What is Folder Options in Windows? How can you access it in Windows 11? What functions does it provide? If you’re unsure, you’ve come to the right place. In this MiniTool article, we’ll briefly explain Folder Options in Windows and demonstrate various ways to open Folder Options in Windows 11.

What Is Folder Options in Windows 11?

The Windows Folder Options dialog box allows you to adjust settings and preferences for File Explorer on your Windows machine. Introduced in Windows 8, it remains available in Windows 11.

This dialog box features three tabs: General, View, and Search.

In Folder Options, you can apply changes to all folders or just the currently open folder.

For instance, if you wish to display hidden files on your computer, navigate to Folder Options > View and check Show hidden files, folders, and drives under Hidden files and folders.

Now, let's explore the various methods to access Folder Options in Windows 11.

How to Open Folder Options in Windows 11?

1. Through the Ribbon in File Explorer
2. Using Windows Search
3. From Control Panel
4. Using Run
5. With Command Prompt
6. Using the Old Ribbon

Method 1: Through the Ribbon in File Explorer

1. Press Win E to launch File Explorer in Windows 11.
2. Click the 3-dot icon on the top ribbon and select Options.
3. The Folder Options window will appear.

Method 2: Using Windows Search

1. Click the search icon on the taskbar.
2. Enter folder options into the search box and select the first result to open it.

Method 3: From Control Panel

1. Click the Search icon to open Windows Search.
2. Type control panel and select the first result to open Control Panel.

3. Select Appearance and Personalization to proceed.

4. Click File Explorer Options and you'll see File Explorer Options, which is essentially Folder Options.

Method 4: From Run

1. Press Win R to open Run.
2. Type control.exe folders and press Enter to open Folder Options.

Method 5: With Command Prompt

1. Use Windows Search to find cmd and select the first result to open Command Prompt.

2. Type control.exe folders and press Enter to open File Explorer Options.

3. If the previous command doesn't work, try this one:

C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0

Method 6: Using the Old Ribbon

You can revert to the older Windows 10 File Explorer style in Windows 11. Doing so allows you to open Folder Options via the old ribbon.

From File

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click File in the top-left corner.
3. Click Options to open Folder Options in Windows 11.

From View

1. Switch to the View
2. Click Options.
3. Click Change folder and search options to open it.

What Can You Do in Windows Folder Options?

File Explorer Options includes three tabs, each managing different settings. Let’s take a look.

Under General

On the General tab, you can choose whether File Explorer opens to This PC or Quick Access, how to browse folders, how to open items, and set privacy in File Explorer. Additionally, you can clear File Explorer history and reset all settings to their defaults in this tab.

Under View

The View tab lets you make advanced settings. For example, you can configure File Explorer to display file thumbnails, show or hide empty drives, display or hide drive letters, show or hide the status bar, and more. There are numerous options here, so feel free to experiment.

Under Search

The Search tab allows you to modify the search method used when searching for items in File Explorer.

Final Thoughts

After reading this article, you should have a basic understanding of Folder Options in Windows and how to access it in Windows 11. If you have any related questions, feel free to ask in the comments.

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