This time, we will show you how to deal with the situation when a folder opens in a new window instead of the same window when you open it in Windows 11.
There may be a problem with Explorer itself, but first let's check the settings.
What to do if a folder opens in a new window
1. Check Folder Options (File Explorer Options)
1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 02. Folder Options (File Explorer Options) will open. Check "Don't create new windows when opening other folders" and click OK.
If "Do not create a new window when opening another folder" is already checked, check "Create a new window each time I open a folder", click "Apply", then check "Do not create a new window when opening another folder" and click OK.
Check if this has resolved the issue.
2. Check the registry value
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.
2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState3. With the "CabinetState" key selected, check the value data for "Setting" in the right column.
Are the numbers next to the arrow "0a"? If it's "2a", a new window will open every time you open a folder.
Addendum 2025/12/27: If "Show full path in title bar" is checked in Folder Options
If you have checked "Show full path in title bar" in Folder Options, the alphanumeric characters in the arrow area will change as follows:
- For "0b": Normal (no new window created when opening another folder)
- For "2b": Bug (creating a new window every time you open a folder)
If you use the batch file introduced below, the value will be rewritten to a standard value such as "0a" (or "0c"),Does not affect the behavior of "Show full path in title bar"(Your settings will be maintained), so please use it with confidence.
Editing value data in Registry Editor is a bit difficult, soBatch filePrepared.
Download and run "Explorer-New Window.zip"UnzipThen double-click the file "Create a new window every time a folder is opened.bat" or "Do not create a new window when opening another folder.bat" inside to run it.
Batch file contents
When you run the batch file, it will rewrite the registry value, close all open Explorer windows (including the desktop), turn the screen black or white, and then open the desktop after 3 seconds.
Create a new window every time you open a folder.
@echo off
reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState /v Settings /t REG_BINARY /d 0c0002002a01000060000000 /f
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe&ping -n 3 127.0.0.1>nul&start explorerDo not create a new window when opening another folder.bat
@echo off
reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState /v Settings /t REG_BINARY /d 0c0002000a01000060000000 /f
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe&ping -n 3 127.0.0.1>nul&start explorerCheck if this has resolved the issue.
The same changes will be made as if you were making the changes in Folder Options, but if for some reason the changes from Folder Options are not applied, you may be able to resolve the issue by changing the registry value and restarting Explorer.
If this does not solve the problem, your system files may be corrupted. Please refer to the following page to repair your system files.
Repairing system files in Win10/Win11 with "System File Checker"
Check how to open a folder
If the folder opens in a new window even though "Don't create a new window when opening another folder" is checked in the folder options, please check the following method for opening folders.
- When you press Windows key + E to open File Explorer, it will open in a new window regardless of your settings.
- When you open a folder or folder shortcut on your desktop, it will open in a new window regardless of your settings.
- When you open a subfolder within a folder by clicking the middle mouse button,Tab FunctionIf you disable it, it will open in a new window regardless of the setting. If the tab feature is enabled, it will open in a new tab.
- When you open a folder, any subfolders within it will open in the same window.
- When you open a folder, it will open in the same window as opening it from the folder tree on the left side of Explorer.
- Start buttonWhen you open "File Explorer" by right-clicking on the folder, if no folders are open, it will open in a new window, and if at least one folder is open, the window of that folder will be brought to the foreground. Or, if a folder other than "Home" or "This PC," which are opened when File Explorer starts, is open, it will open in a new window.
