes common tasks, such as copying and moving, creating new folders, emailing and zipping items, and changing the view. The tabs change to show extra tasks that apply to the selected item. You can hide or show the ribbon on demand.

In Windows 11, Microsoft made File Explorer modern with a clean look and brand-new command bar instead of the ribbon.

If you prefer, you can restore the classic File Explorer with ribbon in Windows 11.


Contents

  • Option One: Temporarily Open File Explorer with Ribbon
  • Option Two: Create Shortcut to Always Open File Explorer with Ribbon
  • Option Three: Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User using REG file (Works in 23H2+)
  • Option Four: Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for All Users using REG file (No longer works in 22H2+)
  • Option Five: Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using REG file (No longer works in 22H2+)
  • Option Six: Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using Command (No longer works in 22H2+)


EXAMPLE: File Explorer with command bar and ribbon in Windows 11

File_Explorer_with_command_bar.png
File_Explorer_with_ribbon.png





Option One

Temporarily Open File Explorer with Ribbon


This option will open a File Explorer window with the ribbon.

You will be able to browse and navigate in this File Explorer window with a ribbon only for as long as this window is open.


1 Open the Control Panel.

2 Perform one of the following actions depending on which Control Panel view is used: (see screenshots below)
  • If using small icons view, click/tap twice on the Up arrow.
  • If using large icons view, click/tap twice on the Up arrow.
  • If using category view, click/tap once on the Up arrow.
Control_Panel_small_icons_view.png
Control_Panel_large_icons_view.png
Control_Panel_category_view.png

3 You will now have a File Explorer window with the ribbon open. (see screenshot below)

File_Explorer_window_with_ribbon.png





Option Two

Create Shortcut to Always Open File Explorer with Ribbon


You can Pin to Taskbar, Pin to Start, add to Start menu All apps, add to Win+X menu, assign a keyboard shortcut to, or move this shortcut to where you like for easy usage.


If there's a folder or location you want File Explorer to open to by default that's not listed below, then please post a request for it. I'll be happy to add it to the shortcut list below for you.


The shortcut commands below will only work with an English language installation. If you use a different language, then please post a request for a translated version of the shortcut command you want to use. "Control Panel" and the folder name (ex: "Desktop") in the command needs to be translated for your language instead.



1 Create a new shortcut using the command below for the path you want:

Open File Explorer to Desktop with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lDesktop~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to Home with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lHome~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to OneDrive with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lShell:OneDrive~"'")}"

OR

Open File Explorer to This PC with Ribbon
powershell.exe -nop -ep bypass -c "& {"Start-Process \"Control\"; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate(\"Control Panel\"); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys("'""^"lThis PC~"'")}"




Option Three

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User using REG file


This option will only work on Windows 11 version 23H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (default - undo) below for what you would like to do.


 2. Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for Current User

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon_for_current_user.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
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


 3. Restore Modern File Explorer with Command Bar and Tabs for Current User

This is the default setting to undo step 2.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar_for_current_user.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
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}]

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Four

Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon for All Users using REG file


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (default - undo) below for what you would like to do.

2 Restore Classic File Explorer with Ribbon

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked]
"{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}"=-

3 Restore Modern File Explorer with Command Bar

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked]
"{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}"=""

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Sign out and sign in or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Five

Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using REG file


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Do step 2 (enable) or step 3 (disable) below for what you would like to do.


 2. To Enable File Explorer Command Bar

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Enable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}]


 3. To Disable File Explorer Command Bar

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Disable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocServer32]
@=""

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.

8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Six

Enable or Disable File Explorer Command Bar for Current User using Command


This option will no longer work on Windows 11 version 22H2 and higher.


1 Open Windows Terminal, and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

2 Copy and paste the command below you want into Windows Terminal, and press Enter.

(Disable)​
reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocServer32" /f /ve

OR​

(Enable - default)​
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}" /f

3 Close Windows Terminal.

4 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

  • File_Explorer.png
    File_Explorer.png
    5.6 KB · Views: 255
  • Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar.reg
    680 bytes · Views: 534
  • Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon.reg
    682 bytes · Views: 412
  • Disable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg
    634 bytes · Views: 252
  • Enable_File_Explorer_command_bar.reg
    590 bytes · Views: 220
  • Default_modern_File_Explorer_with_command_bar_for_current_user.reg
    748 bytes · Views: 24
  • Restore_classic_File_Explorer_with_ribbon_for_current_user.reg
    5.4 KB · Views: 10
Last edited:
Doesn't make sense though..., I've been running the 3.7BETA for 2½ weeks now and the glitch only appeared with 25997!
I think that's consistent with what I observed. Upgrading to 25997, with SAB installed, I got the Windows 10 Explorer. Upgrading to 25997, without SAB installed, there was no issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
@LesFerch
if you search System32, do you have any/many .backup files?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
@Edwin Ah crap. I was unable to recreate the issue a second time. I guess I'll just have to come to your house and examine your registry and file system. ;-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
I guess I'll just have to come to your house and examine your registry and file system. ;-)
K, but bring a couple cases of beer, cuz my PC is a fecking convoluted mess!!! :cool:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I've got one file in System32, UIRibbon.dll.backup..., can't remember what creates it, though! :confused:
All the others are familiar ...
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Anyway, I gotta get up early, will re-visit this in the am!
Have a good night, folks! :sleepy:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Well..., I can't figure out what's goin on!!! 🤷‍♂️

But, here's one thing, after an update, when I double click on This PC folder to go up one level to parent folder, the Gallery SDK shortcut would be there, however, after running the Remove Gallery from Navigation Pane reg tweak, the shortcut would be gone! Go figure! 🤷‍♂️
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
i have uninstalled SAB multiple times but the settings from SAB are still there, I don't want to do any fresh installs, is there a fix for this? Running 26002.1000
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    ASRock B450M ac/r2.0
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3050
There's no need to go to 'Show more options', the right-click has a 'paste' icon.

... but you still have to use 'show more options' if you want to copy something out of a folder
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Boot Win11 Pro/Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 21.2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core
    Motherboard
    ROG STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI] Cedar [Radeon HD 5000/6000/7350/8350 Series] (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
    Sound Card
    OnBoard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 32F x2 @60Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    6 SATA x @2TB ea @7200RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CV750
    Case
    AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Wraith Stealth Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech (wireless)
    Mouse
    Logitech (wireless)
    Internet Speed
    200+ MBPS
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender/Linux Kernel
    Other Info
    Nylavee SK600 RGB PC 5.0 HiFi Speakers/Bluetooth
    Binnune 2.4G Bluetooth/USB Headphones w/Mic
    Gotega USB ODD/HDD CD/RW/DVD ROM
i have uninstalled SAB multiple times but the settings from SAB are still there, I don't want to do any fresh installs, is there a fix for this? Running 26002.1000
Which settings? Can you post screenshots? Uninstalling SAB should put everything back to Windows 11 defaults. Is there any chance you made any changes using ViveTool?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
Which settings? Can you post screenshots? Uninstalling SAB should put everything back to Windows 11 defaults. Is there any chance you made any changes using ViveTool?
specifically the windows 10 ribbon ui in explorer, classic context menus (right now the context menus are completely broken for me) and new font for classic UI, I have uninstalled SAB, and it hasn't reverted anything

edit: I use vivetool to enable the tabbed explorer as well as other proper features as well, but I don't think that's the culprit, vivetool has worked perfectly fine, SAB seems to be the issue
1701661023671.png
1701661034616.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    ASRock B450M ac/r2.0
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3050
specifically the windows 10 ribbon ui in explorer, classic context menus (right now the context menus are completely broken for me) and new font for classic UI, I have uninstalled SAB, and it hasn't reverted anything
SAB does that change in memory, so I think it must be something else. Try the following ViveTool command:

vivetool /enable /id:40729001

And then Restart.

Your context menu appears to be the classic context menu. Switching it back to the Windows 11 menu, should just be a simple registry setting:

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
SAB does that change in memory, so I think it must be something else. Try the following ViveTool command:

vivetool /enable /id:40729001

And then Restart.

Your context menu appears to be the classic context menu. Switching it back to the Windows 11 menu, should just be a simple registry setting:

i'll see if this works, I'm also reinstalling the build as a whole to see if that helps, I'll restart then
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    ASRock B450M ac/r2.0
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3050
SAB does that change in memory, so I think it must be something else. Try the following ViveTool command:

vivetool /enable /id:40729001

And then Restart.

Your context menu appears to be the classic context menu. Switching it back to the Windows 11 menu, should just be a simple registry setting:

absolutely nothing has been fixed after this unfortunately, and the worst part is that if I right click on any files, explorer just crashes, this is a genuine problem and I don't know how to fix it, is there any way to completely remove the startallback stuff from the memory?

literally everything was fine until i installed startallback, no matter how many times i reinstall and uninstall, it does NOTHING.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    ASRock B450M ac/r2.0
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3050
Did you already try a Windows repair install?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10/11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
specifically the windows 10 ribbon ui in explorer, classic context menus (right now the context menus are completely broken for me) and new font for classic UI, I have uninstalled SAB, and it hasn't reverted anything

edit: I use vivetool to enable the tabbed explorer as well as other proper features as well, but I don't think that's the culprit, vivetool has worked perfectly fine, SAB seems to be the issue
View attachment 79937View attachment 79938

Try my solition please.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel-NVIDIA
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Internet Speed
    100Mbit
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Total Security

Try my solition please.
updating vivetool and then doing the reset command fixed it
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    ASRock B450M ac/r2.0
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3050

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    ASUS
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel-NVIDIA
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Internet Speed
    100Mbit
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Total Security

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