Change Modern File Explorer back to the old version look

So I have searched the tutorials here but cannot find an answer, hoping that someone here can help.

A few days ago I created a new Win 10 install flash drive using the MS Media Creation tool and made a clean install of Win 10 Pro. In setting up my new Windows 10 I needed to use File Explorer numerous times to locate driver files etc. Opening File Explorer I noticed a completely different look than I was accustomed to but managed to locate what I needed to finish setup. Now I wish to change this new Explorer look back to the old look but more than just the look, I need the functionality returned to Explorer that was available in the old version.

I did some research and find that MS has introduced what is called a Modern Explorer which is an unwanted change at least for me in how Explorer displays content and ultimately the functionality that is missing because of this change. This functionality such as having direct access to Network for example is nowhere to be found and although you can access it by typing Network in the address bar, is way less functional, way more time consuming, and quite frankly is a PIA!

I for one do not need MS trying to make things look and feel all fuzzy and warm! That stuff is NOT for the enthusiasts among us at least it was not the last time I checked!

So how do I disable this ridiculous new Modern look and return to the old?

Perhaps you're talking about: %windir%\explorer.exe shell:AppsFolder\c5e2524a-ea46-4f67-841f-6a9465d9d515_cw5n1h2txyewy!App



If so, delete that shortcut and open "C:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\System Tools\File Explorer.lnk" instead.

Thanks for the replies. I have to think this is something that MS has just sprung on us out of the blue and nothing I have done either mistakenly or intentionally.

Windows version per winver: Version 20H2 Build 19042-804

The only difference in the install from what I have experienced in the past is that I was forced to apply a PIN and use an MS account to perform the install. I have always been able to get past that prior to this round by selecting Local Account as I recall. That option was never shown or offered. It was MS account or no install! That is pure BS!

I have to think that this MS account non-sense is a part of the issue. From what I've read elsewhere the MS Store now offers a new Modern Explorer look and the picture I saw of that looks just like what I have on this install. Screenshot below:




As you can see there is no Navigation Pane, just quick Access and Devices and drives view. This is unacceptable.

Edwin, you might be on to something here however, if I remove the shortcut then I have no Explorer. If I navigate to the Windows System via the Start button and open File Explorer from there I get the same view as above meaning that this is default behavior! Again, unacceptable! MS, you are going down a nefarious path with this!

Click on the View menu, then Navigation pane, and click Navigation Pane to enable with a check.

Click View again and change from List to Icons (Small, Medium or Large) or Tiles (default) if desired.

That's the standard File Explorer, not a modern app equivalent.

NMI,

Thank you sir, you nailed it. So why is the default install now with the Navigation pane disabled?

Thanks again.

NMI said:

Click on the View menu, then Navigation pane, and click Navigation Pane to enable with a check.

Click View again and change from List to Icons (Small, Medium or Large) or Tiles (default) if desired.

That's the standard File Explorer, not a modern app equivalent.

I did that but I still dont have the "old" my computer and all the folders and libraries back and that is what I miss so much

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dalchina said:

Hi, I understand you are concerned about a 'modern look' explorer.

The only one I'm aware of is not from MS:
A modern file explorer is now available, but it's not from Microsoft | Windows Central

Is that what you're looking at?

There are rumours of changes:
Windows 10 modern File explorer may have leaked yet again, officially | WinCentral



Are you using an insider build? The forum prompted you thus:


Network items are available in the Navigation pane.

(The tab shown and colours are provided by 3rd party programs)

Otherwise, please post a screenshot to illustrate what you are seeing,being clear about the process responsible for your view thus:


Thanks.

I dont know maybe it is me but when I dlded this all i got was some really old looking thing ..sorry not techy at all.... all I want in the old file manager with my computer files and libraries on it this pc thing is just not working for me

Releases . Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu . GitHub converts the terrible Win 10 start menu into Win 7 style. It also converts Explorer.
In my opinion is a "must have"