How to Make Windows 11 File Explorer Look Like Windows 10

Are you missing the familiar look of the classic Windows 10 File Explorer after upgrading to Windows 11? You’re not alone. Many users find the new File Explorer in Windows 11 sleek but less intuitive — the ribbon interface, spacing, and menu icons have all changed.

The good news? You can make Windows 11 File Explorer look and feel like Windows 10 again with just a few tweaks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step — no tech degree required!

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🧭 Why Make Windows 11 File Explorer Look Like Windows 10?

Windows 11 introduced a modernized File Explorer with rounded corners, minimal icons, and a compact toolbar. While visually appealing, it feels unfamiliar to users who prefer Windows 10’s detailed ribbon layout and tighter folder spacing.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to switch back to the old look:

• Better usability: The classic ribbon gives quick access to commands like Copy, Paste, and View options.

• Familiar workflow: If you’re used to Windows 10, adapting to the new layout can slow you down.

• Compact design: The Windows 10 layout feels denser and easier to navigate on large file lists.

So, let’s bring that classic experience back!

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🧩 What You’ll Need

Before diving into the steps, here’s a quick checklist:

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🪟 Step 1: Understand What Changed in Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11’s File Explorer comes with several visual and functional updates:

• Simplified toolbar: The classic ribbon is replaced with a compact action bar.

• New context menu: Right-click options are hidden under “Show more options.”

• Rounded corners: Every window now has smooth, rounded edges.

• Increased spacing: The default layout has extra padding between items.

Knowing what’s different helps you decide which parts you want to restore.

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🛠 Step 2: Enable the Classic Ribbon Using Registry Editor

If you loved Windows 10’s ribbon-style toolbar, here’s how to bring it back.

⚙️ Steps to restore the ribbon:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

3. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions


4. Right-click on the Shell Extensions folder → Select New → Key → Name it:

   Blocked


5. Inside the Blocked folder, right-click in the right pane → Select New → String Value.

6. Name it:

   {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}


7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

✅ Result: Your File Explorer will now show the classic ribbon interface from Windows 10.

💡 Tip: If you want to revert later, simply delete that registry key.

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🎨 Step 3: Adjust Folder Spacing (Compact View)

Windows 11 increased the spacing between files and folders, making the interface look airy — but less efficient. Here’s how to fix that.

🧾 Enable Compact View

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the View menu (three-dot icon at the top).

3. Choose Compact view.

This instantly restores the tighter spacing similar to Windows 10’s design.

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🧰 Step 4: Bring Back the Classic Context Menu

Tired of the new minimal right-click menu? Let’s get the old “Show more options” style back permanently.

💻 Use Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Copy and paste this command, then hit Enter:

   reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve


3. Restart your computer.

Now, your right-click menu will show the classic Windows 10 options right away.

🧹 To revert, delete that registry entry.

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💡 Step 5: Change the File Explorer Icons

Windows 11 introduced redesigned folder icons. If you prefer the Windows 10 icons, you can manually change them.

Steps:

1. Right-click a folder → Choose Properties.

2. Go to the Customize tab → Click Change Icon.

3. Browse to a folder containing Windows 10-style icons (you can find packs online).

4. Select your preferred icon → Click OK → Apply.

Repeat this for key folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) for a consistent old-school look.

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🔧 Step 6: Use “StartAllBack” for Full Windows 10 Explorer Experience

If you want a one-click solution, use StartAllBack — a reliable tool that restores many Windows 10 UI elements.

⭐ Features of StartAllBack:

How to Install:

1. Visit the StartAllBack official website.

2. Download and install the program.

3. Open Settings → Explorer tab.

4. Choose Use Classic Ribbon and Command Bar.

That’s it — File Explorer will now look almost identical to Windows 10’s version.

🧠 Pro Tip: StartAllBack also improves system performance by disabling redundant animations.

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🧩 Step 7: Use “OldNewExplorer” (Advanced Option)

For users who prefer open-source customization, OldNewExplorer is a great alternative.

🔍 How to Use It:

1. Download OldNewExplorer from its trusted developer site (check forums like MSFN).

2. Extract and run the setup.

3. Enable these options:

   • Use classical drive grouping in This PC

   • Show status bar

   • Use command bar instead of ribbon

4. Apply changes and restart Explorer.

This utility gives deep control over File Explorer’s visual elements and layout.

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⚙️ Step 8: Change the Toolbar Icons Back to Windows 10 Style

Want the toolbar icons to look like they used to? You can replace them manually.

1. Download a Windows 10 icon pack (.ico files).

2. Use a tool like IconPackager or 7TSP to apply system-wide icons.

3. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Be sure to create a System Restore Point before doing this, just in case.

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🪄 Step 9: Revert the Folder Background Color (Optional)

Windows 11 uses a light gray background for Explorer. To mimic Windows 10’s cleaner white shade:

1. Open Settings → Personalization → Colors.

2. Toggle Light mode.

3. Adjust the Accent color to your preference.

This makes File Explorer match the classic bright interface.

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🧭 Step 10: Restore “Quick Access” Instead of “Home”

Windows 11 replaced “Quick Access” with “Home” in File Explorer. If you prefer the old behavior:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the three dots → Options.

3. Under “Open File Explorer to,” select Quick Access instead of Home.

4. Click Apply → OK.

Now File Explorer will open just like it did on Windows 10.

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🧹 Step 11: Disable Rounded Corners (Optional)

Windows 11’s rounded corners are stylish but may not suit everyone. You can minimize them visually using a dark theme or third-party tools like RoundedTB to square off window edges.

Alternatively, use the Classic theme pack found in Windows customization communities.

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🧩 Step 12: Adjust Fonts and Padding for a Tighter Layout

To make the Explorer layout even more compact:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Text size.

2. Reduce the text size slightly (e.g., 90–95%).

3. Go to Display → Scale and Layout and choose 100% scaling.

This gives a more “Windows 10” compact feel.

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🧰 Step 13: Replace File Explorer Entirely (Optional)

If you want to go beyond tweaks, consider alternative file managers that resemble Windows 10:

These offer advanced customization while maintaining the classic look.

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⚠️ Step 14: Backup Your Settings Before Tweaking

Before making registry edits or installing third-party tools:

• Create a System Restore Point

• Backup your Registry:

  • Open Registry Editor → File → Export → Save backup

• Keep a list of changes you make for easy reversal

This ensures you can safely revert if something goes wrong.

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🚀 Step 15: Restart and Review Your New File Explorer

After all tweaks, restart your system. Open File Explorer and check:

• Ribbon is restored

• Context menu is classic

• Icons and spacing match Windows 10

• Quick Access and layout feel familiar

If something looks off, revisit the relevant step.

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🏁 Conclusion: Bring Familiarity Back to Windows 11

And there you have it — a complete guide to making Windows 11 File Explorer look like Windows 10!

By following these steps, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — Windows 11’s performance and Windows 10’s familiarity. Whether you prefer manual tweaks or tools like StartAllBack, you now have full control over your File Explorer’s look and feel.

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🔍 FAQs About Making Windows 11 File Explorer Look Like Windows 10

1. Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry for these changes?

Yes, it’s safe as long as you follow the steps carefully. Always create a system restore point first.

2. Do I need third-party tools to restore the old File Explorer?

No — registry tweaks can do most of the work. However, tools like StartAllBack simplify the process.

3. Will these changes affect my system performance?

Minimal impact. In fact, reverting to the classic interface may slightly improve responsiveness.

4. Can I revert to the default Windows 11 File Explorer anytime?

Yes. You can undo registry edits or uninstall any customization tools to restore the default interface.

5. Is StartAllBack free?

It offers a trial version but requires a small one-time license fee for full functionality.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

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💬 Final Tip:

Windows 11 brings a modern design — but customization keeps it personal. Whether you prefer the classic look for nostalgia or efficiency, you now have all the tools to transform File Explorer back to its Windows 10 glory.