File Explorer Navigation Pane drop-down icons have become '+' signs.

frenchmarrow · 10 Jul 2023

In the Navigation Pane, the drop-down icons that you click to expand the item(s) have switched from the default little arrows (akin to the Ribbon icons) to these, imho, nasty looking plus signs. Image shows my nav pane. Does anyone know what changed this because I didn't do it on purpose? Or is there a way I can force it back?

I've been searching down the culprit for this for hours I cannot find it. This is my first post here I'll try to give as much info as I can think of. Do let me know if there's any lacking.

Customizations that are running: Rainmeter, ClassicShell, ExplorerBlur, and TranslucentTaskbar.

I've looked through the following for a solution related to this:
CustomizerGod, Winaero Tweaker, Ultimate Windows Tweaker, the .config for ExplorerBlur.

Version 10.0.19045 Build 19045

Thanks for reading,.

dalchina · 10 Jul 2023

That's how it was in Windows XP if I'm not mistaken.

And to check- is that really file explorer, or a different file manager?

Or a Classic Explorer option (Classic Shell)?

Classic Explorer is a plugin for Windows Explorer that:
Adds a toolbar to Explorer for some common operations (Go to parent folder, Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Properties, Email). The toolbar is fully customizable
Replaces the copy UI in Windows 7 with the more user-friendly “classic” version similar to Windows XP
Handles Alt+Enter in the folder panel of Windows Explorer and shows the properties of the selected folder
Has options for customizing the folder panel to look more like the Windows XP version or to not fade the expand buttons

Or perhaps an option in OldNewexplorer if you have that?

frenchmarrow · 12 Jul 2023

Thank you!!

If anyone googling has this issue I located ClassicExplorer with Everything Search. Added image of said setting for posterity.

Fixed!!!

dalchina · 12 Jul 2023

SPB · 13 Jul 2023

Great find!
I use classic shell and always wanted to have the little crosses instead of the arrows in the navigation pane.
I just overlooked that it simply needs to be changed to Windows XP style.