Show and Reveal Windows Explorer Classic Menu Bar in Vista

Similar to Internet Explorer 7 (see how to show classic menu bar in IE7), Windows Vista’s Windows Explorer window has also hidden the classic menu bar by default in favor of contextually based toolbar on top of the folder, which also incorporates the task pane. The most frequently used menu commands now appear on the new toolbar.

For users who want back the familiarity of classic menu bar in folders, or need to use the menu bar to locate a function or command, a Windows Explorer folder with classic menus can be shown and displayed by pressing the ALT key, and the menu bar will appear above the toolbar.

Menu bar in Windows Explorer

Once you choose a command from any of the menus, or press ALT a second time, the menu will disappear automatically.

To permanently show the classic menu bar on folders, click Organize on the toolbar, point to Layout, and then click Menu Bar.


15 Responses to “Show and Reveal Windows Explorer Classic Menu Bar in Vista”

  1. Gabriele
    November 26th, 2009 15:50
    15

    Two bar is better then one? lol.. microsoft guys drink too much before make the organize bar.. at least include all commands

  2. Kevin
    June 19th, 2009 19:43
    14

    That’s fine and dandy for people who were not smart enough to figure that one out on their own. The one that we really need back is the Folder button. How do you get that back? I haven’t been smart enough to find that one.

    I wish companies would quit trying to fix something that isn’t broken. Microsoft has the dumbest engineers around. How stupid do you have to be to create the “Hide Extension” idea. That is by far the biggest reason viruses get spread. The average person does not realize the VBS is hidden when they see Picture.jpg when extensions are hidden.

  3. Rayden
    May 3rd, 2009 08:12
    13

    Thanks for sharing this info

  4. Jan
    July 26th, 2008 05:15
    12

    Hurraay It worked, man that was really bothering me… Thanks alot!!!!

  5. admin
    July 23rd, 2008 10:36
    11

    Andres, you’re right. We feel that it’s nice to blog about it with complete picture.

  6. Andreas
    July 23rd, 2008 09:02
    10

    Well, wasn’t this the registry hack I just posted earlier?

  7. Fix Classic Menu Bar Cannot Be Close or Go Away in Windows Vista File Explorer » My Digital Life
    July 23rd, 2008 03:01
    9

    [...] neater and simpler toolbar-like Tasks bar with various command buttons and icons. Users can easily reveal and show the classic menu bar, but sometimes, the menu bar has peskily and stubbornly appeared and refused to close and go away [...]

  8. Andreas
    July 22nd, 2008 09:32
    8

    Hi. I had the same problem of not being able to hide the menu bar, but I found this. It seems to be the only solution and also the correct one. I don’t know the reason for the problem though.

    http://forums.techarena.in/vista-file-management/905110.htm#post3595721

  9. Daniel
    May 27th, 2008 06:04
    7

    I have the same problem as Howard. I also tried your method Mikel, but the classic menus wouldn’t disappear. Are there any other suggestions?

  10. Mikel
    April 26th, 2008 09:50
    6

    Howard,

    Go to Tools->Folder Options, General, and click on Show preview and filters.

    Yes, despite the misleading name, this will make the toolbar auto hide again.

  11. Iceman
    March 16th, 2008 10:12
    5

    YOU ARE MY HERO FOR LIFE!!!!!!!

    STUPID ASS MICROSOFT JERKS

  12. Howard
    March 10th, 2008 15:52
    4

    I temporarily turned on the classic menu, using the method described. Now, I cannot turn it off using Organize -> Layout -> Uncheck Menu Bar. Is there a way to force the classic menu to go away, some registry hack or something? Does anyone know the proper key to create/set? Thanks, all.

  13. Spidey
    January 29th, 2008 06:03
    3

    Another dead simple way is just go to Control Panel > Folder Options > General (tab) > Tasks (Section) > Use Classic Windows Folders (Option).

  14. Damon
    January 29th, 2008 02:41
    2

    Look closely. It’s there in front of you.

  15. Cecil
    January 28th, 2008 16:27
    1

    Where the hell is “Organize” on the toolbar?

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