Toolbar disappeared in Windows Explorer

[Giraffe246]

Open Shell Vers.4.4.196, Windows 11 Prof.
Hello,
The toolbar in Windows Explorer has disappeared for a few days. I did the repair method and I removed and reinstalled Open Shell, and checked all the settings and restored them to the way the toolbar was still displayed.
None of that helped.
What else can I do to make this toolbar visible again?

---

Open Shell Vers.4.4.196, Windows 11 Prof.
Hallo,
seit einigen Tagen ist die Toolbar im Windows Explorer verschwunden. Ich habe die Reparatur Methode durchgeführt und ich habe Open Shell entfernt und neu installiert, und habe alle Einstellungen kontrolliert und wieder so hergestellt, als die die Toolbar noch angezeigt wurde.
Das hat alles nichts gebracht.
Was kann ich noch tun um diese Toolbar wieder sichtbar zu machen?

[Giraffe246]

I also ran inetcpl.cpl and activated Classic ExplorerBar and Explorer BHD Class under Programs /Add.ons Manage/.
But that didn't bring the desired success either.
I'm afraid that another Microsoft update has wreaked havoc here and disabled this function. Something like this is almost commonplace with Windows 11 Build 24H2.
If this is the case, one can only hope that the makers of OpenShell react and make an adjustment.
If anyone knows anything about this or even has a solution, I would be very happy if they could let me know.
Thank you very much and have a nice Advent season.

Ich habe auch inetcpl.cpl ausgeführt und unter Programme /Add.ons Verwalten/ Classic ExplorerBar und Explorer BHD Class aktiviert.
Aber auch das hat nicht den gewünschten Erfolg gebracht.
Ich fürchte das hier mal wieder ein Microsoft Update sein Unwesen getrieben hat und diese Funktion lahmgelegt hat. So etwas ist bei Windows 11 Build 24H2 fast an der Tagesordnung.
Wenn dem so ist, kann man nur hoffen dass die Macher von OpenShell reagieren und eine Anpassung vornehmen.
Wenn jemand etwas dazu weiß oder gar eine Lösung parat hat, würde ich mich sehr freuen wenn es mir das mitteilen würde.
Vielen Dank und noch eine schöne Adventszeit.

[Shrdlu42-design]

I'm having the same problem. I hope OpenShell provides a fix quickly!

[flying-caller]

I also have the same problem. Fix it please!

[rfpng]

I have the same problem. All my useful Classic Explorer toolbar buttons are now gone.
Is there any way to get them back?

[sergai422]

Same problem with Open Shell Vers.4.4.196, Windows 11 25H2 26200

[Giraffe246]

Hello,
Happy and healthy new year 2026 to everyone.
The question regarding the problem described is whether Open Shell is still maintained by the developer or not.
I think this should at least be made clear by the developer.
There are obviously a few things here that don't harmonize with the current Windows 11 version.

[Conan179]

Gibt es eine alternative, wo so eine Icon leiste hinzufügen kann?

[Truchin]

I would also like to find a similar toolbar.
Otherwise, to get the bar back, I went back to a previous restore point and disabled updates for several weeks.

[Giraffe246]

Hello Truchin,
OK, but that can't be the solution. Disabling updates for such a long period of time is probably not an option for any user. Especially since the lack of the toolbar after the Windows Update is not the only error.
For example, I have to click on the start button twice immediately after starting or restarting the system until the start menu opens.
It is urgently necessary for the developer to take remedial action here. I mean 4 weeks have passed so far and nothing has happened. That's too bad.

[sergai422]

I only use OpenShell for Explorer. On 06/02/2026, when I restart Windows Update, OpenShell will no longer work. I should accept this.

[Giraffe246]

Hello sergai422
I don't think we should accept this.
Maybe there is someone here who can get in touch with the developer directly. It must be possible to fix this bug.

[flying-caller]

Hi,
the problem occured now on my second device, too.
I think we have to blame one of the following Windows updates:
2026-01 .NET 8.0.23 Update for x64 Client (KB5074752)
2026-01 .NET 9.0.12 Update for x64 Client (KB5074753)
2026-01 Sicherheitsupdate (KB5074109) (26200.7623)

[Giraffe246]

Hello flying caller,
It's actually been clear for a long time that it's Microsoft's fault again.
But repeatedly stating that this is the case doesn't help us Open Shell users.
Direct contact with the developer of the program is necessary here.
I tried via GitHub but haven't received any response so far.
I mean, the error is now 2 months old, and it's time for Ivo Beltchev to finally react.

[LloydPhillips22]

As Microsoft's changes continue to interfere with functions, it is an ongoing battle.
I don't feel that demanding anything is proper, considering it is free software.
I would pay a reasonable amount for a program that works as this one does.

[Giraffe246]

Hello LloydPhillips22,
I agree with you. I would also pay a reasonable amount for that. But the program is free and offered free.
It's worked well so far. However, unfortunately this is no longer the case. And it would be wise for the developer to remedy this, to give the impression of a good service and in the event that it becomes subject to a charge.

[LloydPhillips22]

While this project it under Ivo Belchev's GitHub, it seems another may be involved.
I am unclear about that, but this post seems to indicate there will be no more work done on it from this point.

#2399 (comment)

[MGBLN39]

I have new information about this case.
Unfortunately, I was mistaken that Mr. Beltchev is the developer of OpenShell. As the following correspondence proves.
The question is who is it then???? I'm now at the end of my options. Maybe someone has a better idea how to contact the developer. If Windows changes more and more and OpenShell is not adapted, we can all slowly say goodbye to using OpenShell.

My Question
Dear Mr. Beltchev,
I have been using many years your wonderful app OpenShell 4.4.196 for Windows 11 Prof.
Unfortunately, after Microsoft's December 25 Windows update, some errors and malfunctions crept into the program. This is how it works, for example: For example, the toolbar for Windows Explorer no longer exists because it has simply disappeared and cannot be restored. Not even if you follow the law. Deletes the program and reinstalls it. If you click on the start button immediately after starting Windows to open the menu. Nothing happens after the first left click. The menu only opens after the second left click. I put this up for discussion on GitHub and many affected users reported the same problem. We all hope that there will be a fix and are eagerly waiting for it. Can you let me know if you will provide an update? It would be nice if that were the case. If it's not too much for you, I would be happy to receive a short feedback from you.
Thank you very much
kind regards

Answer
Hi, I am not involved with the Open Shell project. I only provided the original Classic Shell source code for them 8 years ago.
That said, the toolbar depended on certain architecture of Windows Explorer, certain internal functionality, that may no longer exist. It was always a matter of time before Windows changes so much that Open Shell features stop working.

Question:
Dear Mr. Beltchev, thanks for the quick answer. Please excuse me, but I didn't know that. But do you know who is involved in the OpenShell project? I would like to try to get an update created.
Kind regards

Answer:
I don’t know the developers of Open Shell. I released the source code for Classic Shell for free in 2017, and someone picked it up.

[Shrdlu42-design]

I believe I've found a solution that works. There's a program called SwitchExplorer which allows you to switch back and forth between the Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions. The latter will restore the Toolbar. You can get a copy here, along with instructions on how to install and use it: https://github.com/LesFerch/SwitchExplorer.

Two caveats:
1) The instructions say to "Check the Restart Explorer option if Explorer doesn't switch or doesn't switch cleanly". In my experience you MUST do this, otherwise when you close File Explorer the Tool Bar will disappear again when you open it later. But if you "Check the Restart Explorer option" the Tool Bar will permanently be displayed (even after restarting the computer).

2) One good feature of the Win11 version is no longer present if you switch to Win10 - the ability to "open" another "tab" of File Explorer in the same "window".  While that's convenient, its loss isn't "tragic".  One can still open a separate "window", the way you used to.  The main advantage of opening a separate "tab" was if you wanted to "cut and paste" (etc.) a file to a new location.  But since the Win10 version restores the "Move To" and "Copy To" Icons, I consider this a good trade-off.

Note that the latest version of this program (2.2.0) is dated December 8, 2025, indicating it was developed after Microsoft screwed Open Shell with its update, which is probably why this version works. Also, I have kept Open Shell installed as well because I like the old version of the Start Menu which it restores. So far I haven't noticed any problems with having both Open Shell And SwitchExplorer running.

I hope this works for everyone too!

[LloydPhillips22]

That's great.  I have been missing it and and annoyed by the tall and switching tabs. My own customized Open Shell toolbar has all within reach 👍 I also most want the Open Shell menu. EDIT: Unfortunately I seem unable to get the Open Shell checkbox under VIEW >OPTIONS> The normal old "Change folder and view options" is there, but nothing else.

[Shrdlu42-design]

Doitashimashite.

(You're welcome in Japanese. 😉)

[Truchin]

Personally, it's not the Start menu or the taskbar that's the problem for me.
But it is the Explorer buttons, configured with Open Shell, that I would like to find again.
And I haven't found any software that allows me to get them.

[Shrdlu42-design]

Try SwitchExplorer, as per my original Comment (above).

It does restore most, if not all, of the Open Shell buttons (though I haven't finished configuring my setup, so it may be possible to get all of them back).

Also, they all seem to be "Left aligned", instead of towards the center (as in the image you provided). Again, that may just be a matter of configuring it, but if not I can live with it - it's better than not having the buttons at all. (Which is what Windows Update caused.)

[Truchin]

Thanks, but I'm not too keen on switching to Win 10 or Win11 with SwitchExplorer.
To center the buttons, I added hidden dividers.

[SergeVDev]

Hi,

Try SwitchExplorer, as per my original Comment (above).

How does it work for you, if it's clearly says on its home page:

Set the default Explorer in Windows 11 to the Windows 10 version (the same one you can access via the Control Panel).

It's the good old hidden Control Panel Explorer, that was removed in 24H2. And, of course, SwitchExplorer doesn't help, I've just checked and ensured.

[Shrdlu42-design]

Dear SergeVDev:

I don't know what you "checked", but it wasn't what I'm talking about, SwitchExplorer is working just fine for me.

As for the "good old hidden Control Panel Explorer" you neglect to mention (or don't realize) that (as I've already said elsewhere here) that only works so long as you start in Control Panel! Once you close that Explorer Window, the default Explorer created by Windows 11 returns. So, if you want the Windows 10 version, you have to start in Control Panel all over again! In addition, of course, you have to do this every time you restart your computer (possibly even if you simply temporarily put it in Sleep or Hibernate, though I haven't checked that).

In contrast, SwitchExplorer keeps the Windows 10 version all the time!

[MGBLN39]

Hello Shdlu42-design
I think this is a deep intrusion into Windows.
I'm not that experienced to dare install this. I also fear the unforeseeable consequences. That's why I'm holding back for now.
I mean Open Shell is also a deep intervention in Windows and now another deep intervention at that. Nobody knows what will happen later with the Windows updates and how the PC or Windows will react afterwards.
I'm too insecure, and I'm afraid of damaging Windows or the entire computer.

[Shrdlu42-design]

I understand, but I've already tried it and (except for the two caveats I mentioned) I've had no problems.

As for future Windows Updates, they're what caused this whole mess to begin with! So it's no use worrying about that. Future Updates will either mess things up further, or correct any problems (though I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that).

In any case, you should follow two basic "rules" before installing almost any "add-ons" like this or Open Shell:

1. Set a System Restore point (though I've found that isn't as "wonderful" as technoblabbers make it in their reviews).

AND

2) Fully backup your system!

[Truchin]

Hello, I tried "SwitchExplorer" for File Explorer, thanks to Shdlu42-design.
This works perfectly under Windows 11 25H2 to restore the Windows 10 toolbar.
It's a shame we can't add buttons like with OpenShell.

[Shrdlu42-design]

Doitashimashite. 😉

[Giraffe246]

I am not familiar with manipulating the operating system. If something goes wrong, I don't know how I can undo it.
I think it would be a better solution if the developer released a fix or an update. But unfortunately nothing has happened from this point of view yet. And I fear that it will stay that way. The original developer Mr. Ivo Beltchev has released the source code. The successor doesn't seem to know that his program isn't working properly. I can't explain otherwise why there is no update when so many users have problems with the program.

[Shrdlu42-design]

I'm copying here two of my Comments recommending SwitchExplorer as a solution. Please pay close attention to the "caveats", and note what the second Comment says about installing and "undoing" it.

FIRST COMMENT
I believe I've found a solution that works. There's a program called SwitchExplorer which allows you to switch back and forth between the Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions. The latter will restore the Toolbar. You can get a copy here, along with instructions on how to install and use it: https://github.com/LesFerch/SwitchExplorer.

Two caveats:

1. The instructions say to "Check the Restart Explorer option if Explorer doesn't switch or doesn't switch cleanly". In my experience you MUST do this, otherwise when you close File Explorer the Tool Bar will disappear again when you open it later. But if you "Check the Restart Explorer option" the Tool Bar will permanently be displayed (even after restarting the computer).

2. One good feature of the Win11 version is no longer present if you switch to Win10 - the ability to "open" another "tab" of File Explorer in the same "window". While that's convenient, its loss isn't "tragic". One can still open a separate "window", the way you used to. The main advantage of opening a separate "tab" was if you wanted to "cut and paste" (etc.) a file to a new location. But since the Win10 version restores the "Move To" and "Copy To" Icons, I consider this a good trade-off.
   Note that the latest version of this program (2.2.0) is dated December 8, 2025, indicating it was developed after Microsoft screwed Open Shell with its update, which is probably why this version works. Also, I have kept Open Shell installed as well because I like the old version of the Start Menu which it restores. So far I haven't noticed any problems with having both Open Shell And SwitchExplorer running.

I hope this works for everyone too!

SECOND COMMENT
In any case, you should follow two basic "rules" before installing almost any "add-ons" like this or Open Shell:

1. Set a System Restore point (though I've found that isn't as "wonderful" as technoblabbers make it in their reviews).

AND

2) Fully backup your system!

[SangerM]

Hello: I am not a developer, but I have been using Open Shell in some form for years and was dismayed to find the toolbar missing after the last Windows11 update! Fortunately, after a bit of digging, I found a post by a person whose name I cannot recall who suggested using ViVeTool.exe to fix this. I downloaded the .exe from GitHub here (https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVe/releases/tag/v0.3.4), installed it, and ran it per the guidance in the post:
~

Run this two new vivetool lines on a CMD one after the other and restart Windows 11 and the bar will be back again.
vivetool /disable /id:57048237
vivetool /disable /id:58988972

~
This worked for me perfectly! After I rebooted, the OpenShell Explorer tool bar came back and there were no other issues I could ID. FWIW, I had already tried a number of things, including SwitchExplorer, but none had worked. I could not be happier.

For info about best practices for ViVetool, I read this article, also referred to in some post on GH: https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/unlock-hidden-windows-11-features-with-vivetool/

Lastly, I use Windows 11 Pro on a heavily tweaked and locked down very capable Dell desktop PC. I had thought one of my registry hacks had caused the toolbar to go away, but was pleased to learn it wasn't something I'd done.

I hope this helps.

[sergai422]

Absolutely fantastic, thank you a thousand times SangerM
Under Windows 11 25H2, thanks to you I finally got my precious toolbar back.
Without it, navigation is complicated.
I hope that a future Win 11 update won't break everything.
Thank you so much again. :)

[flying-caller]

GREAT!!! That helped really a lot! Thank you so much!

[SangerM]

My Pleasure! Also, I looked at my notes. The credit for the fix goes to @kalman7g.

Also, just FYI: There is a problem w/ backing up open shell. I found this info elsewhere. It may help too.

~~
I realized the only successful way to backup and restore is using CMD command, for backup: "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -backup d:\1.xml, for restore: "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -xml d:\1.xml, d: is the drive you are backing up the file to and retrieving the file from
~~

VR
SangerM

[LloydPhillips22]

Fantastic. Thanks to everyone involved. I'd rolled back to a December backup  (& turned off Win updates) as a temporary fix for a Windows MIDI development issue, and at the  same time got the toolbar back. Once I allow it to update again I will be very happy to have this fix! Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer On Fri, Mar 6, 2026 at 12:06 AM, ***@***.***> wrote: My Pleasure! Also, I looked at my notes. The credit for the fix goes to @kalman7g. Also, just FYI: There is a problem w/ backing up open shell. I found this info elsewhere. It may help too. ~~ I realized the only successful way to backup and restore is using CMD command, for backup: "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -backup d:\1.xml, for restore: "C:\Program Files\Open-Shell\StartMenu.exe" -xml d:\1.xml, d: is the drive you are backing up the file to and retrieving the file from ~~ VR SangerM — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe. You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: ***@***.***>