Start File Explorer with ribbon minimized

Policy ID: ExplorerRibbonStartsMinimized
Scope: Computer Configuration, User Configuration
Supported on: At least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
Source: Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category: Windows Components › File Explorer

Description

This policy setting allows you to specify whether the ribbon appears minimized or in full when new File Explorer windows are opened. If you enable this policy setting, you can set how the ribbon appears the first time users open File Explorer and whenever they open new windows. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users can choose how the ribbon appears when they open new windows.

Options

Pick one of the following settings
- Always open new File Explorer windows with the ribbon minimized.
- Never open new File Explorer windows with the ribbon minimized.
- Minimize the ribbon when File Explorer is opened the first time.
- Display the full ribbon when File Explorer is opened the first time.

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer View registry values

ExplorerRibbonStartsMinimized-
ExplorerRibbonStartsMinimizedREG_DWORD

UserHKEY_CURRENT_USER

HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer View registry values

ExplorerRibbonStartsMinimized-
ExplorerRibbonStartsMinimizedREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

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