Windows11 File Explorer Customization?

Windows 11 File Explorer doesn’t support custom Alt+key shortcuts like Windows 10 did, so you’ll need third-party tools or workarounds (like AutoHotkey) if you want that behavior back.

Shortcut keys are no longer supported, but you can use third-party tools to achieve this

Windows 11 doesn’t give a lot of built-in options to fully customize File Explorer, but there are still a few things you can tweak. You can start by changing the folder layout (details, list, large icons, etc.) and then apply that view to similar folders using the “Options → View → Apply to Folders” setting. That helps keep things consistent. You can also pin frequently used folders to Quick Access so they’re easier to reach. Another small customization is enabling the preview pane or details pane if you want to see file information without opening the file. If you want deeper customization (like changing the interface or adding extra features), some people use third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack, which bring back more control similar to older Windows versions. So while Windows 11 File Explorer is a bit limited compared to previous versions, you can still adjust the layout and navigation to make it more comfortable to use.

The native Alt+key shortcuts for File Explorer are gone in Win11, but you can use StartAllBack to bring back the old ribbon and the custom shortcuts you’re used to.