How to open Folder Options in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Most Windows users rely on File Explorer to access and organize their files and folders. And while the app works well for most tasksyou may want to change certain settings. To do thatyou must first open the Folder Options windowwhere 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 articleI 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. Howeversince File Explorer has been redesigned completely in Windows 11the settings available have also changed a bit. If you’re using Windows 10Folder Options looks similar to the screenshot below. Folder Options in Windows 10 If you’re using Windows 11Folder Options looks similar to the screenshot below. If you compare the two screenshotsyou’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 oneI’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 systemsreaching it from File Explorer is a different matter. ThereforeI 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 Explorergo 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 11there’s only one way to open Folder Options from File Explorerand it works like this: when the app is openclick or tap the three dots (...)also known as the “See more” button. In the menu that openschoose Options. In Windows 11's File Explorergo to See more > Options The Folder Options window is shown immediately.

Where is Folder Options in Control Panel?

It doesn’t matter whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11; you can access Folder Options from the Control Panel using the same instructions: open Control Panel and navigate to “Appearance and Personalization.” Click or tap on the “File Explorer Options” link. Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > File Explorer Options The Folder Options window is then displayedand you can use it to configure how File Explorer works.

How to open Folder Options using Search

No matter which Windows version you’re usingyou can quickly access Folder Options using Search. For examplein Windows 10click or tap inside the Search box next to the Start Menu button and type “folder options.” Thenclick or tap on the “File Explorer Options” result. In Windows 10search for Folder Options Similarlyin Windows 11click or tap the Search icontype “folder options” and click or tap the “File Explorer Options” result. In Windows 11search for Folder Options This is the quickest way to open Folder Options in Windows without first accessing File Explorer.

How to use the Run window to open Folder Options

This method works the same both in Windows 10 and Windows 11: access the Run window (press Windows + R) and then type or copy and paste one of the following commands: Run control.exe folders Don’t forget to click or tap OK, or press Enter on the keyboard to run the command.

How to open Folder Options using CMDPowerShellor Windows Terminal

You can also access Command Prompt in Windowsopen PowerShellor start the Windows Terminal and run the commands mentioned earlier: Execute this command: control.exe folders rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0 It doesn’t matter which command-line environment you prefer; both commands lead to the same result.

Bonus: Use the Folder Options shortcut we created for you

If you need to change the way File Explorer works oftenyou may want to download a shortcut we’ve createdwhich is included in the most extensive collection of shortcuts for Windows. Download our collectionunzip itand look for the File Explorer Options shortcut in the Appearance and Personalization sub-folder. Download the File Explorer Options shortcut You can place it on your desktop or anywhere else you want.

Which method do you prefer for opening Folder Options?

Now you know several ways to access the Folder Options windowwhich allows you to personalize how File Explorer works in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Try them outand let me know which one is your favorite. Alsoif you know other ways of opening the Folder Options windowdon’t hesitate to share them in a comment below. I promise to update this guide based on your feedback.