Windows 11 23h2 - How To Get Old / Classic View File Explorer Back?

The registry settings, provided at the link below, will switch the default Explorer to the classic, Windows 10 version:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/restore-classic-file-explorer-with-ribbon-in-windows-11.620/#Three

My free, open source (i.e. NOT shady) SwitchExplorer app applies exactly the same registry entries for you (and provides the option to switch the context menu as well). It's just an easier way to get the same thing done:

https://lesferch.github.io/SwitchExplorer/

Please note that with the above methods, the Details pane (i.e. the place you can edit file properties, not the Details view) will still be the new crippled version. To get the classic, more powerful Details pane, you can use my other free, open source (i.e. NOT shady) tool to launch Explorer:

https://lesferch.github.io/OldExplorer/

Hello,

You can use option three in the tutorial below to restore the classic File Explorer in Windows 11.

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/restore-classic-file-explorer-with-ribbon-in-windows-11.620/

Please know: There are no Microsoft employees here, and none of us have access to Microsoft employees. This forum is made up of Windows users trying to help each other.

Having established that, here are your options:

1- Tell your fellow Windows users how much you hate this - accomplished.

2- Find a third-party File Explorer replacement from a reputable developer.

3- Learn to accept the Windows 11 File Explorer as-is.

4- Work with Files Explorer's own settings to achieve an appearance that is acceptable to you.

5- Make a suggestion to Microsoft in the Feedback Hub.

6- Try a different operating system with a file manager more to your liking.

You also have this option, but I cannot recommend it:

7- Attempt to change the appearance of File Explorer by unsupported methods like the Windows registry, command lines or so-called optimization software. In my experience, this never works well in the end.