How to Turn On or Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer in Windows 10


Starting with Windows 10 build 21337 and later, the default layout of File Explorer now adds additional padding between elements. For users who prefer a more information-dense layout, there is a new setting in View Options called Use compact mode, which will restore the classic layout of File Explorer.

The UX for toggling this setting is not final. The level of padding is designed for better consistency with modern (XAML) experiences. This should also make it easier to work with File Explorer when using a touch screen.

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Use compact mode in File Explorer for your account in Windows 10.

Contents

• Option One: Turn On or Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer using Folder Options
• Option Two: Turn On or Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer using a REG file

EXAMPLE: "Use compact mode" turned on and off

OPTION ONE

Turn On or Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer using Folder Options

1 Open Folder Options.

2 Click/tap on the View tab, check or uncheck (default) Use compact mode in "Advanced settings" for what you want, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

OPTION TWO

Turn On or Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer using a REG file

The downloadable .reg files below will modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

UseCompactMode DWORD

0 = Off
1 = On

1 Do step 2 (on) or step 3 (off) below for what you would like to do.

2 To Turn On Use Compact Mode in File Explorer

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Turn_on_Use_compact_mode_in_File_Explorer.reg

Download

3 To Turn Off Use Compact Mode in File Explorer

This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Turn_off_Use_compact_mode_in_File_Explorer.reg

Download

4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 If you like, you can now delete the downloaded .reg file.

That's it,
Shawn Brink

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