Disable checkboxes in file explorer

Question

After the upgrade to Windows 11 on my ASUS UX360UAK Laptop (with touchscreen), I can't get rid of the explorer check boxes. Neither via View Settings nor with the corresponding entries in the registry I am able to hide the explorer check boxes (see attached picture). I guess the problem arises due to a possible tablet/touchscreen mode on the particular laptop. Non of my other computers show a similar behaviour.

Anybody encountered the same and found a solution?

Regards, Ralph

****Original Title: Windows 11 explorer checkboxes permanently displayed****

Answer 1

I got a 2in1 Dell Laptop. I did a clean install of a Dell issued copy of Windows 10 Pro after a SSD change. After an immediate subsequent upgrade to Windows 11 Pro I had the same issue.

I coudn't disable the checkboxes. I couldn't switch to compact view. I checked the registry keys - they all were set correctly. But as it is a tablet mode issue I circumvented the problem.

For everyone who uses a 2in1 and uses it as laptop try the following:

• Open Registry Editor
• Go to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell
• Set DeviceConvertible to 0
• Sign out and back in to your account

Voila, no more checkboxes and compact view also works. This cost me 3 hours of my day. By now I can send Microsoft an invoice for 100s of hours of unpaid work due to their bugs...

Answer 2

I just noticed this issue on my Dell laptop. Extremely annoying that the settings to disable checkboxes are ignored.

Is this another case of some MS developer thinking their way or the highway for using file explorer? The other annoying issue is the friggen Group By setting for the download folder that was forced on us a while ago.

Answer 3

This is by design if the device is in the tablet mode. Quoted from a Microsoft employee:

If the device is in a tablet posture (for example, the keyboard is folded back), then it's expected

Answer 4

This is by design if the device is in the tablet mode. Quoted from a Microsoft employee:

If the device is in a tablet posture (for example, the keyboard is folded back), then it's expected

My laptop is not in tablet mode. Is it also by design to go into tablet mode when using a laptop with a keyboard in normal mode?

Answer 5

Please correct the design to always give users the choice rather than make decisions for them. I have it in tablet the majority of the time, but have a keyboard and mouse attached. Given the choice, I would choose NOT have it show check boxes as I am presently using it. On the occasions where I actually have it in tablet mode down from its stand, I probably would like the freedom to choose to have it show check boxes. Please have Microsoft update and correct allowing users the choice in all modes. Thank you!