Windows 10: I factory restarted my computer a while ago and my file explorer layout completely changed...

I factory restarted my computer a while ago and my file explorer layout completely changed making it near impossible to find my hard driveit looks likes this now and before I factory reset my pc it used to look like this can someone help me so I can return it back to how it use to be

:)

 

Computer restarts when File Explorer is selected

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate the efforts taken by you in resolving this issue. I understand that the computer restarts when File Explorer is selected. We cannot actually reinstall File Explorer on the computer, as it is bundled with the OS.



However, it would be great if you can help us with the details requested below:

• When you say, “When File Explorer is selected my computer restarts” do you see any error message or code when the computer restarts?
  
• Are you aware of any changes made to the computer recently?
  
• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer currently? To check type winver in the search bar on the Taskbar.
  
• What are the troubleshooting steps you have tried so far?
  

I suggest you to try restarting the Windows Explorer and see if that helps. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open
   Task Manager.
   
2. Now, click on File and select Run new task.
   
3. Type explorer.exe and select the check the checkbox for
   Create this task with administrative privileges.
   
4. Click on OK.
   

You can also try updating the graphics card drivers. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Display adapters.
   
3. Right click on the graphics card
   device and select Update Driver.
   

Article for reference:
Update drivers in Windows 10.



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try booting the computer into Safe Mode and see if the issue persists in Safe Mode.
Refer the article Start
your PC in safe mode in Windows 10



If you are not facing the issue in Safe Mode then perform a Clean Boot being in Safe Mode environment.



Performing a clean boot will start the computer with minimal set of drivers and programs, to determine whether a background program is causing the issue. Some of the Startup programs will not load after performing a clean boot on the computer. However,
that functionality will return when you reset the computer to start normally after finishing the troubleshooting.



To perform a clean boot on the computer refer to the article
How to perform a clean boot in Windows.



In case the error is not present in Clean Mode then refer the section
How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot to identify the root cause of the issue.



Note: Please go through the section:
Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting from the Kb article to boot the computer in normal startup after fixing the issue



For additional information, see
Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Windows Updated(16299.309).KB4088776 Restart is required to complete.

Hi dalchina. Good news, I followed your suggestion and reinstalled the update and now it appears as "installed correctly" *Biggrin Maybe it was not necessary to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter or maybe if necessary. But using it I do not think it could have worsened something. The installation was very fast, unlike the first time it showed step 1 and step 2 completed.

Thanks for the suggestions and for the time to respond Best regards.


And thanks for the tip of that program, I'll have it on my list.

 

Change view layout for pictures

Hello Joan,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft community.

I understand your concern about the issue and I’ll help you with this.

I understand that you are facing difficulties is choosing the picture as you cannot identify them unless you open it.

A quick question before we proceed.

Are you using Photo app or file explorer to view Pictures?

Follow the step below to change the layout of your Image files.

• 
  Open the folder where you have stored your pictures.
  
• 
  Click on the View tab.
  
• 
  Under Layout, you can choose how your files want appear by choosing from the option.
  

Hope it helps. Reply with results to help you further.