Open a Folder in the Same or Separate New Window

How to Open a Folder in the Same or Separate New Window in Vista

information   Information
This will show you how to have a folder temporarily or always open in the same or separate new Windows Explorer window in Vista.





OPTION ONE
To Temporarily Open a Folder in the Same or Separate Window

NOTE: Explore (same window) is the default always action. To change the default option in the context menu to Explore (same window) or Open (separate window), see OPTION TWO below for how.
1. Open a Windows Explorer window.​
2. Turn on the Navigation Pane.​
3. Right click on a folder. (See screenshot below step 5)​
4. To Open the Folder in the Same Window
A) Click on Explore.​
NOTE: If Open is bolded instead, then turn on the Navigation Pane from step 2. You can also just click or double click on the folder to open it in the same window.​

5. To Open the Folder in it's Own Separate New Window
A) Click on Open.​
Right_Click.jpg








OPTION TWO
Through Folder Options

NOTE: Open in the Same Window (Explore) is the default setting. This will show you how to have Explore (same window) or Open (separate) in the context menu set as the default option for OPTION ONE above.
1. Open a Windows Explorer window.​
2. Open Folder Options.​
3. To Always Open the Folder in the Same Window
NOTE: Sets Explore as default in context menu.​
A) Dot Open each folder in the same window. (See screenshot below step 4)​
B) Click on OK.​
NOTE: You can now just click on the folder, or right click on the folder and click on Explore, to always open it in the same window.​
C) Go to step 5.​

4. To Always Open the Folder in it's Own Separate New Window
NOTE: Sets Open as default in context menu.​
A) Dot Open each folder in its own window. (See screenshot below)​
B) Click on OK.​
C) Turn off the Navigation Pane in the Windows Explorer window.​
WARNING: This will not work unless you do this.
NOTE: You can now just click on the folder, or right click on the folder and click on Open, to always open it in a separate window.​
Folder_Options.jpg


5. Close Folder Options and the Windows Explorer window when done.​





OPTION THREE
Manually Through Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press enter.​
2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Continue (if admininstrator) or type in administrator's password (if standard user).​
3. In Registry Editor, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)​
Code:
[/INDENT]
[INDENT]HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState[/INDENT]
[INDENT]
REG-1.jpg

4. In the right pane of CabinetState, right click on Settings and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)​
5. To Always Open each Folder in the Same Window
NOTE: This is the default setting.​
A) Using your right arrow key, move the cursor over to the right of the 5th "Value data" (2A), press the Backspace key, type in 0A (number 0), and click on OK. (see screenshots below)​
Reg-3.jpgReg-2-3-B.jpgReg-2.jpg

B) Go to step 7.​

6. To Always Open each Folder in it's Own Separate New Window
NOTE: This also sets Open in the folder or drive context menu to behave the same as the Open in new window context menu item.​
A) Using your right arrow key, move the cursor over to the right of the 5th "Value data" (0A), press the Backspace key, type in 2A, and click on OK. (see screenshots below)​
Reg-2.jpgReg-2-3-B.jpgReg-3.jpg


7. Close regedit.​
That's it,
Shawn



 

Attachments

  • thumb_Folder_Options.jpg
    thumb_Folder_Options.jpg
    2.3 KB · Views: 366
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for the post. I have this weird problem, where no matter which option I choose, it always opens the folder in its own window when I double click on the folder. If I use the "right click->Explore" then it opens in the the same window. Somwhow, something is overriding the "Open each folder in the same window" settings. Any idea?
Thanks
-Antonio
 

My Computer

Hi Antonio,

Is the Navigation Pane turned off in the Windows Explorer window that always opens in a separate window by just clicking on it?

Hope this helps,
Shawn
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
No matter if the navigation pane is on or off, when I double click, it always perfomrs an "open" i.e. opens a new window. If I click on the navigation pane,then a new window does NOT open.
Thanks for your help, our IT guy were not able to figure it out
 

My Computer

Antonio,

Try toggling the settings back to using the Always Open in the same window with the Navigation Pane on, then restarting the computer. Sometimes toggling the settings will reset them and allow them to work properly again.

Hope this helps,
Shawn
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
Sorry Antonio, I do not know where the location is for this. You might post this in the General Discussion forum also to see if any of the other members may know by chance.

Hope you get a solution soon other than anything drastic.

Shawn
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
Hello Gurgleblaster, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Thank you for adding this alternative way to have a folder open in the same window.

Shawn
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
I think this is the solution you're looking for:

You can check the setting below in the registry:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell

(Default) setting must be have a value of "(Value not set)

This makes windows to use the setting in the folder options.

If the default setting is open windows opens every folder in seperate
window; if the setting is expore windows opens every folder in same
window without regarding to the setting you specified in folder
options.

I found this solution here:

http://www.vistax64.com/vista-general/44439-open-each-folder-its-own-window-bug.html#post703257
 

My Computer

Thank you Viking, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Shawn
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
I've found out the reason why mine was opening in a new window even though I changed my settings and had the view pane on and off.

I checked the registry and saw that in the following folder:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > Folder > shell

had both folders 'explore' AND 'open'.

On removing the 'open' folder (after backing it up of course) my folders now open in the same window.

I still do not understand why this happened though.

I hope this helps as well as Viking's post.
 

My Computer

Hello Felix, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Thank you for sharing your findings. :)

As a test, if you set it to open folders in separate windows in Folder Options now that you have remove that key, does it still work for you.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
That's what I was thinking would happen. I'm glad that you backed that key up in case you ever wanted it again. ;)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
Yes, exactly.. So there it is.. The issue is still a mystery..

I will restore the registry later and see if the issue persists or if it wants to fix itself.
 

My Computer

Ok, please keep us informed of your results. :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy Y0F94AV
    CPU
    i7-7500U @ 2.70 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4-2133
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
    Sound Card
    Conexant ISST Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3" UHD IPS touch
    Screen Resolution
    3480 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB M.2 SSD
Start RegEdit and go to
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\,
mark and delete the whole subtree “Explorer”.
Then log off from Windows and log in again.
The Explorer subtree will be regenerated with defaults.
This worked for me. And I can also change the setting for opening windows in a new window on and off without any troubles. But keep in mind that opening in a new window only works if the folders tree in the left pane is minimized.


Good luck

Oliver
 

My Computer

Hey,

I am now having this problem also after just doing the most recent windows updates

I have tried system restore but the problem has not gone away

I have tried adjusting the Folder Shell in the registry as suggested in the link

I have tried deleting the "open" folder in the registry (after backing up). This partially worked. It would open one subfolder in the same window, but if i went to open up a subfolder of that opened subfolder, than it would then open in a new window, so i just replaced the "open" folder

I have tried deleting the explorer subtree and restarting, and apart from resetting all of my personal preferences, it did not fix the issue, so i just replaced the backup version of the explorer folder

Just so its said, no the navigation pane is not open, and yes i have checked the folder options and tried restarting with various settings with no luck

If anyone has more ideas please post them up, i'm not willing to operate with this interface for long, cant do it!!
 

My Computer

Firstly, thanks for the problem solving!

However, this seems like a week point in design. Why make it so that the each-folder-in-its-own-window function cannot work simultaneously with having the Navigation Pane active? There does not seem like any reason why these features could not be used in tandem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP HDX 16 (laptop)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA G9600
Back
Top