We received a helpful report from a reader stating that "the Open-Shell (Classic Explorer) toolbar disappeared after applying a Windows Update, but was restored using QTTabBarFixTool.exe."
Following the April 2026 update (KB5083769) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, changes to Explorer's specifications have resulted in the disabling of toolbars that provide the older UI. This article explains a solution for Open-Shell users and how the tool internally bypasses system restrictions.
How to restore the Open-Shell toolbar
The issue of the Open-Shell toolbar not displaying has the same underlying cause as the problem of the QTTabBar not displaying. Therefore, by running QTTabBarFixTool.exe, which is distributed on this site, you can make the Open-Shell toolbar reappear.
In previous articles, we recommended disabling the robust parent system 57048216 as a fundamental solution. However, subsequent testing revealed that disabling this ID causes side effects such as "taskbar widgets disappearing" and "Application Errors being periodically logged in the Event Viewer."
Therefore, in the latest version (v3) of QTTabBarFixTool.exe currently being distributed, we have prioritized compatibility with widget functionality and system stability, and have made it a new recommendation to "leave 57048216 enabled and disable only 57048237".
By launching the tool and selecting "Apply Repair (Keep Widgets)," you can safely use Open-Shell without errors. Furthermore, in case a future Windows Update removes 57048237 and renders it inoperable, the tool also retains "Apply Repair (Traditional Method / Hide Widgets)" as a safe backup option for ensuring a complete repair.
Reasons for not open-sourcing and how the tool works
Some users have requested that QTTabBarFixTool.exe be made open source to ensure the continuity of development. We understand that concerns about development being abandoned are perfectly valid for those who prefer the older UI.
However, we have decided not to release the source code for this tool. The reason for this is that the mechanism the tool uses internally to "automatically secure system privileges and rewrite access rights" poses a very high risk of being exploited by malicious users.
In current versions of Windows 11, the FeatureManagement registry key is heavily protected (ACL). Simply running an external tool like ViVeTool with administrator or SYSTEM privileges will not access the temporary settings area. Overrides\8 Only a value is written to it; it cannot completely override the OS's control.
To overcome this, we will focus on higher-priority system areas ( Overrides\15 To directly rewrite the file, QTTabBarFixTool.exe automatically performs the following process in the background:
- Use the Task Scheduler (schtasks) to execute temporary tasks with SYSTEM privileges.
- Temporarily run ViVeTool to monitor changes in registry values and dynamically determine the "hash value" of the target function.
- Based on the derived hash value, a strongly protected
Overrides\15Identify the following target registry keys. - The PowerShell script calls RtlAdjustPrivilege on ntdll.dll to enable privileges such as taking ownership.
- Target key (
Overrides\15\ハッシュ値This forcibly changes the owner of the object, grants access rights (FullControl), and directly modifies EnabledState. - After the changes are complete, the system will be restored to its original robust access permissions using the previously obtained SDDL-formatted security descriptor.
Up until now, this site has only touched upon the general outline of "disabling the target ID with SYSTEM privileges using Task Scheduler," but the actual internal process follows the steps outlined above.
This approach can be directly adapted to techniques used by malware to hijack systems or secretly disable security mechanisms. While it is possible to explain the mechanism as a technical "concept," we believe it is the responsibility of administrators to avoid releasing it as "complete source code that can be easily copied and exploited."
Links to tools and related articles
For downloading the repair tool and more details about the background of the problem, please refer to the link below.
Download the tool
All software distributed on this site has been virus-checked with ESET Internet Security, but because it is a personal development project, it does not have a genuine Microsoft digital signature. Therefore, the following warning may be displayed in some environments when running it for the first time.
- Windows warning: "Windows protected your PCIf you see the message, please click "More Information" and then select "Run".
- Security software warning: After updating definition files for ESET and other programs, it may be mistakenly detected as a "Suspicious Object," but it is not a dangerous program.
Please be sure to check the following page before use for information on how to verify the authenticity of a file using its hash value (SHA256), as well as for disclaimers and terms of use.
0a119d6baf2d3de7d2b43bea09cc2698e2db8ce9abe11d4fba7a654e9a361171▶ View hash values of previous versions
Hash value (SHA256):
eb268416a87e0c1a1de9c694b7f9b0eef50220b51ce7636f718f6a905c4d78fb
Hash value (SHA256):
dd7a64a0a3cf215b2988872897cb39d42cb9779946757401b87c4da44b94c7a9
Hash value (SHA256):
08394e1d9b4ee82550b8bb1ee52fc62ebe9df2619fe6ea7985ced1474c51c509
Hash value (SHA256):
aa42aa6a8b91d582599c76db0b5a943c7ff2bfca47290c8bd4f353319adffe57
Hash value (SHA256):
f838314acb52dbead984c483df858f549e41f745b8a7949c441d2daa584351d1
Hash value (SHA256):
e101fbd84fde16faa5401599e1885c1f0d860e528572719b72944d131910430f
Hash value (SHA256):
f4adced249fd2e5a3e388c49c6a6a02edbf79891c20b41d5d9e717fa4b153d3a
QTTabBar-Fix-Tool-v3.0.0.3.zip
Related article Solution to the problem where "QTTabBar" disappears after applying Windows Update
◆ Operating environment
OS Build 26200.7922 and 26100.7922 Compatible with environments with KB5077241 or later installed.
◆ Required deployment configuration
Place this tool (QTTabBarFixTool_v3.exe) into the folder created by extracting the ViVeTool ZIP file. *To prevent errors, do not extract only the necessary files (.exe, etc.) individually; place them in the extracted folder as is.
VIVeTool folder/
├─ vivetool.exe
├─ Albacore.ViVe.dll (← *Required* An error will occur if this is not included)
├─ QTTabBarFixTool_v3.exe (← Add this tool here)
└─ …
◆ Tool execution and repair procedure
- Run the placed QTTabBarFixTool_v3.exe.
- If "User Account Control" appears, click "Yes".
- The tool (QTTabBar Fix Tool v3) screen will open. (Note: Starting with version 3.0, the pre-check and restart steps are no longer required, and the main screen will open immediately.)
- Before applying the settings, please close all open Explorer windows (folder windows).
- Click the blue button at the top of the screen, "Apply Fix (Keep Widgets) / Apply Repair (Keep Widgets)". (Note: If you prefer to use the traditional repair method, click the second button, "Legacy".)
- A message saying "Please wait a moment..." will appear, so please wait a few seconds without operating the tool. (Note: Task Scheduler will start in the background and safely perform the repair process with SYSTEM privileges.)
- If the log screen displays "Process completed! Please RESTART YOUR PC to apply changes.", the repair was successful.
- Restart your PC and check if QTTabBar displays correctly.
We have received one report that in some environments, the OS enters an automatic repair loop after applying this update.DisclaimerAs stated in the above, please be sure to create a system restore point before running this command, and use it at your own risk.
*Recovery procedure in case the OS cannot be started after running the tool (entering an automatic repair loop)
You can recover by using System Restore to revert to the state before running the tool.
- When you see the Automatic Repair blue screen (recovery environment), click Advanced options.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
- Select a restore point before you ran the tool to restore your system.
reference:How to open the Recovery Environment (WinRE) in Windows 11
Final thoughts
It's truly unfortunate that every time the OS specifications change, well-loved, excellent freeware becomes unusable. However, by analyzing the internal behavior of the system and taking appropriate approaches, there are still ways to avoid this problem.
This website will continue to provide tool updates and information in line with changing circumstances. If you wish to continue using Open-Shell or QTTabBar, please be sure to check for the latest information.
