Windows 10 File Explorer Folder History

Roland · Helmsman Posts: 4124 **22943 Gold** -

Under pressure from IT, I finally installed Windows 11 on my remote desktop PC at work. I immediately had issues, naturally, one of which required an IT staffer to make a trip to the office (normally they all work remotely) to get it back online. I will continue stalling on switching my laptop to 11, but I'm sure IT will realize in a few days that I'm delinquent.

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

This may help with Windows 11

How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10: 9 Easy Ways
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windows-11-Look-Like-Windows-10
Last Updated: July 30, 2024

see screenshots in the article link
Suggest save a copy of the article
(A save as adobe PDF file Browser plugin may be useful)

Includes

Get the Windows 10 Taskbar and Start Menu

ExplorerPatcher
https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher
https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases

Installer .exe, apparently no portable version

https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/blob/master/README.md

Further Info
https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/wiki/ExplorerPatcher's-taskbar-implementation

https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/issues

A free tool called ExplorerPatcher restores the look and feel of the Windows 10 taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, context menus, and task switcher to Windows 11 in seconds.

Please DO NOT use the reimplemented taskbar on WORK machines.
Also DO NOT use on machines with mission-critical purposes.

This is only intended for PERSONAL machines where program errors are tolerable.
If you are using this on a non-PERSONAL machine, you are doing so at your own risk.

NOT recommended using EP on work machines running Windows 11
version 24H2 (subject to change)

Mirror
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/explorerpatcher.html

Winaero Tweaker
https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker

free app for all versions of Windows that lets you adjust (i.e. tweak) hidden secret settings that Microsoft does not let you adjust from the user interface.
supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11
(ensure that you document any changes made with this utility)

This may help with documenting any registry changes

https://github.com/Seabreg/Regshot

Regshot is a small, free and open-source registry compare utility that allows you to quickly take a snapshot of your registry and then compare it with a second one - done after doing system changes or installing a new software product

The changes report can be produced in text or HTML format and contains a list of all modifications that have taken place between the two snapshots.
In addition, you can also specify folders (with subfolders) to be scanned for changes as well.

Winaero Tweaker comes with the following features.
https://winaero.com/the-list-of-winaero-tweaker-features/

https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker-faq/

8 Ways to Customize Windows 11 With Winaero Tweaker
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-winaero-tweaker-guide/

Classic Volume Control for Windows 11
https://winaero.com/classic-volume-control/

Get back the old sound mixer
works on all modern Windows versions including Windows 7, 10, 11.

https://winaero.com/downloads/classicvolumecontrol.zip

----------------------

The 6 Best Apps for Customizing Windows 11
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-best-customization-apps/

ThisIsWin11 (Free)
https://github.com/builtbybel/ThisIsWin11

Start11 (Paid)
https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/

RoundedTB (Free)
available on the Microsoft Store for free

Files
download Files through the Microsoft Store.

BeWidgets (Free)
get BeWidgets for free from the Microsoft Store.

Lively Wallpaper (Free)
available for free on the Microsoft Store.

How to Customize the System Tray Clock on Windows
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-customize-system-tray-clock/

https://drive-software.com/freedesktopclock.html

9 Ways to Make Your PC Run Like New Again
https://www.makeuseof.com/9-ways-to-make-your-pc-run-like-new-again/

fleetp · Boatswain Posts: 3860 **37246 Gold** -

The make use of website mentions a built in windows tool Disk Cleanup. I'm going to check it out.

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

more on Disk Cleanup

7 steps to a lean, clean Windows machine
https://www.computerworld.com/article/1626183/how-to-clean-windows-computer-disk-cleanup.html

The 9 Different Ways to Open Disk Clean-Up in Windows 11
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-open-disk-clean-up/

Roland · Helmsman Posts: 4124 **22943 Gold** -

Thanks, corsair91. I've already made use of a few of the tips from your first link! Unfortunately, the rest of your links appear to involve installing software, which my IT department has made impossible. I can't even install a new font without admin rights!

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Ultimately most tweaks involve editing the registry
so Tweak tools tend to be preferred, rather than unleashing Users
directly on the Registry.

Which does not help when the System is locked down by admins.

The admins would be using the Group Policy Editor,
a GUI interface selecting options which ultimately also
edit the registry
(very powerful & very dangerous to use!)

How to Open Local Group Policy Editor in Windows Home workaround
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/access-group-policy-editor-in-win-home/

Local Group Policy Editor plus more, for all Windows editions
https://github.com/Fleex255/PolicyPlus

Windows 11 policy settings
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/managed-desktop/references/windows-11-policy-settings

https://winaero.com/windows-11-tutorials/

https://www.elevenforum.com/tutorials/
https://www.elevenforum.com/pages/tutorial-index/

New Windows 11 registry hacks to customize your device

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-windows-11-registry-hacks-to-customize-your-device/

includes registry Tweaks
Assuming the Registry Editor is not also locked down

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-use-the-windows-registry-editor/

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-backup-and-restore-the-windows-registry/

How to Create a .Reg File for Easy Registry Hacks
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/create-reg-file-for-registry-hacks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry

How to Restore Classic Start Menu in Windows 11 with Classic Taskbar
https://winaero.com/how-to-restore-classic-start-menu-in-windows-11-and-get-back-live-tiles/

Using the ExplorerPatcher Tool

https://www.pcworld.com/article/1786965/bring-back-windows-11s-missing-features-for-free-with-explorer-patcher.html

https://www.askvg.com/download-explorerpatcher-for-windows-10-and-11/

Winaero Tweaker does have website links to the various included
registry tweaks Info, but you do need to be able to run the tool
with an Internet Connection to see this
(Maybe research tweaks of interest on a System you have full control)

------------------------

Latest Windows usage figures
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2508289/windows-11-market-share-grows-but-windows-10-still-twice-as-popular.html

Nov 1, 2024

The overall share of Windows 10 users now sits at 60.95%
Windows 11 at 35.55%

------------------------
Fun with Outlook

Outlook users beware — Classic Outlook is currently crashing when you open more than 60 emails at once
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/outlook-users-beware-classic-outlook-is-currently-crashing-when-you-open-more-than-60-emails-at-once

November 6, 2024

Fortunately it's just when you open them — not when you have 60+ emails in your inbox

Microsoft is recommending that users either avoid opening that many
emails at once or wait for the Outlook team to fix the issue

There is a Registry Key editing workaround which may cause even
more issues

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Back in the Day Microsoft Registry Documentation used to be in the Paid
for various OS Resource Kits (or included on the TechNet Disks)

i.e. Windows NT Server & Windows 2000 Server & Windows XP addendum
for Windows XP

They sort assumed you had all the previous Resource Kits
and never did a complete compilation refresh for any new release OS.
Just a see previous reference and this is a new addendum only

These are now somewhat outdated as probably only cover Win XP,
but what was available after a Quick Google Search.
The basics are still there in later Windows OS.

Windows Registry Guide 2003
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_registry_guide.html

windows registry guide 2nd Ed (2005 PDF File)
https://archive.org/details/vdoc.pub_microsoft-windows-registry-guide/microsoft-windows-registry-guide_compress/

EDIT:

TechNet Wiki Archive
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/technet-wiki/
(2013 or earlier)

now here

https://learn.microsoft.com/

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

google search on say windows 11 registry hacks

For Chrome Or Firefox Browsers, something like PDF Mage extension,
save a web page as a PDF file is recommended as will need the article
for reference

11 Registry Editor tweaks every Windows 11 user needs to know
https://www.xda-developers.com/registry-tweaks-for-windows-11/

16 Useful Windows Registry Hacks to Optimize Your Experience
https://www.maketecheasier.com/windows-10-registry-hacks/

Registry settings that help bring Windows 11 back to more Win10-like experience
https://community.spiceworks.com/t/registry-settings-that-help-bring-windows-11-back-to-more-win10-like-experience/833729

10 Best Registry Hacks for Windows 11
https://beebom.com/best-registry-hacks-windows-11/

Advanced Windows 11 registry tweaks to improve PC performance
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/improve-pc-performance/

The 7 Best Registry Hacks for Windows 11
https://www.howtogeek.com/805550/the-7-best-registry-hacks-for-windows-11/

How to optimize Windows 11 for ultimate performance
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/how-to-speed-up-windows-11-for-better-performance/

How to Debloat Windows 11 for Optimal Performance
https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-debloat-windows-11-for-optimal-performance/

How to Fix File Explorer Issues on Windows 11
https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-fix-file-explorer-issues-on-windows-11/

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Should I Buy AMD or Intel for a Windows PC?
https://www.howtogeek.com/should-i-buy-amd-or-intel/

Windows Laptop? Buy Intel
Gaming Desktop? Buy AMD
Professional Multitasker? Buy Intel
Want an Upgrade Path? Buy AMD
Average Computer User? Buy Whatever’s Cheapest

-------------------
Comments

Windows Laptop? Buy Intel

A Good Warranty is a must on a Laptop
Avoid Intel Integrated Graphics as typically not suited for gaming
Suggest Source a USB dongle Wireless Keyboard & Mouse for Gaming
Consider say an External USB DVD Burner drive if no DVD drive is included
Research the System against the software you wish to use before you buy it

Professional Multitasker? Buy Intel

AMD is simply better currently
Intel have current certain CPU Stability problems
& looking at extensive defective CPU replacements
despite their denial trying to avoid it - Possibly resulting in a
eventual Users Class Action Lawsuit
Some Research on Intel CPUs first recommended before you buy

Average Computer User? Buy Whatever’s Cheapest

Suggest instead consider buy the best you can afford
& compare with other Systems first & Research the System
as instead of Cheap & cheerful can instead be Cheap & Nasty

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_11
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-overview

5 crucial Windows 11 settings you need to change ASAP
https://www.pcworld.com/article/1782303/5-crucial-windows-11-settings-you-need-to-change-asap.html
Sep 27, 2024

While Windows 11 provides a decent enough out of the box experience—atrocious new task bar aside—it handles so much better after tweaking just a handful of settings to make it feel more like the Windows of yesteryear.

1. Move the Start button to the left corner
2. Turn off annoying notifications
3. Turn off Microsoft ads
4. Change your default browser (from Microsoft Edge)
5. Declutter the taskbar

Bonus: Dark mode, baby!

The Windows 11 taskbar is an annoying step backward
https://www.pcworld.com/article/549576/the-windows-11-taskbar-is-an-annoying-step-backward.html
Nov 5, 2021

5 reasons to switch to Windows 11 (and 5 reasons not to)
https://www.pcworld.com/article/1471886/why-switch-to-windows-11.html
May 24, 2023

Hey, everyone: It’s time to switch to Windows 11
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2258181/hey-everyone-its-time-to-switch-to-windows-11.html
Mar 14, 2024

The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know
https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-ultimate-windows-11-upgrade-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/

------------------------------

PowerToys utilities
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys
https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases

Sysinternals Utilities
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/

Sysinternals Suite
The entire set of Sysinternals Utilities rolled up into a single download.
https://download.sysinternals.com/files/SysinternalsSuite.zip

Nirsoft Freeware Tools
https://www.nirsoft.net/
https://launcher.nirsoft.net/utilities_list.html

------------------------------

How to Fix Windows 11 High Memory Usage?
Here Are Easy Fixes
https://www.minitool.com/data-recovery/fix-windows-11-high-memory-usage.html
April 11, 2024

rizonesoft Firemin
https://rizonesoft.com/downloads/firemin/

Firemin is a small utility to reduce the amount of memory Firefox
or other browsers use

Installer or Portable versions

Firemin can be used with literally any executable.
Firemin will work with any browser

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

TightVNC
https://www.tightvnc.com/

free and Open Source remote desktop software

https://www.tightvnc.com/faq.php
https://www.tightvnc.com/docs.php

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Reset and Restore Default Apps for File Types in Windows 11

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/reset-and-restore-default-apps-for-file-types-in-windows-11.2139/

Reg Files
https://archive.org/details/reset-and-restore-default-apps-for-file-types-in-windows-11

Winrar or 7-Zip can open & browse an ISO image file

7 frustrating Windows 11 annoyances, and how to fix them
https://www.pcworld.com/article/828207/7-frustrating-windows-11-annoyances-how-to-fix-them.html
Aug 8, 2022

Make Windows easier to use: 5 helpful tips and tricks
https://www.pcworld.com/article/1936122/how-to-make-microsoft-windows-easier-to-use-5-tips-tricks.html
Optimize Windows to make your life easier.
Jun 15, 2023

10 obscure Windows features that will blow your mind
https://www.pcworld.com/article/702039/10-hidden-windows-features-that-will-blow-your-mind.html
These quick tips will help you save time and get organized.
Dec 29, 2023

The best free software for your PC
https://www.pcworld.com/article/443089/best-free-software-for-pc.html
Sep 2, 2024

Sumatra PDF includes a Browser PDF plugin
(read a PDF file in your Browser)
Do not install this Browser Plugin, if you prefer Adobe PDF Reader instead

Is your taskbar suddenly crashing? Blame the latest Windows update
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2353539/windows-11-update-breaks-the-taskbar.html
Jun 1, 2024

Microsoft KB5037853 giving problems
Microsoft has now rolled out a fix, so check Windows Updates

Latest Windows News
https://www.pcworld.com/windows/news

https://www.pcworld.com/windows/how-to

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Windows 11 24H2 Problems

Try fixing your Windows 11 24H2 network issues with these steps
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2505552/try-fixing-your-windows-11-24h2-network-issues-with-these-steps.html
Oct 30, 2024

If you're having connectivity problems after updating to Windows 11 24H2,
these steps might help

After updating Windows 11 to the latest 24H2 version, some PCs are experiencing problems with network and internet connections. It appears that the DHCP feature in Windows 11 is no longer working properly.

DHCP is one way to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network.
But after the 24H2 update, this process appears to be broken.

Windows 11 24H2 breaks popular Alt + Tab shortcut. Here’s what you can do
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2514044/windows-11-24h2-breaks-popular-alt-tab-shortcut-heres-what-you-can-do.html

One of the most popular Windows keyboard shortcuts is causing a black screen for users after updating.

This built-in Windows app is slowing down PCs. Here’s what you can do
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2456238/this-windows-programme-secretly-eats-up-resources-how-to-switch-it-off.html

Sep 12, 2024

In Windows, you have options when it comes to viewing photos and videos, but you probably just use the default photo-viewing app Microsoft Photos, which comes pre-installed with Windows.

Recently, however, it’s come to light that Microsoft Photos has been causing computer slowdowns for many users.

the app has grown sluggish and takes longer to start than it used to

As of this writing, only Windows 11 users on version 2024.11050.3002.0 are affected.

But more will be affected over time, especially after the new Photos app is integrated into Windows 10

Unfortunately, the Photos app can’t be completely uninstalled because it’s an integral part of Windows.
However, you can prevent the app from launching automatically at startup

-------------------------

9 must-know details about Windows 11’s big 2024 update
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2490478/the-best-new-features-in-windows-11-version-24h2.html

New Wi-Fi, more AI, more flexible settings, and HDR support: Windows 11 24H2 even offers all of this for free

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2509710/how-and-why-to-roll-back-windows-updates-on-your-pc.html
Nov 7, 2024

If Windows updates are causing problems or the system is not updating properly, then resetting the last update can sometimes help. We show you how to do this.

corsair91 · Sailing Master Posts: 8211 **222474 Gold** -

Users beg for Windows 11 to keep its ability to run Android apps
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2515285/users-beg-for-windows-11-to-keep-its-ability-to-run-android-apps.html
Nov 8, 2024

Android apps are going to stop working on Windows 11 come March 5, 2025, and users aren't happy about that.

---------------------

Microsoft is officially killing Windows Mail and Calendar by year’s end
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2518194/microsoft-is-officially-killing-windows-mail-and-calendar-by-years-end.html
Nov 12, 2024

Sick of Outlook? It’s the perfect time to try Thunderbird again
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2235192/thunderbird-perfect-mail-in-2024.html
Feb 20, 2024