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How to Reset File Explorer: 4 Simple Ways
Resetting File Explorer will restore its default settings quickly
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Microsoft allows manyFile Explorer customization optionsto change how files and folders are organized in the application.
Over time, File Explorer appears to be visually different, but you can do a File Explorer reset to restore the default settings. Go through our guide to know how to reset File Explorer on your Windows PC.
How can I reset File Explorer in Windows?
1. Reset the folder View settings
If you customized the file explorer folder view previously, you can reset File Explorer to the default view by implementing these simple steps discussed here.
2. Reset the general settings of File Explorer
This method will roll back any changes made to the privacy and folder accessibility settings of the file explorer to restore the default values.
3. Reset the search settings
This will reset any changes made to how File Explorer performs searches for indexed and non-indexed locations. We also recommend that you go through our guide on how tofix the File Explorer searchif you run into trouble.
4. Reset File Explorer cache
These PowerShell commands will force File Explorer to wipe off the cache and restart itself if there areperformance issues.
That’s all! Follow the step-by-step procedure in this article to reset the File Explorer settings to the default version on a Windows machine.
While you are here, you might be interested in our detailed guide tobring back the File Explorer iconif you use it often.
If you need further help regarding this issue, feel free to reach out in the comments section.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Windows 11
Vladimir Popescu
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.
With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.
When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.
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