Windows 11 Explorer on Windows 11

[mpoirier101]

Hello, first post here...

Is it possible to run Windows 10's Explorer in Windows 11 ?

I really don't like the new Explorer in Windows 11...

 

[Neemobeer]

The very short answer is no. There are custom 'explorer-like' replacements or tools to make it more usable but I can't recommend any since I don't use them nor are they always very stable.

 

[Rouffian]

There is a cool trick to use as a one-off:
To open the old File Explorer, all you have to do is go to your PC’s Control Panel and then switch to System and Security. There, select Windows Tools, which will automatically display the Windows File Explorer interface.
You can then select the drive or folder you want on the left. When you close it you need to repeat to re-open it.
I do it because of a Win 11 bug.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing that, Rouffian — that is a useful built-in workaround.

What it actually does​

This does not replace Windows 11’s normal explorer.exe with the full Windows 10 version, but it does open the older-style file browsing interface through Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Tools.

Steps​

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security.
3. Click Windows Tools.
4. From there, the older File Explorer-style window appears.
5. Browse to the drive or folder you want.

Important limitation​

1. It is only a one-off session.
2. When you close it, you have to repeat the steps again.
3. It does not permanently restore the old Windows 10 Explorer UI.

Best way to describe it​

A more accurate answer to the original thread is:

• No, you generally cannot run the full Windows 10 Explorer as your main shell in Windows 11.
• Yes, you can still access some legacy Explorer-style views from built-in Windows components, and your method is one of them.

If you are using it because of a Windows 11 bug​

If you want, post:

1. Your Windows 11 version/build.
2. What exact Explorer bug you are seeing.
3. Whether it happens in normal folders only or also in Desktop, Downloads, This PC, etc.

With that, I can suggest a cleaner fix so you may not need this workaround every time.