How To Disable Folder Options Of File Explorer?

Folder Options in File Explorer or File Explorer Options allow users to change the way files and folders open and some other advanced settings. This can also be used to show or hide hidden files on your system. It can be accessed through the View tab in File Explorer or some other methods. However, the administrator can disable access to the Folder Options. That will prevent standard users from changing the Folder Options. In this article, we will provide methods through which you can easily disable the Folder Options.

Disabling Folder Options in Windows

The setting to disable the Folder Options can be found in the Local Group Policy Editor. However, the Local Group Policy Editor isn’t available on the Windows Home Edition. Therefore, we have also included the Registry Editor method through which you can also disable the Folder Options.

Disabling Folder Options through the Local Group Policy Editor

There are some additional settings for the operating system that cannot be found in the Control Panel or Settings app. The Local Group Policy Editor has all those additional settings through which an administrator can adjust their system for other users. Folder Options can also be disabled by just enabling a specific setting in the Local Group Policy Editor. Check the below steps to see how it works:

Note : If you are using a Windows Home Edition, then skip this method and try the Registry Editor method.

1. Press the Windows + R keys together on your keyboard to open a Run dialog. Type “ gpedit.msc ” in the run box and press the Enter key to open the Local Group Policy Editor . Opening Local Group Policy Editor
2. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following setting: User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer\ Navigating to the setting in the Local Group Policy Editor
3. Double-click on the setting named “ Do not allow Folder Options to be opened from the Options button on the View tab of the ribbon “. It will open in a new window, change the toggle from Not Configured to Enabled . Enabling the setting
4. After changing the toggle option, click the Apply/Ok button to save the changes. This will disable the Folder Options or File Explorer Options.
5. To Enable the Folder Options back on your system, simply change the toggle option back to the Not Configured or Disabled option in step 3.

Disabling Folder Options through the Registry Editor

Another way to disable the Folder Options is by using the Registry Editor. In this method, users will need to apply some technical steps to enable the setting similar to the Local Group Policy setting. The user will need to manually create the missing key and value for the setting. We also recommend users, to create a Registry backup before making any changes in their Registry Editor. Follow the below steps to try it out:

1. Press the Windows + R keys together on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Now type “ regedit ” in the Run box and press the Enter key to open the Registry Editor . If UAC (User Account Control) prompt appears, choose the Yes option. Opening the Registry Editor
2. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
3. Right-click on the right pane of the Explorer key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value . Name the new value as “ NoFolderOptions ” and save it. Creating a new value
4. Double-click on the NoFolderOptions value and change the value data to 1 . Value data 1 will enable the value, due to which the Folder Options will be disabled. Enabling the value
5. After all the changes are made in the Registry Editor, make sure to restart your computer to let this setting take effect.
6. To enable the Folder Options again, simply change the value data back to 0 or you can delete the value from the Registry Editor.

How to Fix “Printer is in an error state” Issue?

The “ Cannot change fingerprint or PIN ” problem in Windows 11 happens when the options to change these settings are greyed out in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. Even if you are the administrator, you can’t update your Windows Hello credentials. You might also see a message like “ This option is temporarily unavailable. ”

Can’t disable PIN or Fingerprint on Windows 11

This usually happens because Windows Hello’s stored data (in the Ngc folder) is damaged or not in sync. Other reasons include security rules set by your workplace or school, connected work accounts, or restrictions set in the registry or group policy.

Now that you’re aware of the potential causes, let’s go through some steps that have helped other users fix or work around this problem:

1. Change the PIN or Fingerprint the Conventional Way

If your goal is to remove the fingerprint or PIN without setting up another sign-in method, please note that this is not possible on Windows 11.

Windows 11 requires you to have at least one Sign-in option enabled. The Remove button will remain grayed out if you only have one active sign-in method.

Can’t disable PIN or Fingerprint on Windows 11

For example, the Remove button for your PIN will stay unavailable until you add a different sign-in option (like Facial Recognition, Fingerprint, or a Security Key).

If you want to stop using your PIN or Fingerprint, you’ll need to set up an additional way to sign in.

Below are step-by-step instructions to set up a new sign-in option and then remove your current one:

1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
2. Inside the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the vertical menu on the left. Accessing the Accounts menu Note: If the left menu is hidden by default, click the menu button (top-left corner) to reveal it.
3. Once in the Accounts menu, move to the right-hand section of the screen and select Sign-in options. Accessing the Sign In Options menu
4. Now, choose which sign-in method you’d like to set as a fallback. Sign-in Options Note: Your available options depend on your device. If your PC doesn’t support facial recognition or you don’t have a security key, you can switch between PIN and fingerprint.
5. After you pick your new sign-in method, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
6. Once your second sign-in option is set, you’ll be able to click the Remove button to get rid of your previous sign-in method. You can also choose Change PIN or Change Fingerprint to update, rather than remove, your sign-in credentials. Modify the current PIN or remove one of the configured sign-in options

2. Remove PIN or Fingerprint Requirement by Using a Local Account

If you want to completely remove all sign-in options like PIN or Fingerprint, you will have to switch to a local account .

We generally don’t recommend this unless you really need to, as it can limit the functionality of some built-in Windows features (like Windows Update and the Microsoft Store).

If you still want to remove your PIN or Fingerprint sign-in, you’ll need to set up a local account with a password instead. Keep in mind, this means you’ll need to stop using your Microsoft account on your PC.

Important: This method isn’t available if you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program.

To change from a Microsoft account with PIN or fingerprint to a local password, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the menu on the left. Accessing the Accounts menu Note: If you don’t see the left menu, click the menu icon (top-left corner).
3. Inside Accounts , click on Family & other users on the right-hand side. Accessing the Family and other users tab
4. In the Family & other users tab, check for any accounts listed under Other users. If you find any, remove them before moving on.
5. Next, return to the main Accounts menu and click on Your info on the right. Accessing the Your Info tab
6. Scroll down to Account Settings and click on Sign in with a local account instead . Sign in with a local account instead
7. On the next screen, click Next .
8. When prompted, enter your current PIN or use your fingerprint as requested. Inserting the PIN
9. Then, you’ll be asked to create a username and password for your new local account, along with a password hint in case you forget. Configure the local account
10. Finally, click Sign out and finish to complete the switch.