In this guide, I will explain to you how to disable folder options on your Windows PC. This feature is present under the File Explorer section. As the name suggests, Folder options provide various alternatives for users to decide how to open a folder. Also, the user can control the privacy of the folder. You may now ask, what’s the need to disable this option.? Well, in an enterprise scenario, there are two types of users. First, there is an administrator and then some users.
To exercise some restrictions on the users and prevent them from viewing some folders or making changes to it, an admin can disable the folder options. There are two ways to do it. One way is to use the Local Group Policy Editor. The second way is to edit the settings in the Registry. I have explained both of the methods. So, let’s check them out now.
Disable Folder Options of File Explorer
First, let’s check out how to disable this one using the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Press Windows + R key together to summon the Run dialog box
- As it shows up type in gpedit. msc and hit enter
- Then navigate to the following directories.
- First, click on User Configuration and then go to Administrative Templates
- Under that navigate to Windows Components and then go to File Explorer
- Inside File Explorer, you should see a list of settings
- Scroll down to the option “Do not allow Folder Options to be opened from the Options button on the View tab of the ribbon”
- Click on it to access its settings on the next screen that shows up. There you will see three options
- Not configured, enabled, and disabled. By default, it would be set to Not Configured
- You have to click on the Enabled radio button.
- Next click on Apply > OK.
That’s it. You have now successfully disabled the Folder options in File Explorer.

