Windows 11 - File Explorer always opening the Address Bar after cut copy paste any file - Huge Mess

Yes, it's maddening isn't it? Microsoft DGAF about bugs and issues, they know many people are locked into windows because either their company mandates it, and / or because like me, some software I need to use for work is sadly windows-only, or because they simply cannot afford an Apple. As I've told my company, I would gladly lay down several thousand dollars to buy my own Apple for work...if only I could run the software I need on Mac OS....but I can't. Yes I know you can run Windows on a Mac, but then I'm back to the same windows BS.

If I have a folder just sitting there open, and I go to click on an item inside that folder, WHY IN THE F would I want the address bar to highlight or switch to a different address, instead of highlighting the item I clicked on? Remember, I'm just clicking an item inside of a folder, I'm not touching the address bar! This is illogical and just plain stupid! I then need to hit escape, and to be safe, click inside of the search box, then I can click the item I was trying to click.

The most frustrating part of all is that Windows 10 worked fairly well. I had almost forgotten about the problems of windows 98, windows ME, and windows 8.

Then Microsoft created this mess. Windows 11 has a few cool features, and the multi-tab feature in explorer is great, but at the same time explorer is tragically flawed with the insane focus on the address bar.

I have gotten into the habit of hitting the ESC key every time the address bar dropdown opens, which probably means I will wear that key out shortly. I've seen thousands of complaints about this issue, yet Microsoft remains too arrogant to admit they made a mistake and fix the problem. Thanks Microsoft!

A fix for this would be great as the current Windows 11 behaviour is very annoying.

I have the same issue. on three different pc's. all with completely different hardware.

another problem is the always extending of the sidebar folders when opening a folder - even though it's turned off. if you just close them all for like ten times in a row, windows gives up and they stay collapsed. weirdest behaviour. also happening on all pc's.

and the sometimes refresh sometimes not when moving files: i have it too on all pc's.

I'm doing a lot of copy/pasting and deleting and it is driving me crazy, because once at work, I still use a Windows 10 machine and it's such a relief not dealing with this.

I almost feel like I'm gonna wipe my computer and switch back to Windows 10. It's crazy but this and some other annoyances that everyone knows and they refuse to fix.

Is Microsoft even listening or reading these posts?

You can get relief on your home PC by using the Windows 10 Explorer in Windows 11. It's still built in. It's just a few registry entries to make it the default:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/restore-classic-file-explorer-with-ribbon-in-windows-11.620/#Three

Or you can use this free tool that sets the registry entries for you:

https://lesferch.github.io/SwitchExplorer/