Some Windows 11 users desire File Explorer to resemble the version from Windows 7 due to a blend of familiarity and functionality. Windows 7’s File Explorer is often seen as more straightforward and user-friendly, with a design that prioritizes ease of navigation. Users appreciate the classic interface for its simplicity and the absence of some modern design elements in Windows 11 that can seem overly complex or visually distracting.
Another factor is performance. The streamlined nature of Windows 7’s File Explorer tends to feel faster and more responsive, which can be particularly appealing to users with older hardware or those who value efficiency over aesthetic enhancements. The newer design in Windows 11 includes more animations and graphical elements, which some users find unnecessary or even counterproductive.
With the help of OldNewExplorer, users can easily switch to the old Windows 7 style File Explorer. It works on Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
OldNewExplorer is available as a ZIP archive. After extracting it to a folder, we have to launch OldNewExplorerCfg.exe which is the configuration tool for OldNewExplorer.
The very first thing we have to do is click on the Install button to install it on the system. Later if needed, we can use this same tool to uninstall it from our PC.
In the configuration window, we can choose to group the icons using classical method or using the modern libraries. We can choose to use the command bar instead of the ribbon, hide caption text in Explorer windows, hide caption icon in the Explorer windows, hide the “GoUp” button in the File Explorer and more.
Using the classic Windows 7 style File Explorer also has an element of nostalgia and resistance to change. Long-time Windows users who have grown accustomed to the look and feel of Windows 7 may find the transition to the updated interface jarring. This emotional attachment to the older version is a significant reason why some users prefer the familiarity and comfort of the classic design.
You can download OldNewExplorer from https://www.oldnewexplorer.com/.