Bug: After installing Files Community, I’m unable to make it replace the default Windows File Explorer.

[AudricSan]

Description

After installing Files Community, I’m unable to make it replace the default Windows File Explorer.

When I try to activate the “replace Windows Explorer” button in the settings, it automatically switches back to disabled after 1-2 seconds.

Additionally, if I try to run the registry fix manually, then press Win + E to open the file explorer, I get an error message saying:
"Explorer.exe application not found".

Expected behavior:
Files Community should open instead of Windows Explorer when opening folders, and the replace button should stay enabled.

Actual behavior:
The replace button disables itself automatically, and after manual registry editing, pressing Win + E causes an error: "Explorer.exe application not found".

Environment:

Windows version: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Insider Preview - 10.0.26200 Build 26200
Files Community version: 3.9.9.0

Thank you for your help!

Steps To Reproduce

1. Install the latest version of Files Community

2. Try to enable the “replace Windows Explorer” option in the settings

3. Notice the button disables itself after a second or two

4. Attempt manual registry fix, then press Win + E → error appears

Files Version

3.9.9.0

Windows Version

Microsoft Windows 11 Home Insider Preview || 10.0.26200 Build 26200

User ID

53dc9b8d-7a70-4146-8474-737cb587d18a

Log File

debug.log

[Josh65-2201]

Thanks for the report, Please don't make your own categories in the description, it makes the issue longer and hard to read

You should not manually set the registry entries. Please make sure UAC (User account control) is on the 3rd level or above from the bottom and you have restarted Windows

If you have done both then this option won't be available to you unless you reinstall Windows. As this isn't fully supported in Windows it's expected that it wont work for everyone

[AudricSan]

Thank you for the quick reply and the clarification.

Apologies for the formatting—I’ll make sure to follow the standard structure next time to keep things easier to read.

As for the issue, I’ve found the cause on my side:
I had originally installed Files Community on a non-system drive (D:), and that’s when the “Replace Windows Explorer” toggle kept disabling itself. After reinstalling the app on C: (the system drive), the issue was resolved—no need to modify the registry manually.

Thanks again for the support, and keep up the great work with the app!

[yaira2]

We're happy to hear that the issue was resolved.