10 Ways to Open the Windows 10 Folder Options

Ever heard of the Windows Folder Options before? These incredible features make it easier for you to configure various File Explorer settings. But how do you access the Windows Folder Options in the first place?

This article explores the easiest ways to access the Folder Options in Windows 10. But first, we’ll briefly explore a quick intro to the Folder Options.

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A Quick Intro to the Windows Folder Options

The Folder Options (also known as the File Explorer Options) comprise various file and folder settings.

There are three tabs on the Windows Folder Options window:General,View, andSearchtabs.

An illustration of a computer showing a folder

TheGeneraltab comprises basic settings. This is a section where you canclear File Explorer Historyand configure some privacy settings.

Meanwhile, theViewtab contains most of the Folder Options settings. This is where you can configure various settings, such as hiding files, hiding file size information, and more.

The “View” tab on the Windows Folder Options screen

Lastly, theSearchtab is a section where you can configure settings for the File Explorer search bar.

So, how do you open the Windows Folder Options?

A lady using a Windows PC while holding a cup

The simplest way to open the Folder Options is by using the Start menu search bar. In fact, you caneasily access the system settingsand various other apps using the Start menu search bar.

So, here’s how to open the Folder Options via the Start menu search bar:

Opening the Folder Options with the Run command dialog box

2. Use the Run Command Dialog Box

Alternatively, you can use the Run command dialog box. This powerful tool also makes it easy for you to open almost any program on Windows.

Here’s how to open the Folder Options with the Run command dialog box:

3. Use File Explorer

it’s possible to also access the Folder Options using File Explorer. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Alternatively, access the Folder Options using File Explorer’s View tab through these steps:

Note:After a recent Windows 11 update, you can easily open Folder Options in a File Explorer window by selecting the three dots in the Menu Bar and selectingOptions.

4. Use Shortcut Keys

you could easily access most apps and tools byusing the Windows shortcut keys (hotkeys). Interestingly, you can also access the Folder Options by pressing the right hotkeys.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Alternatively, follow these steps:

5. Use File Explorer’s Address Bar

File Explorer’s address bar offers almost the same benefits as the Start menu search bar. This tool can help you find almost any tool on your device.

Here’s how to open the Folder Options using File Explorer’s address bar:

6. Use the Control Panel

The Control Panel often comes in handy when you want to troubleshoot your Windows PC. Interestingly, this tool also allows you to open various programs with ease.

So, let’s check out how you can open the Folder Options using the Control Panel:

7. Use the System Settings

The system settings are reliable when it comes to customizing or repairing the apps on your PC. But that’s not all—the system settings can also help you open various tools and apps.

Here’s how you could open the Folder Options using the system settings:

8. Use the Task Manager

You might often use the Task Manager to close programs or analyze your PC’s performance. The good news is that you can also use this tool to access your apps.

So, let’s explore how you may open the Folder Options using the Task Manager:

9. Use the Command Prompt or PowerShell

The Command Prompt and PowerShell are quite incredible tools. you may often use them to configure some settings or troubleshoot system issues.

Now, we’ll explore how you can use these tools to open the Folder Options:

To get started, let’s check out how to open the Folder Options using the Command Prompt:

Let’s now take a look at how it’s possible to open the Folder Options via PowerShell:

10. Use a Folder Options Desktop Shortcut

You can also access the Folder Options by using a desktop shortcut. But first, you’d have to create the shortcut through these steps:

Next, typeFolder Optionsor something similar in thenamebox. Finally, press theFinishbutton.

Now, you can easily access the Folder Options by clicking your desktop shortcut. To make the shortcut easily accessible, go ahead and pin it to the taskbar.

Opening the Windows Folder Options Is Quite Easy

If you want to customize or troubleshoot File Explorer, then check out the Windows Folder Options. To access these features, apply any of the methods we’ve covered.

Need to prevent others from accessing the Folder Options? If so, then you need to check out the various ways to disable the Folder Options.

There are lots of folder options hidden away in File Explorer, and you can access them easily with these tips.

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