How-To

Windows 8: Hide the Windows Explorer Ribbon

By Brian Burgess

Last Updated on June 15, 2021

One of the new features in the Windows 8 desktop user interface is the Ribbon in Windows Explorer (now called File Explorer).

Update: Microsoft is no longer offering long-term support for Windows 8. This is according to the company:

Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported.

One of the new features in the Windows 8 desktop user interface is the Ribbon in Windows Explorer (now called File Explorer). If you find no use for it, here’s how you can hide it.

Hide Windows 8 File Explorer Ribbon

You can minimize or expand the Ribbon in Explorer by clicking the small arrow icon in the upper right corner. It works just like it does in MS Office 2007 and 2010.

Here’s a look at it hidden. Then just click it again to expand it.

To start Windows Explorer with the Ribbon hidden by default, hit Windows Key + R to bring up the Run line and type: gpedit.msc and click OK.

When Local Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to Custom Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Explorer. Double click on “Start Windows Explorer with Ribbon Minimized.”

On the next screen select Enabled and click OK.

Now any time you start Windows Explorer, the Ribbon will be minimized by default. But you’ll still be able to expand it if needed.