Some Windows Explorer View options non functioning

Question

Bill Pellegrini 60

Screenshot 2026-09-02 082710

I'm unable to remove Item check boxes and selecting/deselecting Compact view does not have any effect on displayed items.

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2 answers

Answer 1

Senthil kumar 2,915

First reset the settings.

Reset folder view settings

Open any folder → click View → Options → Change folder and search options.
In the dialog, go to View tab → Reset Folders.
Then click Restore Defaults. This forces File Explorer to reapply the correct visual state.

Restart Explorer process

Check for Windows updates

Microsoft patched similar view‑toggle bugs in cumulative updates (KB5039302 and later).
Make sure you’re on the latest Windows 11 build.

Thanks.

Bill Pellegrini 60 Reputation points

2026-09-03T17:03:20.0933333+00:00

Hi, I completed your steps but that did not resolve issue.
Senthil kumar 2,915 Reputation points

2026-09-04T04:56:51.5133333+00:00

Ok, understand, can you try below solution

Press Win + R, type:

In the View tab, click Restore Defaults again.

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

start explorer.exe

suppose not working restart your pc then try

Thanks.
Bill Pellegrini 60 Reputation points

2026-09-04T12:01:36.27+00:00

Still not working.

FYI, I'm using a Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 PC.

Answer 2

Brink 16,665 Volunteer Moderator

Hello Bill,

You can see if option 3 or 4 in the tutorial below to change this setting may work for you.

Bill Pellegrini 60 Reputation points

2026-09-02T15:34:15.28+00:00

Hi Brink,

I've gone thru your options list and are now at option 4.

How can I determine which SID to select in registry?
Brink 16,665 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-02T16:37:14.1266667+00:00

The tutorial below can help show you how to see which SID is for which account to change this setting for.

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/find-security-identifier-sid-of-user-in-windows-11.19398/
Bill Pellegrini 60 Reputation points

2026-09-03T14:05:59.75+00:00

My PC is a Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1

I believe I'm using it in tablet mode even though I'm using an ext. keyboard & mouse.

When I unfolded keyboard out in normal laptop configuration. those view setting options where then available.

So, those settings are disabled because of the way I'm using this PC?
Brink 16,665 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-03T14:54:15.9866667+00:00

Correct. They are disabled while in tablet mode.