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
    2024-09-27T02:30:22+00:00

    Same experience here, very frustrating. Has anyone noticed that in older versions of windows we could create a folder with one click. Now it is two (menu or right click method). Changes that introduce a loss of productivity astound me. This situation is crying out for a toolbar > customise option, so we can add our own shortcut commands, so we can ignore MS offerings and add useful items to the toolbar.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-01T02:34:30+00:00

    When is Microsoft going to fix this problem? It's been going on for over a year and getting worse with new updates. In Windows 11 23H2 this constantly happens and you cannot paste a name to a new folder as windows immediately opens the search bar. This is occurring when double clicking on a file such as a PDF to open and Windows opens the search bar instead of the default application for the file type.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-12T20:18:35+00:00

    Just pipping in to say I'm experiencing the same issue currently and found this thread. The alternative way of going about this is fine but it would be great if the best way to do it wasn't annoying.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-10T08:59:03+00:00

    UPDATE

    Unfortunately, the solution described below was temporary. It worked for about a week for me, at which point I decided to share it here, but the issue returned shortly after that. It just blows my mind that Microsoft cannot fix this.

    =============

    This issue has been extremely annoying, and none of the solutions I found online worked. Now, it looks I have finally found a fix for this - however, at the cost of disabling the File Explorer search history (a feature I do not find useful anyway).

    So:

    To disable search history in File Explorer, use these steps:

    1. Open Start.
    2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    3. Browse the following path:User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
    4. On the right side, double-click the Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box policy.
    5. Select the Enabled option.
    6. Click the Apply button.
    7. Click the OK button.

    After that, when you create a new folder, the typing focus always stays on the folder name and never jumps to the address bar.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-24T12:34:51+00:00

    This fixed the issue! Thank you.

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