Windows 11 breaks StExBar - and every other? - Explorer extension

[erottensteiner]

Since last Win11-Updates (Version 25H2 Build 26200.7462) StExBar is disappeared and I found no possibility to activate the extension anymore. Also some tipps (e.g. https://www.makeuseof.com/restore-file-explorer-classic-ribbon-interface-windows-11/) did'nt help anymore.
Does someone have a solution for this problem? In the meantime StExBar almost is an absolutely essential tool for me :-)

[KHeresy]

I have the same issue, hope there is solution.

[davidei1955]

Me too. I miss my StExBar!

[ferrellsl]

It still works. Just hold the shift key and right-click in the current window. A context menu will appear. In the context menu you'll see options for stex as well as options to open a cmd window and other things.

[erottensteiner]

Perfect - but how is it possible to get the toolbar and to use the shortcuts? Are there any tricks anymore? ;-)

[fhtdtdj]

In case of windows updates breaking explorer extensions, check out more active extensions' issues like openshell:
https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/issues (people had same issues and shared solutions)

Step 1. run: Inetcpl.cpl ; then go to Programs tab and Manage add-ons, there you should see the components needed; enable extension

Step 2. Download Vivetool from https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVe/releases (ViVeTool-v0.3.4-IntelAmd.zip for W11) ; open an admin CMD inside the unzipped folder ; Run "vivetool /disable /id:57048216" inside the CMD ; reboot ; recheck Inetcpl.cpl if still not working

[erottensteiner]

You made my day - this procedure solves the problem!
Now the toolbar can be activated, is shown and works perfect!
Thank you very much for this info!!

[davidei1955]

Worked for me, too! Many, many thanks.
I'd been using ferrellsl's workaround, but the toolbar is so much more convenient!
Stefan, if you're still actively managing your tools, I suggest you add a note about enabling StExBar to it's installation instructions.

[ferrellsl]

This works great. It should be somewhat trivial for Stefan to add the vivetool binaries and the script to the stexbar installer, provided the vivetool author(s) are OK with it.