How to Restore the Classic File Explorer Ribbon in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• The classic File Explorer with the ribbon still exists in Windows 11. You can access it by opening the Control Panel and clicking the Up button in the navigation bar.
• Advanced users can use a Command Prompt script to launch the classic File Explorer with the ribbon.
• A quick registry edit can bring back the familiar ribbon. Remember, editing the registry requires caution.

Method 1: Using Control Panel

This method temporarily restores the old classic ribbon in File Explorer. Still, it is effective, considering it is the only method that works with the latest Windows 11 version. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Control Panel, and press Enter.

Step 2: Now, click on the Up arrow in Control Panel.

Step 3: Click on the Up arrow once more. This will take you to the main page of the Control Panel.

Step 4: You will land on the Desktop under File Explorer with the Classic old ribbon.

You can move around the folders and other documents. However, the old ribbon will be gone when you close and reopen the window.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

It is important to understand that the below method won’t work if you are on Windows 11 version 22H22 or higher. However, if you don’t fall into the specific user set, you can restore the classic file explorer in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the below command and press Enter.

To enable, type the below command:

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

To disable, type the below command:

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

Step 3: Close the Command window and Restart your computer. 

Once your PC restarts, the old file explorer ribbon will reappear. However, there’s another way to bring back the classic file explorer ribbon; continue reading.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

Note: Similar to the above method, this method no longer works if you are on Windows 11 version 22H22 or higher.

Note: We strongly advise backing up the Windows Registry before proceeding with the steps below. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Registry Editor, and click Run as administrator.

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the below-mentioned address.

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

Step 3: Under the Shell Extensions folder, right-click on the right pane, select New, and choose Key.

Step 4: Name the Key as Blocked.

Step 5: Go to the Blocked folder, right-click, select New, and choose String Value.

Step 6: Now, type the below:

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

Step 7: Finally, Restart your Windows 11 PC.

There you go. You have successfully brought back the old file explorer ribbon in Windows 11. If you want to go back to the modern ribbon, click on the {e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7} string, right-click on it, and click Delete. In the prompt, confirm Value Delete and click Yes.

FAQ

Also Read: How to disable the ‘Show mode options’ context menu in Windows 11