File explorer ribbon missing

Looks like the OP has 'Old/New Explorer' running.

inf1425 said:

I am on windows 10 build 2004. For some reason, my explorer ribbon is missing. I have attached a screenshot. Any help would be appreciated.
This problem started long after the Windows 2004 update. I have not installed any updates in the past 2 weeks.

I didn't see any of these steps mentioned anywhere in this or the other thread which have been identified in other searches as possible solutions to the problem. In many cases they're assumed to have been attempted already but often they're not, and so I thought it worth taking the time to mention.

1. Reboot

and / or

2. Terminate the explorer.exe process and restart.

3. From an elevated CMD prompt run:

Code:

SFC /Scannow

4. From an elevated CMD prompt run:

Code:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

I clean installed 2004 when it showed up on the MCT, and while I've not seen this problem, as a 2004 user, I am curious about it's cause and solution.

inf1425 said:

I am on windows 10 build 2004. For some reason, my explorer ribbon is just missing...

Edwin said:

Looks like the OP has 'Old/New Explorer' running.

That could explain it. I am on 2004 and can confirm that the ribbon is there and can be hidden or restored, same as it always could in 1909.

I don't use any 3rd-party add-ons to modify File Explorer though....

Try creating a new user profile & see if the behavior persists under that user. A ribbon-lees Explorer window is normal for a few FolderTypes, such as Contacts & Fonts. Your profile may have been corrupted.

KeithM said:

Try creating a new user profile & see if the behavior persists under that user. A ribbon-lees Explorer window is normal for a few FolderTypes, such as Contacts & Fonts. Your profile may have been corrupted.

The new user also had a missing ribbon.

Edwin said:

Looks like the OP has 'Old/New Explorer' running.

I have not installed that program, or any program which modifies explorer.

inf1425 said:

The new user also had a missing ribbon...

What happens if you press the Ctrl+F1 keys? That is the keyboard shortcut to toggle hiding the ribbon.

Bree said:

What happens if you press the Ctrl+F1 keys? That is the keyboard shortcut to toggle hiding the ribbon.

I already tried that but that also didn't work.

inf1425 said:

I already tried that but that also didn't work.

It does work for me in 2004, so that confirms your system is not working properly. If it is the same for a new user then it seems the default profile is damaged.

I would try to repair the system with SFC /ScanNow and Dism's /RestoreHealth option.

Run SFC Command in Windows 10
Use DISM to Repair Windows 10 Image

You may need to run them one after another up to three times to fix all that they can.

If the problem still persists after that, then try an in-place repair upgrade which reinstalls Windows, keeping all your user files and installed apps.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

I am currently running dism and sfc /scannow. I will report back after running them thrice.

- - - Updated - - -

After running those, and restarting, it seems to be fixed. I guess it was just some corrupt system files then.

Thanks for the help everyone.