Windows 11 File Explorer - focus jumps to address bar when creating new folder

Anonymous
2023-12-14T17:22:31+00:00

In Windows 11 File Explorer, when I create a new folder instead of moving the typing focus to the folder's name it jumps to the address bar. I.e.:

  1. I click the "new folder" button (or right-click -> new folder)
  2. It creates a new folder called "New Folder"
  3. The cursor moves to the Windows 11 address bar. This sets the new folder's name to "New Folder" and if I type anything it types it into the address bar
  4. I have to click on the "New Folder" folder and go through the standard folder rename process (e.g. press F2 or right-click -> rename).

How do I stop this? I expect that when I create a new folder I can type it's name directly.

Edition Windows 11 Pro

Version 23H2

Installed on ‎2023-‎09-‎06

OS build 22631.2861

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22681.1000.0

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-19T11:02:26+00:00

    This doesn't work for me. Désolé.

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  2. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-18T11:49:40+00:00

    Other problem:

    in one window in explorer.

    When I change the view, e.g. from large icon to details. the focus jumps to the address bar and it drops down the history.

    It should be noted, that in order to see this issue, the focus must first be in the address bar (e.g. navigate to a folder by typing in the address bar). Then the issue occurs when selecting any item from the View menu or Sort menu.

    One workaround is to select any item from the ⋯ menu, such as Select none. That will set the focus to the main window.

    It's mind boggling that Microsoft could fix this issue when using the New menu, but completely overlook View and Sort. It's also mind boggling that simply clicking in the main window does not set the focus to the main window.

    P.S. While testing, Explorer got stuck into a display problem where both the address bar and ribbon became blank. I had to restart Explorer (or sign out and back in) to fix it. I've seen this issue many times and thought it was a display driver problem with my VM, but I'm now thinking it may be another bug with the App SDK version of Explorer. Have you seen this issue?

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-18T07:50:05+00:00

    Other problem:

    in one window in explorer.

    When I change the view, e.g. from large icon to details. the focus jumps to the address bar and it drops down the history.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-06-18T07:46:23+00:00

    Other problem this one on a single monitor:

    in windows explorer I click on a shortcut

    the address displays correctly the new path.

    then I try to click in the address bar on the right of the path to mark it and copy it.

    Due to a focus problem it does not work: the address bar becomes white.

    I have to click above the address bar to refocus it, so that the path appears again. Then I can copy it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-06-18T07:18:07+00:00

    In build 26100.4351, I have the issue in the following way:

    1 Monitor 1: pdf open, start snipping tool, take snapshot

    2 Monitor 2: Explorer copy address in adrress bar

    3 Monitor 1: snipping tool save as: paste address + enter, close

    4 Monitor 2: focus jumps to address bar and displays history.

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