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How to Open Folder Options in Windows 11

Written by Thirumalraj

In this post, you’ll see:

I’m using Windows 11 PC here. Let’s start.

How to Open File Explorer Options in Windows 11

With File Explorer Options, you can customize how the File Explorer looks and functions. 

For example: sometimes, you need to enable/disable certain features of File Explorer (like showing hidden items) that you can do using this.

You can access File Explorer Options (also known as “Folder Options”) in various ways in Windows 11. Let’s see them.

Method #1

You can launch File Explorer Options by using the control folders command in one of the following programs:

  • Run Command Box (Press Windows + R to launch this)
  • File Explorer address bar
  • Task Manager (Here’s how to use the command in this program: Click File > Run new task. Type control folders and press the Enter key.)
  • Command Prompt
  • Windows PowerShell

Method #2

Start the File Explorer by pressing Windows + E and clicking on the three horizontal dots at the top. Click Options.

Method #3

To open Settings, press Windows + I. Type file explorer options in the search box on the left sidebar. Click “File Explorer Options” in the search results.

Method #4

Click on the “File Explorer Options” link in the Control Panel.

Note: If you don’t see the “File Explorer Options” in the Control Panel, open the drop-down list next to “View by” and select “Large icons” or “Small icons.”

Method #5

Open the Start menu and then enter file explorer options. Click “File Explorer Options” in the search results.

How to Create a File Explorer Options Shortcut

You can create a shortcut to File Explorer Options on your Windows 11 desktop or File Explorer by following these steps:

  1. Right-click on the blank area of your desktop or File Explorer.
  2. Move the mouse over to “New.”
  3. Click on “Shortcut,” which you’ll find under “Folder.”
  4. When a popup appears, type control folders.
  5. Click Next. If you dislike the proposed name, add the name of your choice.
  6. Click the Finish button.

How to Disable Folder Options

Here’s how to disable File Explorer Options (also known as Folder Options) in Windows 11:

Launch Registry Editor. I suggest a Registry backup before continuing. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Policies > Explorer.

Right-click on the blank space in the right pane. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Enter NoFolderOptions as a name and then press the Enter key.

Double-click it and enter 1 in the Value data field. Hit the OK button. That’s it.

Note: If you want to enable it, follow the above steps, replace the 1 with 0 or remove the DWORD you created above.

Alternative Method

Launch local group policy editor.

Navigate to the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.

Then double-click “Do not allow Folder Options to be opened from the Options button on the View tab of the ribbon” in the right pane.

Select Enabled. Hit the OK button. That’s all.

Note: To enable it, follow the steps above, but select Not Configured or Disabled.

How to Reset File Explorer Options

You can accomplish this task in a few steps:

  1. Start File Explorer Options.
  2. Hit the Restore Defaults button under the General tab.
  3. Hit the “OK” button at the bottom.

How to Open File or Folder Properties in Windows 11

Method #1

Select the file or folder. Press the Alt + Enter keys together.

Method #2

Right-click on the file or folder. Hit the “Properties” option.

Method #3 

Double-click the file or folder while holding the “Alt” key.

Method #4 

Select the file or folder. Click on the three horizontal dots at the top and hit “Properties.”

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