Force Windows to Use the Classic Desktop (Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000)

Registry Guide for Windows
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Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Force Windows to Use the Classic Desktop (Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000)
Category: Home > Windows > Desktop

This tweak can be easily applied using WinGuides Tweak Manager.
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This tweak disables the various enhanced features of the Windows shell which are included in newer releases of Windows and Internet Explorer. It will remove features including Active Desktop, Web view, thumbnail views and the quick launch toolbar.

Open your registry and find the key below.

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value called 'ClassicShell' using the settings below.

Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

Note: Requires Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater.


(Default)	REG_SZ	(value not set)
ClassicShell	REG_DWORD	0x00000001 (1)


	HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Exp...

Settings:

User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]
System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer]
Name: ClassicShell
Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value: (0 = Default, 1 = Classic Desktop)

Related Tweaks

Disable Web Content in Explorer and Desktop (Windows XP)

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: May 16, 2003

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