Reviving the Windows Explorer Toolbar- A Comprehensive Guide to Restore Classic Navigation Features

by liuqiyue

How to Bring Back Windows Explorer Toolbar

In the world of technology, change is the only constant. Over the years, Microsoft has made numerous updates to its Windows operating system, sometimes resulting in the removal of beloved features. One such feature that many users miss is the Windows Explorer Toolbar. If you’re looking to bring back this useful tool, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Firstly, it’s important to note that the Windows Explorer Toolbar was removed in Windows 8 and replaced with the ribbon interface. However, with a few tweaks, you can restore the classic toolbar in Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how:

1. Open Windows Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to launch the File Explorer.

2. Right-click on the toolbar: Once the File Explorer is open, right-click on the toolbar at the top of the window.

3. Select “Customize Toolbar…”: From the context menu, choose “Customize Toolbar…” to open the Customize Toolbar dialog box.

4. Check “Address Bar” and “Quick Access Toolbar”: In the Customize Toolbar dialog box, check the boxes for “Address Bar” and “Quick Access Toolbar.” This will add these features to your toolbar.

5. Click “OK” to save changes: After making the necessary selections, click “OK” to save your changes and close the Customize Toolbar dialog box.

6. Drag and drop: Now, you can drag and drop any other toolbar buttons you want to add to your new toolbar. Simply click and hold the button you want to add, drag it to the desired location on the toolbar, and release the mouse button.

7. Adjust the toolbar: You can further customize your toolbar by resizing it, adding or removing buttons, and rearranging the order of the buttons.

By following these simple steps, you can easily bring back the Windows Explorer Toolbar in Windows 10 and 11. This classic feature will make navigating through your files and folders more efficient and user-friendly. Remember, customization is key, so feel free to tweak your toolbar to suit your needs.

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