Windows 7 Taskforce

Option to turn off new command bar in Explorer

Submitted by sfsdfd on June 28, 2009 to Aesthetics, Annoyance, Usability

Problem: Let's consider the current Explorer interface (see image below.)

At the top, we have a fairly meaty title bar... which is blank. Windows 95 through XP allowed us to show current path up there, but I guess this didn't fit with Vista's design guidelines, so now it's a huge block of wasted space.

Below that, we have navigation arrows, the Address bar shown as a breadcrumb list, and a Search box. For me, this is all superfluous. I never use the navigation arrows - it's easier to use Alt+Left and Alt+Right if your hands are already on the kbd; I preferred the old style of displaying the current location in the Explorer dialog title; and on the rare occasion when I need to search for files, I go to the Start Menu. But, OK, whatever. I understand that MS wants to make the Explorer interface look sorta like a web browser, so I can deal.

Below that, we have the standard File menu. Hideable, sure - as it should be, but it's small and loaded with useful options, and the organization (while not ideal) is at least familiar.

Below THAT, we have the new Explorer command bar. Let's talk about that.

I understand and applaud MS's push to develop a new menu system UI. I'm tolerating it in Office, even though it's clunky, haphazard, and unfamiliar.

But here in Explorer, it's a complete waste. In most folders, the Explorer ribbon has four options:

* "Organize" - this is just a re-jumbled subset of options from the File menu. And most of the options have nothing to do with "organization": Layout, Search Options, Properties... Close?

* "Share With." I rarely share files over a LAN, so this is pointless.

* "Burn." I rarely burn files to a disc, and when I do, I either use a dedicated app or Windows' built-in Explorer interface for burning (i.e., open the optical drive in Explorer, drop in files, and click Burn.) So this is also useless.

* "New folder." There are already two ways to create a folder in Explorer: right-click in the file set and select "New Folder," or click File / New / Folder. Do I really need a third option?

* A confusing jumble of icon buttons, jammed all the way over on the right and out of view.

As a result... the new Explorer command bar is pointless. It adds to the head-space clutter that's already overly bulky, with three rows of controls where I really just need two.

Solution: Add an option to hide the command bar in the Explorer interface.

Severity: Medium

Impact: Medium

Status: Not fixed

Image: