How to enable or disable pop-up descriptions for folder and desktop items in Windows 11. Pop-up descriptions in Windows 11 display details like file type, size, and date modified when you hover over a folder or desktop item, and they're usually helpful. However, they might be distracting in some environments. In this video, we'll cover three ways to enable or disable that behavior. Before we start, make sure to subscribe to NinjaOne's IT Video Hub and YouTube channel for more tech content like this. Manage pop-up descriptions using File Explorer. Using File Explorer is the simplest option, which makes it a good fit for individual devices. Open File Explorer, select the See more menu, and choose Options. From there, go to the View tab and locate the setting called Show pop-up descriptions for folder and desktop items. Check the box to enable the descriptions or clear it to disable them. Click Apply, then OK, and hover over a few folders or files to confirm the change took effect. Manage pop-up descriptions using the registry. For advanced users, IT administrators, and MSPs who need more control, using the Windows Registry is another option. Open the Windows Registry. Navigate to Hkey current user\software\Microsoft\Windows\currentversion\explorer\advanced. Then create or modify a DWORD 32-bit value named ShowInfoTip. Set it to one to enable pop-up descriptions or zero to disable them. This setting applies per user, so make the change in the intended user's profile. To apply the change, restart File Explorer or sign out and back in. Manage pop-up descriptions using device management or automation tools. Lastly, you can use device management or automation tools, including PowerShell, to apply this setting across multiple devices in managed environments. Use PowerShell to set the ShowInfoTip registry value for users in the intended user's profile. For more information, check out our guide, How to Automate Repetitive Tasks with PowerShell, linked in our blog. From there, apply the setting through mobile device management or endpoint management platforms where supported. Validate the setting against accessibility and usability requirements before rollout, then document the configuration as part of your internal baselines. Whether you adjust pop-up descriptions through File Explorer, the registry, or an automated deployment, managing this setting lets you shape the desktop experience around how your users work. Just make sure to test the hover behavior on desktop icons and folders and adjust related visual settings if further customization is needed. For more information, check out our official blog post on enabling or disabling Windows 11 pop-up descriptions for folders and desktop items linked in the description below.