Creating and modifying metadata in Windows 11 File Explorer

Question

In the Windows 10 File Explorer with the Details pane showing, I can select multiple JPG files and edit metadata like Title for all of them.
In Windows 11, when I try that, the Details pane says
"Select a single file to get more information and share your cloud content."
And even if I do select a single file, I have to open a Properties window to modify the title; the Explorer Details pane is read-only.
How can I get back the ability that exists in Windows 10?

Answer 1

Looks good! A couple questions:

> Right-click OldExplorer.exe, select Properties, check Unblock, and click OK.

I don't see that checkbox; not sure if it matters.

And what does the "Compatibility" tab option in Properties mean

"Register this program for restart"?

With most browsers, when you download to an NTFS volume, the executable files will be marked as "blocked". If you don't see an unblock checkbox it could be because your browser does do that or because the file was downloaded to a non-NTFS volume. So, short answer, it doesn't matter.

The "Register this program for restart" option in Compatibility tab will appear for all exe files. It's not applicable in this case. It's something one may use for a program that needs to be running all the time in the background.

Answer 2

Dear ronks!

Welcome to the Microsoft Community!

You made a good observation. But the fact is that Windows 11 has made some changes to File Explorer, including the metadata editing feature you mentioned. These changes sometimes affect user workflows, and I understand your frustration.

The current situation is:

1. Windows 11 does change some features of File Explorer, including the way to batch edit metadata.
2. Microsoft currently has no plans to restore this particular feature to the Windows 10 style.
3. The official has not yet provided a direct solution to restore this feature.

However, you can consider the following points:

1. Although it is not as convenient as before, it is still possible to edit metadata through the properties window.
2. You can submit this feature request through Windows Feedback Hub. Microsoft does pay attention to user feedback, especially when multiple users make similar requests.
3. There are some third-party file managers or metadata editing tools that may provide similar functionality. But as a community support, I cannot recommend specific applications. If you decide to explore this option, make sure to download from a trusted source and carefully evaluate any third-party software.

Finally, I strongly recommend that you submit your feedback through Windows Feedback Hub. This is the most direct way for Microsoft to learn about user needs, which may influence future feature development decisions.

If you need help on how to use Windows Feedback Hub or have any other questions, please feel free to let me know.

Thank you for your understanding and support! 

I wish you all the best.

Best regards,

Yang.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Thank you for your prompt and thorough answer.

This is a major step backwards in usability, IMHO.

> There are some third-party file managers or metadata editing tools that may provide similar functionality

I appreciate that you cannot recommend any products here; but if you could offer some keyword search terms for use in researching alternatives, that would be very useful.

Answer 4

One option, to get back direct editing of metadata in the Details pane, is to use the Windows 10 Explorer which is still built into Windows 11. Here's a free tool I wrote to make it convenient to launch the old Explorer:

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

Another option is to enable the Windows 7 style details pane at the bottom of the Explorer window. That can be enabled whether you use the old or new Explorer with this free tool:

https://www.oldnewexplorer.com/

Also note that OldNewExplorer is from the same developer as the $5 pay app StartAllBack which also provides the Windows 7 style details pane among other features.

Note: I don't work for Microsoft. I'm just another user and developer of some free Windows tools.

Answer 5

Thanks! That sounds worth, er, exploring. I'm thinking it could be added to the context menu for folders, yes?