Are you missing the old Windows 10 File Explorer look? You’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users find the redesigned File Explorer modern but sometimes confusing or less efficient. The new interface uses simplified icons, a compact toolbar (called the command bar), and more spacing between items. While this looks sleek, it may not feel as familiar or practical as the classic Windows 10 File Explorer.
The good news? You can change Windows 11’s File Explorer back to the Windows 10 style with a few simple tweaks. In this guide, we’ll cover built-in tricks, registry edits, and third-party tools to make your File Explorer look and feel like Windows 10 again.
Key Takeaways
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Windows 11 introduces a new command bar and modern UI in File Explorer.
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You can still restore Windows 10 style using registry tweaks, third-party apps, or alternative explorers.
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Tools like StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher are the easiest and safest ways.
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Manual tweaks are free but require caution (always back up your system first).
Why Change Windows 11 File Explorer to Windows 10 Style?
Here are the main reasons users prefer the old design:
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Familiarity: Decades of using the Ribbon interface in Windows 7/8/10.
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Productivity: Classic layout makes certain options faster to access.
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Customization: More control over how files and folders display.
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Consistency: Matches better with the rest of the Windows 10-style UI (if you tweak the taskbar/start menu too).
Methods to Change File Explorer to Windows 10 Style
We’ll explore three main approaches:
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Registry Hack (manual, free)
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Third-Party Tools (easier, customizable)
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Alternative File Explorer apps (modern but classic-style features)
Method 1: Use a Registry Hack
⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back up your registry before making changes.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click in the right pane → select New > Key.
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Name the key:
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Inside this new key, create a String Value named:
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Close Registry Editor and restart File Explorer (or restart your PC).
âś… This will bring back the Windows 10 Ribbon toolbar in File Explorer.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Tools (Recommended)
If you don’t want to edit the registry, third-party apps make this much easier.
Option A: StartAllBack
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Paid app (~$5), lightweight, and very popular.
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Features:
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Restore Windows 10 File Explorer style.
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Bring back Windows 10 Start menu & taskbar.
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More customization (fonts, spacing, themes).
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Steps:
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Download from StartAllBack official site.
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Install and open settings.
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Enable Windows 10 Explorer Ribbon.
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Restart Explorer to apply changes.
Option B: ExplorerPatcher
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Free, open-source tool.
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Features:
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Restore classic File Explorer Ribbon.
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Windows 10-style taskbar and context menus.
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Frequent updates from the community.
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Steps:
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Download from ExplorerPatcher GitHub.
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Install and restart PC.
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Go to Properties > File Explorer settings.
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Enable Windows 10 style Ribbon.
Method 3: Use Alternative File Explorer Apps
If you want extra features beyond Windows Explorer, try these apps:
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Directory Opus – Advanced customization, dual-pane view.
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XYplorer – Portable, lightweight, powerful search.
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FreeCommander – Free alternative with tabs and split views.
These won’t change the default File Explorer but give you a Windows 10-like experience with more productivity tools.
Table: Comparing Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Cost | Risk Level | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registry Hack | Medium | Free | Medium (Registry edits) | Restores classic Ribbon |
| StartAllBack | Easy | ~$5 | Low | Full Windows 10 look (Explorer, Start, Taskbar) |
| ExplorerPatcher | Easy | Free | Low | File Explorer + Start menu tweaks |
| Alternative Apps | Easy | Varies (free–paid) | None | Adds new features, not native Explorer |
Extra Tips for Classic Windows 10 Look
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Change File Explorer Spacing:
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Open Explorer → click View → set to Compact View for Windows 10-like spacing.
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Change Right-Click Menu:
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Windows 11 uses a simplified context menu.
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To restore classic right-click:
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Press Shift + Right-Click.
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Or enable via ExplorerPatcher / StartAllBack.
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Change Start Menu & Taskbar:
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Use the same tools (StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher) to get the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbar for consistency.
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Common Problems and Fixes
Problem 1: File Explorer crashes after Registry edit.
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Fix: Delete the created key or use System Restore.
Problem 2: Updates revert File Explorer to Windows 11 style.
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Fix: Reapply Registry tweak or update ExplorerPatcher.
Problem 3: Can’t access Ribbon features after tweak.
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Fix: Try StartAllBack/ExplorerPatcher for stability.
Conclusion
Changing Windows 11 File Explorer to Windows 10 style is possible — and easier than you might think. If you want a quick, safe, and customizable solution, go with StartAllBack or ExplorerPatcher. If you prefer a free manual method, the Registry hack works but requires caution.
By tweaking File Explorer, and optionally the Start menu and taskbar, you can make Windows 11 feel just like Windows 10 — while still enjoying the latest performance and security upgrades.
FAQs
1. Can I permanently keep Windows 10 File Explorer in Windows 11?
Yes, but major Windows updates may reset settings. Tools like ExplorerPatcher auto-fix this.
2. Is StartAllBack safe to use?
Yes, it’s a trusted tool used by thousands of Windows users.
3. Will editing the registry damage my PC?
Not if you follow steps carefully. Always back up first.
4. Does ExplorerPatcher slow down Windows 11?
No, it’s lightweight and optimized for performance.
5. Can I switch back to the Windows 11 File Explorer easily?
Yes — just undo the registry tweak or uninstall the tool.