If you’re a long-time Windows user, you might miss the classic toolbar from earlier versions — the one with simple buttons like Back, Forward, Up One Level, New Folder, Delete, and more.
In Windows 10, Microsoft replaced the classic toolbar with the Ribbon interface in File Explorer, which offers more features but can feel cluttered or overwhelming, especially on smaller screens or for users who prefer simplicity.
So, to answer your question:
✅ Yes, you can restore something similar to the classic toolbar in Windows 10 — though not natively. You’ll need to use customization options, third-party tools, or keyboard shortcuts to bring back that familiar experience.
🧰 Why the Classic Toolbar Is Missed
The classic toolbar was simple, compact, and offered quick access to frequently used commands without taking up much space.
Here’s what it typically included:
- Back / Forward
- Up One Level
- New Folder
- Delete
- Copy / Paste
- Rename
- View Options (Icons, List, Details)
✅ Option 1: Use Quick Access Toolbar (Built-In Alternative)
Windows 10 lets you customize the Quick Access Toolbar, located just above the Ribbon, to include many of the old classic toolbar functions.
Steps:
- Open File Explorer
- Look for the Quick Access Toolbar (small toolbar above the Ribbon)
- Click the down arrow ▼ at the end of the toolbar
- Choose More Commands
- Under “Choose commands from:”, select All Commands
- Add these commands:
- Back
- Forward
- Up
- New Folder
- Cut
- Copy
- Paste
- Delete
- Rename
- Refresh
- Click Add >, then OK
✅ Result: You now have a simplified toolbar with the most commonly used File Explorer actions — very close to the classic look!
✅ Option 2: Minimize or Hide the Ribbon
You can minimize the Ribbon menu to reduce clutter and make File Explorer feel less busy.
How to Minimize the Ribbon:
- Double-click any tab (e.g., Home, Share, View) → Ribbon collapses
- Press
Ctrl + F1to toggle between expanded and minimized views
This hides the full Ribbon and leaves only the tab names visible, helping recreate a cleaner interface.
✅ Option 3: Use Third-Party Tools (Restore Classic Toolbar Feel)
If you want a more complete restoration of the classic Windows experience, including toolbars and menus, try these free tools:
🔹 1. Open-Shell Menu (formerly Classic Shell)
A popular open-source tool that brings back the classic Start menu, and also allows customization of File Explorer toolbars.
Features:
- Restores classic-style toolbar
- Fully customizable
- Lightweight and safe
🔗 https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/
⚠️ Note: While it doesn’t fully replace File Explorer, it adds extra customization options.
🔹 2. Classic Explorer Shell (Optional)
Some advanced users modify File Explorer using Explorer replacement shells, but this is generally not recommended unless you’re experienced.
Instead, stick with Open-Shell for safer, easier customization.
✅ Option 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts Instead
If you’re comfortable with keyboard navigation, you can skip the toolbar entirely and control File Explorer using fast, built-in shortcuts.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Back | Alt + ← |
| Forward | Alt + → |
| Up One Level | Alt + ↑ |
| New Folder | Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Rename | F2 |
| Delete | Del |
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Refresh | F5 |
💡 Tip: Press
Altto show shortcut letters for each Ribbon tab
🛡 Best Practices for Managing Toolbars in Windows 10
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep the Quick Access Toolbar minimal | Only add what you really use |
| Collapse the Ribbon when not needed | Use Ctrl + F1 |
| Avoid unnecessary third-party tools | Stick to trusted apps like Open-Shell |
| Learn keyboard shortcuts | Save time and clicks |
| Backup customizations | Export/import settings if possible |
📊 Summary Table: Ways to Restore the Classic Toolbar in Windows 10
| Method | Difficulty | Customization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Access Toolbar | Easy | Medium | Built-in and safe |
Minimize Ribbon (Ctrl + F1) | Easy | Low | Instant cleanup |
| Open-Shell Menu | Medium | High | Brings back classic look & feel |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Easy | Medium | Great for power users |
🏁 Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Here’s how to choose the best method based on your needs:
| If You Want… | Then Do This |
|---|---|
| A fast, built-in fix | Customize the Quick Access Toolbar |
| Less visual clutter | Minimize the Ribbon with Ctrl + F1 |
| Full classic experience | Install Open-Shell Menu |
| Faster workflow | Learn and use keyboard shortcuts |
| A balance of old and new | Combine Quick Access Toolbar + minimized Ribbon |
💡 Pro Tip: Try combining Quick Access Toolbar with
Ctrl + F1— you get a clean, functional interface that feels familiar and modern at the same time.
🏁 While Windows 10 doesn’t offer the classic toolbar by default, you can easily recreate its functionality using built-in tools or free software. Whether you prefer simplicity, speed, or nostalgia, there’s a way to make File Explorer feel like home again.
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