File Explorer Missing Address Bar/Toolbar: Troubleshooting Steps

File Explorer Missing Address Bar and Toolbar: Troubleshooting Steps

If you have recently deployed a new VM or WAR file and noticed that the File Explorer is not displaying the address bar and toolbar properly, with buttons operating unexpectedly, you're not alone. This article will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring that your File Explorer functions as intended.

1. Verify Display Settings

First, ensure that your display settings are correctly configured. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings." Check if the scale and layout are set correctly. If not, adjust the settings to 100% and reboot the system. After rebooting, verify if the File Explorer issue is resolved.

2. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including the File Explorer malfunction. To fix this, run the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Press the Windows key + X, select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)," and type the following command:

Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete. Restart your system and check if the File Explorer issue is resolved.

3. Update Display Drivers

Outdated display drivers can also cause the File Explorer to malfunction. To update your display drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type the following command to list all the devices:

Look for the display adapter and note its name.

3. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Navigate to "Devices" and then "Display adapters."
4. Right-click on the display adapter and select "Update driver."
5. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
6. Reboot the system and check if the File Explorer issue is resolved.

4. Reset File Explorer

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try resetting the File Explorer. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to the following path:

Right-click on the "Ribbon" key and select "Delete." Confirm the deletion. Reboot the system and check if the File Explorer issue is resolved.

5. Repair Corrupted System Files

If system files are still corrupted, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair them. Press the Windows key + X, select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)," and type the following command:

Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete. Restart your system and check if the File Explorer issue is resolved.

This article covered several troubleshooting steps to resolve the File Explorer missing address bar and toolbar issue. These steps include:

• Verifying display settings
• Running System File Checker
• Updating display drivers
• Resetting File Explorer
• Repairing corrupted system files

References

• Microsoft Support: Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files
• Microsoft Docs: Display driver verification and signing
• Microsoft Support: How to reset File Explorer settings in Windows 10
• Microsoft Docs: Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Command-Line Options