Microsoft has reverted the changes it made to the Folder Options settings in Windows 11’s File Explorer in insider builds, ensuring that the legacy settings will remain intact. This decision comes after Windows insider feedback and the change is effective in build 23486.
In the recent insider build 23481 for Windows 11 running on the Dev channel, Microsoft made significant changes to the File Explorer Folder Options.
The company has cleaned up certain settings within the Folder Options, stating that they had been available for a long time and were not actively used by Windows 11 users.
Removed Folder Options Settings in File Explorer are:
- Hide Merger conflict
- Always show icons, never thumbnails
- Display file icon on thumbnails
- Display file type information on Folder tips
- Hide Protected OS files.
- Show drive letters.
- Show popup description for Folder and Desktop items
- Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
- Use sharing wizard.
Microsoft further said the above-removed settings can still be accessed via Registry keys.
Microsoft restores removed Folder Options Settings in Windows 11 build 23486
However, following feedback from Windows 11 insiders expressing their use and desire for these settings, Microsoft positively responded and restored them in the latest Dev build 23486 release.
“Thank you to all Windows Insiders who gave us feedback on the Folder Options changes in File Explorer that removed a handful of old settings in Build 23481. we’ve rolled back this change” Microsoft stated.
The company reiterates the Dev channel build purpose, saying “We will often try things out and get feedback and adjust based on the feedback we receive.”
This indicates Microsoft’s willingness to listen to feedback and reverse changes in Windows 11 insider builds.
Besides this, the new insider build 23481 is available with dynamic lighting effects, Passwordless improvements, and an Update timezone change experience in settings.
What do you think of this? Do you use any of the Folder Options Settings affected in Windows 11? Let us know in the comments below.
Summary: Microsoft has cleaned up File Explorer’s Folder Options Settings in insider build 23481 but the company has added them back in following insider build 23486. The company confirmed they reversed the changes based on Windows insider’s feedback.