Download ExplorerPatcher to Restore Classic UI and Features in Windows 10 and 11
UPDATE: Latest version ExplorerPatcher 22621.3296.64.1 is available for download which is compatible with the latest Windows 11 version. It has been tested on OS build 22000.2538, 22621.1992, 22621.3155, 22621.3235, 22621.3296, 25951.1000, and 26058.1000. It comes with new features, changes and bug fixes mentioned below in this article.
ExplorerPatcher is a popular Windows UI customization software developed by our friend “Valinet”. This small tool can be used to enhance the UI of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If you don’t like the default look-n-feel of Windows Taskbar, File Explorer, Start Menu and other UI elements, you can customize them using this free tool. You can also restore or bring back good old classic UI elements in newer versions of Windows with the help of this freeware.
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Table of Contents
ExplorerPatcher Features List
Following are some important features of ExplorerPatcher which are worth to mention:
- Restore Windows 10 classic Taskbar in Windows 11
- Restore Windows 10 style classic context menu (right-click menu) in Windows 11
- Restore Windows 10 Ribbon or Windows 7 command bar in Windows 11 File Explorer
- Restore old classic Windows NT style “ALT+TAB” switcher screen in Windows 10 and 11
- Enable full classic File Explorer experience in Windows 11
- Customize look-n-feel of Start Menu in Windows 11
- Disable or remove “Recommended” section in Windows 11 Start Menu
- Open All Apps page by default in Windows 11 Start Menu
- Customize Taskbar notification area (system tray) icons look-n-feel
- Restore classic file transfer dialog box in Windows 10 and 11
- Disable or remove navigation bar, modern search box in Windows Explorer
- Enable colored titlebar in Windows 11 File Explorer
- Disable rounded corners in program windows in Windows 11
- Prevent Windows 11 to redirect System, etc Control Panel items to modern Settings pages
- Choose the action when left or right-click on Network icon in Taskbar notification area
- Restore classic fly-outs when clicking on system tray icons
- Choose default selected option when you press ALT+F4 keys to open shutdown dialog box
- Restart Windows Explorer whenever you want
- Many more useful UI customization features and tweaks
What’s New in ExplorerPatcher Latest Stable Version
The latest public stable version of ExplorerPatcher comes with following features and improvements:
- Taskbar10: Fixed a bug where SCOOBE would repeatedly crash Explorer when Language Switcher is set to anything other than Windows 10 (the default).
- Taskbar10: Refined the method for aligning the Windows 11 Start menu and Search flyouts when using the Windows 10 taskbar on 22621.2792+. This should fix related crashes during logon and screen resolution change on 26063+.
- Taskbar10: Revised the method for restoring acrylic to the Windows 10 taskbar on 22621+. This should fix the taskbar being fully transparent on recent builds such as 22635.3066 and 22621/22631.3296 despite not having any other customization software.
- ExplorerPatcher should now avoid further injection when the system is in safe mode.
- Setup: Moved uninstallation prompt dialog existence check to the GUI.
- Various changes to prepare for the alternate taskbar implementation that will be released in the future.
Download Link of ExplorerPatcher Latest Version
You can download ExplorerPatcher using following link:
Download ExplorerPatcher for Windows 10 and Windows 11
How to Uninstall or Remove ExplorerPatcher from Your Computer?
If you decide to uninstall ExplorerPatcher tool from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can do it using any of following methods:
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- You can uninstall the program using “Control Panel -> Programs and Features” page or using “Windows Settings -> Apps and features” page.
- Run ep_setup.exe /uninstall command in Command Prompt or RUN dialog box.
- Rename ep_setup.exe executable file to ep_uninstall.exe and run it.
Also Check:
[Fun Tip] Run Old and New File Explorer Side-by-Side in Windows 11
[Tip] Customize Date and Time in Windows 11 Taskbar Clock, Add Your Name, Day, Month Names
I will share a bonus tip for those users who are facing issue related from start menu (such as left click not responding and others). Because according to the developer of ExplorerPatcher, 1st time requires downloading of some resource files to work properly, if problem is still present, then
1. Uninstall ExplorerPatcher, than restart your computer.
2. After restart, connect to internet, then temporary disable 3rd party antivirus (if installed). Personally I am using McAfee Total Security, and McAfee blocks activity of resource downloading of ExplorerPatcher. It might be possible that your antivirus can block this activity.
3. After disable antivirus, install ExplorerPatcher and wait for 5-10 minutes. If you see a notification on notification bar that “ExplorerPatcher successfully downloaded symbols, that means resources are downloaded, now test this and don’t forget to enable antivirus.
^^ Nice tip. That’s true. Symbols download is required for ExplorerPatcher to work properly. I’m sure your tip will help other users in making the tool working.
I see my self using this tool if Windows 11 continues to decline in reliability like it has in recent weeks with the introduction of the new file explorer.