How to Enable or Disable Folder Options in Windows 11

This article explains how to turn on or off File Explorer Folder Options in Windows 11.

Version Disclaimer: These steps apply to Windows 11 22H2 and later. Steps may vary slightly in earlier versions.

The Folder Options lets you change how files and folders open. You can also control what shows up in the navigation pane and adjust other view settings.

The File Explorer options window is where you can set up many settings for File Explorer. This includes hiding and unhiding file extensions and opening folders in new windows.

Why would you want to disable Folder Options? If you share your computer with other users, you might want to prevent them from changing how folders and files look in File Explorer. The steps below show you how to do that.

Method 1: Disable Folder Options Using Group Policy Editor

This method works best if you want to control settings for your entire computer.

⚠️ Admin Required – You need administrator access to complete these steps.

1. Open the Local Group Policy editor on your computer.
2. Browse to this folder path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
3. Look for the setting called “Do not allow Folder Options to be opened from the Options button on the View tab of the ribbon” in the right panel.
4. Double-click on it to open the settings window.

Now you’ll see three options:

• Not Configured – This is the same as disabled. Folder Options work normally.
• Enabled – Users cannot open Folder Options at all.
• Disabled – Users can open Folder Options and change settings.

Select whichever option you prefer and click OK.

What happens when done: File Explorer will either allow or block access to Folder Options based on your selection.

Method 2: Disable Folder Options Using Registry Editor

This is another way to control Folder Options. It works by editing the Windows Registry directly.

⚠️ Admin Required – You need administrator access to complete these steps.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can damage Windows. Back up your registry before proceeding: right-click Computer > Export, then save the file.

1. Open the Windows Registry editor on your computer.
2. Navigate to one of these registry paths:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer
   • or
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer
3. If you don’t see the Explorer folder, right-click on the Policies folder and create a new subkey named Explorer.

1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Explorer folder.
2. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
3. Name the new item NoFolderOptions.
4. Double-click the item you just created to open it.
5. Change the Value data to:
   • 0 to allow Folder Options (enable it)
   • 1 to block Folder Options (disable it)

Important Note: These changes apply only to the current user account (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) or all users (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE). Restart is required.

What happens when done: Your registry changes will take effect after you restart your computer.

Troubleshooting

If changes don’t apply, try these steps:

1. Restart File Explorer (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find File Explorer, and click Restart)
2. Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt (for Group Policy changes)
3. Check for conflicting security software that might be blocking changes

Summary

You now know two ways to control Folder Options in Windows 11. The Group Policy Editor method is good for preventing changes across your whole computer. The Registry Editor method gives you more direct control. Both methods let you decide whether users can or cannot change how files and folders appear in File Explorer. Remember to restart your computer after making changes so they take effect. If you ever want to turn Folder Options back on, just follow the same steps and choose the option that allows Folder Options.

Frequently Asked Questions