Explorer opens a new window every time I double-click a folder

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  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       #1

    Explorer opens a new window every time I double-click a folder


    Hello Tenforums!
    First I'd like you to thank you for all the times you've helped a frusterated little guy with his PC-problems - even thought I never registrered, I've been here quite some times.

    The problem
    Anyways, on to the problem. As the title states; every time I double-click a folder in Windows Explorer, it opens in a new window. I know there have been problems on this in earlier versions of Windows. I'm running Windows 10, but I've yet to found a solution to this problem.

    What is weird about this, is the following. The ONLY time a folder opens in a new window, is when the folder is located in the PICTURES folder. On some occurrences, the folder I'm clicking is opening twice.

    Another strange thing I noticed, is when I delete something. When I used to delete something, the folder would automatically update and remove the file without me needing to do anything. Now, I have to refresh the folder I'm in to actually be able to see the picture I deleted gone.

    Here's what I've tried:
    • Making sure the registry key of HKCR\Folder is empty.
    • Running the sfc /scannow command in an elevated command prompt
    • Checking the Explorer options for opening a folder in the same window or a different one on and off.
    • Checking the double-click and single-click options on and off.
    • Making sure I do not have this "Vault" program that everyone is talking about... SourceGear Vault?
    • Refreshing the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager.


    Explaning the .GIF I linked (if you didn't understand it)

    1. I'm double-clicking a folder within the PICTURES folder.
    2. Two windows open of the folder I clicked. There are now currently 3 windows open
    3. I close the two windows, and redirect into the MUSIC folder.
    4. I double-click a folder in MUSIC and the folder opens in the same window.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Explorer opens a new window every time I double-click a folder-42bbf749a7818be326f15492782a6812.gif  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #2

    Ireliavent said:
    Hello Tenforums!
    First I'd like you to thank you for all the times you've helped a frusterated little guy with his PC-problems - even thought I never registrered, I've been here quite some times.

    The problem
    Anyways, on to the problem. As the title states; every time I double-click a folder in Windows Explorer, it opens in a new window. I know there have been problems on this in earlier versions of Windows. I'm running Windows 10, but I've yet to found a solution to this problem.

    What is weird about this, is the following. The ONLY time a folder opens in a new window, is when the folder is located in the PICTURES folder. On some occurrences, the folder I'm clicking is opening twice.

    Another strange thing I noticed, is when I delete something. When I used to delete something, the folder would automatically update and remove the file without me needing to do anything. Now, I have to refresh the folder I'm in to actually be able to see the picture I deleted gone.

    Here's what I've tried:
    • Making sure the registry key of HKCR\Folder is empty.
    • Running the sfc /scannow command in an elevated command prompt
    • Checking the Explorer options for opening a folder in the same window or a different one on and off.
    • Checking the double-click and single-click options on and off.
    • Making sure I do not have this "Vault" program that everyone is talking about... SourceGear Vault?
    • Refreshing the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager.


    Explaning the .GIF I linked (if you didn't understand it)

    1. I'm double-clicking a folder within the PICTURES folder.
    2. Two windows open of the folder I clicked. There are now currently 3 windows open
    3. I close the two windows, and redirect into the MUSIC folder.
    4. I double-click a folder in MUSIC and the folder opens in the same window.
    Having the same issue. Just started a few days ago randomly. I can reset the settings till I'm blue in the face.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #3

    If you right click on the folder, what is the default action shows (will be bold, should be at the top)? Mine is Open.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #4

    Ztruker said:
    If you right click on the folder, what is the default action shows (will be bold, should be at the top)? Mine is Open.
    Mine is also open.

    Also, what I notice that when I open folder options and click "reset to default"...the first time I open a folder or drive it's fine. Then it immediately goes back to opening everything in a new window.

    I've ran SFC twice, first time it found and fixed issues. I've scanned the PC for malware. I've done a couple of other registry tweaks found online...nothing.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #5

    ilyakol said:
    Mine is also open.

    Also, what I notice that when I open folder options and click "reset to default"...the first time I open a folder or drive it's fine. Then it immediately goes back to opening everything in a new window.

    I've ran SFC twice, first time it found and fixed issues. I've scanned the PC for malware. I've done a couple of other registry tweaks found online...nothing.
    Another little update...

    So it turns out if I open a folder shortcut it's fine...I can browse within it and the folders open in the same window.

    When I open a drive from My Computer, the first time I open say H: it'll open in a new window but then all sub folders will open in that same window. Weird. So basically...only when I open a drive letter that initial action will open it's own window, everything else in that drive opens in the same window.

    BTW: Sorry to piggy back of your post OP, we're just having very similar experiences and hopefully what helps you (or me) will help me (or you). Sad thing is I have 12 years of desktop support/server admin support and this is something I've never seen before.
    Last edited by ilyakol; 19 Nov 2015 at 01:14.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #6

    ilyakol said:
    Another little update...

    So it turns out if I open a folder shortcut it's fine...I can browse within it and the folders open in the same window.

    When I open a drive from My Computer, the first time I open say H: it'll open in a new window but then all sub folders will open in that same window. Weird. So basically...only when I open a drive letter that initial action will open it's own window, everything else in that drive opens in the same window.

    BTW: Sorry to piggy back of your post OP, we're just having very similar experiences and hopefully what helps you (or me) will help me (or you). Sad thing is I have 12 years of desktop support/server admin support and this is something I've never seen before.
    Another thing that happened is that the snipping tool has mysteriously disappeared from the start menu. I have to go to C:\Windows\System32\ and look for it there every time I want it.

    These issues seemed to start with some updates the system did a week or so ago...but trying to figure out which update is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
      My Computer


  7. You
    Posts : 613
    Windows 10 Enterprise x64 (build 10586)
       #7

    ilyakol said:
    Another thing that happened is that the snipping tool has mysteriously disappeared from the start menu. I have to go to C:\Windows\System32\ and look for it there every time I want it.

    These issues seemed to start with some updates the system did a week or so ago...but trying to figure out which update is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
    Just add a shortcut to the Snipping tool here:
    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #8

    You said:
    Just add a shortcut to the Snipping tool here:
    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories
    Odd, shortcut is already there (and works) but when I go to the start menu and type in 'snipping' nothing comes up.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #9

    ilyakol said:
    Odd, shortcut is already there (and works) but when I go to the start menu and type in 'snipping' nothing comes up.
    Turns out same thing is happening with the calculator app.

    WTF happened to my Windows installation? This behavior is so odd.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 41
    Windows 10 Professional x64
       #10

    I have given up and did an in place upgrade using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. I was worried it would break a ton of stuff, but every seems to be fine.

    All of my apps in the start menu are back and everything seems fine.

    OP, Ireliavent, your best bet is to probably do the same.
      My Computer


 

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