Alex Ruben
How to Remove the – File Explorer Suffix from Open Windows on the Taskbar
If you frequently have multiple File Explorer windows open and prefer the taskbar button option set to “Never combine taskbar buttons and hide labels,” you might find that the appended “- File Explorer” text at the end of each window title takes up unnecessary space on your taskbar. This step-by-step guide will show you how to eliminate this suffix, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient taskbar usage. By the end of this tutorial, you will have customized your taskbar, enhancing your overall Windows 11 experience.
Step 1: Download the Windhawk Application
The first action you need to take is downloading the Windhawk application, which is a free tool that allows you to customize Windows features easily. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Windhawk website.
- Click on the download button to obtain the app.
- Once downloaded, install the application by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Search for the Remove File Explorer Suffixes Mod
After successfully installing Windhawk, the next step is to locate the specific mod that will assist in removing the unwanted suffix from your File Explorer windows. Here’s how to do that:
- Open the Windhawk application.
- In the search bar of the interface, type “Remove File Explorer Suffixes”.
- From the results, find the relevant mod and click on it.
- Follow the installation prompts to add the mod to your Windhawk application.
Step 3: Enable the Mod
Once the mod is installed, you need to enable it for it to take effect. This step is crucial to ensure the suffix is actually removed from your taskbar. Here’s how:
- In the Windhawk interface, navigate to your installed mods.
- Locate the “Remove File Explorer Suffixes” mod you just installed.
- Toggle the switch to enable the mod. You should see a confirmation message indicating that the mod is now active.
Step 4: Restart Your File Explorer
For the changes to apply, it may be necessary to restart the File Explorer. Follow these simple steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, find Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following these steps should effectively remove the suffix, here are some additional tips to make the process smoother:
- If at any point Windhawk crashes or does not recognize the mod, try closing and reopening the application.
- Be aware that other customizations you may have done with the taskbar settings could affect the visibility of this change.
- Check the Windhawk forums or support for any specific troubleshooting related to the mod’s functionality.
Conclusion
Removing the “- File Explorer” suffix from your taskbar is a simple yet effective way to enhance your Windows 11 experience, especially if you frequently work with multiple windows open. By using the Windhawk application, you can customize your taskbar to suit your needs and preferences, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. Consider exploring additional modifications that Windhawk offers to take full advantage of your operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the mod does not work as intended?
If the mod does not remove the suffix after enabling it, ensure that you have followed all previous steps accurately, and try restarting your computer or the Windhawk application.
Can I use Windhawk for other modifications?
Yes, Windhawk offers a variety of mods beyond the File Explorer suffix removal. You can explore other custom features via the built-in search function to enhance your Windows experience further.
Is Windhawk safe to use?
Windhawk is a widely used tool for customization by many Windows users and is considered safe to use, but always ensure that you download it from the official website to avoid potential security risks.
