Most Windows users rely on File Explorer to access and organize their files and folders. And while the app works well for most tasks, you may want to change certain settings. To do that, you must first open the Folder Options window, where you can set things like how folders are opened in Windows 10 or the default location for new tabs in Windows 11’s File Explorer. In this article, I explain what Folder Options is and share how to open it in Windows 10 and Windows 11:
What is Folder Options in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
The Folder Options window is the place where you configure how File Explorer and Search work in Windows. The configuration options included in Folder Options are mostly the same in all Windows versions. However, since File Explorer has been redesigned completely in Windows 11, the settings available have also changed a bit. If you’re using Windows 10, Folder Options looks similar to the screenshot below.
Folder Options in Windows 10
If you’re using Windows 11, Folder Options looks similar to the screenshot below. If you compare the two screenshots, you’ll notice some minor differences.
Folder Options in Windows 11
You need the Folder Options when you want to personalize the way File Explorer or Search work. But that’s the subject of another tutorial. In this one, I’ll teach you only how to access Folder Options in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Where is Folder Options in File Explorer?
File Explorer is different in Windows 11 vs. Windows 10. The app has a new look in Windows 11 and additional features that don’t exist in Windows 10. While the Folder Options window serves the same purpose in both operating systems, reaching it from File Explorer is a different matter. Therefore, I decided to split the instructions into two different sections: the first for Windows 10 users and the second for Windows 11 users.
Windows 10: How to open Folder Options in File Explorer
One way to open Folder Options while in File Explorer is to click or tap the View tab in the ribbon and then the Options button on the right.
In Windows 10’s File Explorer, go to View > Options
A second method is to click or tap the File tab on the ribbon and choose “Change folder and search option” in the menu that appears.
Go to File > Change folder and search options
Both actions open Folder Options in Windows 10. Here are 15 ways to improve File Explorer using Folder Options.
Windows 11: How to open Folder Options in File Explorer
In Windows 11, there’s only one way to open Folder Options from File Explorer, and it works like this: when the app is open, click or tap the three dots (…), also known as the “See more” button. In the menu that opens, choose Options.