A common reason for users looking for a way to open and change “Folder Options” on a Windows computer is to enable the option to View File Extensions (.exe, .xlsx, .docx & others), which helps in identifying the type of files available on the computer and prevents the possibility of malicious executable (.exe) files being opened.
Other reasons for changing the Folder or File Explorer Options on a Windows computer can be summarized as the following.
- Show Hidden Files: The View tab of the Folder Options screen can be used to enable and disable the option to Show hidden system files, configuration folders and app data folders.
- Manage Privacy: The Privacy section of Folder Options screen can be used to clear File Explorer history and prevent the operating system from displaying recently used files/folders in Quick access.
- Change Folder Behavior: The General tab of Folder Options screen can be used to make Folders to open in the same or new window.
Change Folder Options in Windows 11/10
The most natural and preferred way to open and change the Folder Options on a Windows computer is by opening File Explorer and going to the “Options” menu as available in File Explorer.
In addition to this, you can change Folder and File Explorer Options on a Windows computer by using Control Panel, Command Prompt and the Run Command.
1. Change Folder Options Using File Explorer
You can follow the steps below to open and change the Folder Options on your computer by using File Explorer.
1. Open the File Explorer on your computer.
2. On the File Explorer screen, click on 3-dots menu and select Options in the drop-down menu.
If you are using Windows 10, go to View tab > Options and click on Change Folder and Search options.
3. On the Folder Options screen, you can clear File Explorer History and select whether you want Recently used and Frequently used files to show up on the computer.
4. By switching to View tab, you can Hide or Unhide Files/Folder, Hide or Unhide File Extensions, Hide or Display File Icons and make other changes to the way Files and Folder appear on the computer.
5. On the Search tab of the Folder Options screen, you can modify the way Windows Search works on your computer.
Hope this has helped you understand the different features that are available in Folder Options menu on a Windows computer.
2. Open File Explorer Options Using Control Panel
You can access the File Explorer Options screen by using Control Panel.
1. Type Control Panel in the Search bar and click on Control Panel in the Best match search results.
2. On the Control Panel screen, switch to Large Icons view and click on File Explorer Options.
3. This will take you to the File Explorer Options screen.
3. Open File Explorer Options Using Run Command
Follow the steps below to Open File Explorer Options screen using Run Command.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. On the Run Command screen, type control folders and click on OK.
3. Once you click on OK, the Run Command will open the File Explorer Options screen on your computer.
4. Open File Explorer Options Using Command Prompt
Another way to open File Explorer options screen on a Windows computer is by using Command Prompt.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (Admin).
2. On the Command Prompt screen, type control folders and press the enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
3. Once this Command is executed, it will open File Explorer Options screen on your computer.