How to Restore File Explorer’s Classic Ribbon Interface in Windows (2024)

In this article we will show you how to Restore File Explorer’s Classic Ribbon Interface in Windows. There are many reasons you might want to switch back to the old ribbon style for file explorer from the new one. You might not like how many options the new design gives you, or you might be used to the old ribbon. Windows 11 has a lot of changes to the way it looks. The user interface of the OS has been changed in really big ways by Microsoft. It comes with a new taskbar that lines up apps and the start menu in the middle of the screen. The Start menu is also brand new. The OS has new versions of apps that come with it. There are some new colorful icons and different styles of buttons and other controls.

It’s no longer the Settings app’s home page; instead, it now shows its categories right away. For many Windows users, that File Explorer command ribbon was an important part of the program and is sorely missed. We have good news for those users: that feature can be brought back. We can bring back the old File Explorer in Windows 11 by editing the Windows 11 Registry File and adding a certain value string. This will add a functional ribbon of commands to the File Explorer. No matter what the reason is, this article will show you how to Restore File Explorer’s Classic Ribbon Interface in Windows.

Why Restore the Classic Ribbon Interface?

1. Comfort: A lot of people are used to the Ribbon interface from older versions of Windows. It can make the operating system feel more familiar and easy to use after restoring it.
2. Productivity: For some users, the classic Ribbon layout works better for how they work. It could help them get to functions and features faster.
3. It’s possible that some programs and software: will work better with the classic Ribbon interface. By restoring it, you can make sure that it works with older software that hasn’t been updated to use newer interface designs.
4. Preference: What you personally want is very important. Some users just like the classic Ribbon layout better than the newer interface styles; it makes them feel more at ease and helps them get more done.
5. Customization: The classic Ribbon interface can often be changed in more ways, letting users arrange and group tools and choices in ways that work best for them.
6. Accessibility: The classic Ribbon interface may be easier for people with disabilities or vision problems to use and get around in.

How to Restore File Explorer’s Classic Ribbon Interface in Windows

Press the Up Button in the Control Panel

1. To access Windows 11’s search box, press the Windows + S key combination.
2. Type in “Control Panel” and click “Open” to see the search results that match.
3. To change the view from icons to lists, click the drop-down menu next to View and choose Categories.
4. This will take you to the desktop. Next, click the up arrow button in the Control Panel’s navigation bar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Up arrow key.

Execute a Registry Command via Command Prompt

1. Type the CMD search phrase into the Win+S key, and then choose the Run as administrator option in the Command Prompt.
2. To get back Explorer’s old ribbon interface, run this command:
   “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}\InprocS” to the regex list.
3. This command can be used to bring back the command bar:
   Register a deletion of “HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID{d93ed569-3b3e-4bff-8355-3c44f6a52bb5}” and press “Enter.”

Restore Explorer’s Classic Ribbon UI With ExplorerPatcher

1. Get the file by opening this page on ExplorerPatcher Softpedia.
2. To set up Explorer Patcher, double-click the ep_setup file.
3. To get to the Power User menu, right-click the Start button on the taskbar and choose Search.
4. To find ExplorerPatcher in Windows 11, type its name into the search box and click on Properties (ExplorerPatcher).
5. Pick up ExplorerPatcher and click on the File Explorer tab.
6. Next, click on Control interface and pick Windows 10 Ribbon.
7. There is a Properties window. In it, click Restart File Explorer.

Manually Edit the Registry

1. Start up the Registry Editor app in Windows 11. Our guide on how to open Registry Editor on Windows shows you different ways to do that.
2. Type this address into the address bar of the Registry Editor to get to the ShellExtensions key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions
3. Choose New and Key from the menu that comes up if you can’t see a Blocked subkey. If you already see a Blocked key, you can go straight to step five.
4. Type “Blocked” to make that key.
5. Choose New > String Value from the menu that comes up when you right-click the Blocked key.
6. Type {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7} into the text box for the new string. In order to copy and paste that string name, select it, press Ctrl + C, and then press Ctrl + V.
7. Following that, you will need to restart Windows 11 or File Explorer for the change to take effect.

Benefits of using the classic ribbon interface in File Explorer

1. Familiarity: The classic ribbon interface is reminiscent of earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows. Users who are accustomed to this layout will find it more familiar and easier to navigate.
2. Efficiency: The classic ribbon provides quick access to a range of file management tools and options, making it efficient for users to perform common tasks like copying, moving, and renaming files.
3. Customization: Users can customize the classic ribbon by adding or removing commands to suit their specific needs. This flexibility allows for a more personalized and streamlined user experience.
4. Accessibility: The classic ribbon interface is designed to be accessible and user-friendly. Its clear labels and icons make it easier for users, including those with disabilities, to interact with File Explorer effectively.
5. Consistency: For users who switch between different versions of Windows, having a consistent classic ribbon interface across multiple Windows editions can reduce the learning curve and enhance productivity.
6. Productivity: With commonly used functions readily available on the classic ribbon, users can complete tasks more quickly, which can lead to improved productivity when managing files and folders.

Conclusion

Windows 11 came out at the same time as the new File Explorer from Microsoft. The menu bar, also known as the “ribbon,” has been shrunk down in the new File Explorer to make it look more modern. But to give it a more modern look, Microsoft has also taken away a few options from the ribbon. You can go back to the old File Explorer menu ribbon in Windows 11 if you don’t like this new look.

Questions and Answers

Carmelia Derby

Compsmag's Technology Editor, based in New York City, Carmelia Derby has been with the publication for a number of years. She discusses her thoughts on the most recent consumer electronics and offers pointers on how to get the most out of them. When Carmelia isn't obsessing over the next best thing, she's typically fuming about how the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to live up to her expectations.

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