The best way to manage files on your Windows 10/11 PC is with File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer). It lets you create, organize, and delete files on your computer.
The File Explorer offers various settings and options to personalize it to your requirement. For example, you can change the default view and search to your desired settings. File Explorer settings can be managed either from File Explorer or Folder Options.
If you have changed several settings of File Explorer and want to restore it to the default settings, you can do so by resetting File Explorer to default settings. Restoring File Explorer to default settings might also help you fix issues if any.
This guide will show you how to reset the Windows 10/11 File Explorer to default settings.
Restore the default settings of File Explorer in Windows 10/11
NOTE: Restoring the File Explorer to default settings does not cause data loss. In other words, when you restore File Explorer to default settings, your files and folders will not be deleted.
Step 1: Open This PC or any folder located anywhere on your PC.
Step 2: In Windows 11, click on the three dots (refer to the picture below) in the toolbar and then click Options to open Folder Options. In Windows 10, click the File menu and then click Change folder and search options.
Step 3: Under the General tab of Folder Options, click the Restore Defaults button.
Step 4: Next, switch to the View tab. Here, click on the Restore Defaults button to reset File Explorer view settings to default.
Step 5: Finally, click on the Search tab to see the search settings. Once again, click on the Restore Defaults button to restore search settings to default settings.
Last but not the least, do not forget to click on the Apply button. That is it! You just restored File Explorer to default settings in Windows 10 and 11.
Tip 1: You can use the Windows + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer.
Tip 2: To preview an image or supported file, select the file and then use the Alt + P hotkey.
Tip 3: In Windows 10, you can use Ctrl + F1 hotkey to show or hide the ribbon.
Jerry says
This does not work for me, all of my Quick Access folders are still there & now Quick Access, Favorites, & Resents are now in the description pane that I did not want.
I still do not have Downloads or Documents in the Navigations Pane
Aaron says
So my explorer will not start. I need to reset these from the commandline.
explorer works on other users just fine.