Are you tired of File Explorer opening a new window every time you try to access a folder or file in Windows 10? This can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to working with multiple folders at the same time. Fortunately, there are a few ways to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time in Windows 10. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods you can use to achieve this.
Understanding the Issue
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why File Explorer is opening a new window each time in the first place. There are a few possible reasons for this:
- Default settings: Windows 10 is set to open a new window each time you access a folder or file by default. This is because the operating system is designed to provide a separate window for each task to improve multitasking.
- File Explorer settings: Your File Explorer settings might be configured to open a new window each time you access a folder or file. This could be due to a previous setting or a third-party application that has altered the default behavior.
- Registry settings: The Windows Registry might be configured to open a new window each time you access a folder or file. This could be due to a previous setting or a third-party application that has altered the default behavior.
Method 1: Changing File Explorer Settings
One of the easiest ways to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time is to change the File Explorer settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To change the File Explorer settings, you need to open File Explorer first. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
Step 2: Click on the View Tab
Once File Explorer is open, click on the View tab in the top menu bar.
Step 3: Click on Options
In the View tab, click on the Options button.
Step 4: Select the Open Each Folder in the Same Window Option
In the Folder Options window, select the “Open each folder in the same window” option under the General tab.
Step 5: Click OK
Click OK to save the changes.
By following these steps, you should be able to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time you access a folder or file.
Method 2: Changing Registry Settings
If changing the File Explorer settings doesn’t work, you can try changing the Registry settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
To change the Registry settings, you need to open the Registry Editor first. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard, typing “regedit” in the Run dialog box, and pressing Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the File Explorer Registry Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
In the Advanced key, create a new DWORD value named “SeparateProcess” and set its value to 0.
Step 4: Close the Registry Editor
Close the Registry Editor to save the changes.
By following these steps, you should be able to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time you access a folder or file.
Method 3: Using the Group Policy Editor
If you’re using a Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor
To open the Group Policy Editor, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard, type “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the File Explorer Policy
In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following policy:
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer
Step 3: Enable the “Open each folder in the same window” Policy
In the File Explorer policy, enable the “Open each folder in the same window” policy.
Step 4: Close the Group Policy Editor
Close the Group Policy Editor to save the changes.
By following these steps, you should be able to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time you access a folder or file.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time in Windows 10 is a relatively simple process. You can change the File Explorer settings, Registry settings, or use the Group Policy Editor to achieve this. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time and improve your productivity.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of File Explorer:
- Use the Quick Access feature: The Quick Access feature in File Explorer allows you to quickly access your frequently used folders and files. To use this feature, click on the Quick Access button in the top menu bar.
- Use the File Explorer shortcuts: File Explorer has several shortcuts that can help you navigate faster. For example, you can press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer, or press the Ctrl + N key to open a new window.
- Customize the File Explorer layout: You can customize the File Explorer layout to suit your needs. For example, you can add or remove columns, or change the layout of the folders and files.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of File Explorer and improve your productivity.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues and solutions related to stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time:
- Issue: File Explorer still opens a new window each time: Solution: Check if the “Open each folder in the same window” option is enabled in the File Explorer settings. If not, enable it and restart File Explorer.
- Issue: The Registry settings don’t work: Solution: Check if the Registry settings are correct. If not, correct them and restart File Explorer.
- Issue: The Group Policy Editor doesn’t work: Solution: Check if the Group Policy Editor is enabled. If not, enable it and restart File Explorer.
By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve any issues related to stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time.
In conclusion, stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time in Windows 10 is a relatively simple process. By following the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time and improve your productivity.
What is the default behavior of File Explorer in Windows 10?
The default behavior of File Explorer in Windows 10 is to open a new window each time you access it. This means that if you have multiple File Explorer windows open, each one will be a separate instance, and you will see multiple File Explorer icons in your taskbar. This behavior can be convenient for some users, but it can also be cluttered and confusing for others.
However, it’s worth noting that this behavior can be changed, and you can configure File Explorer to open in the same window each time you access it. This can help to reduce clutter and make it easier to manage your files and folders.
Why would I want to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time?
There are several reasons why you might want to stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time. One reason is to reduce clutter and make it easier to manage your files and folders. When File Explorer opens in the same window each time, you can easily switch between different folders and files without having to navigate through multiple windows.
Another reason is to improve your productivity. When you have multiple File Explorer windows open, it can be easy to get confused and lose track of which window is which. By opening File Explorer in the same window each time, you can stay focused and avoid distractions.
How do I stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time in Windows 10?
To stop File Explorer from opening a new window each time in Windows 10, you can follow a few simple steps. First, open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab in the ribbon. Then, click on the “Options” button and select “Change folder and search options” from the drop-down menu.
In the “Folder Options” window, click on the “General” tab and look for the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown menu. Select “This PC” or “Quick access” from the menu, depending on your preference. Then, click “OK” to save your changes. From now on, File Explorer will open in the same window each time you access it.
What is the difference between “This PC” and “Quick access” in File Explorer?
In File Explorer, “This PC” and “Quick access” are two different options for how you want to view your files and folders. “This PC” shows you a traditional view of your computer’s files and folders, including your desktop, documents, pictures, and other folders.
“Quick access”, on the other hand, shows you a view of your most frequently used files and folders, as well as your recent files. This can be a convenient way to access the files and folders you use most often, without having to navigate through multiple folders.
Will stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time affect my other Windows settings?
No, stopping File Explorer from opening a new window each time will not affect your other Windows settings. This change only affects how File Explorer behaves, and it will not impact any other Windows features or settings.
However, it’s worth noting that if you have customized your File Explorer settings in other ways, such as by adding or removing folders from the navigation pane, those changes will still be in effect. You can continue to customize your File Explorer settings as needed, without affecting the behavior of opening in the same window each time.
Can I still open multiple File Explorer windows if I want to?
Yes, you can still open multiple File Explorer windows if you want to, even if you have configured File Explorer to open in the same window each time. To do this, simply press the “Ctrl” key while clicking on the File Explorer icon in your taskbar, or right-click on the icon and select “File Explorer” from the context menu.
This will open a new instance of File Explorer, which will run separately from the existing window. You can then use this new window to access different files and folders, or to perform different tasks.
How do I revert back to the default behavior of File Explorer opening a new window each time?
To revert back to the default behavior of File Explorer opening a new window each time, you can follow the same steps as before, but select a different option in the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown menu. Specifically, you can select “Documents” or “Pictures” from the menu, which will cause File Explorer to open in a new window each time.
Alternatively, you can simply click on the “Reset” button in the “Folder Options” window, which will restore all of your File Explorer settings to their default values. This will cause File Explorer to open in a new window each time, as well as reset any other customizations you may have made.