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

I'm having the same issue here. it is NOT related to Onedrive, since I do not have Onedrive on my system and never will.

It would be nice if someone at MS would chime in with a reg hack in lieu of an official fix. This is clearly a bug.

Cheers,

-=Cameron

Solution:

Applies to:

Windows 11 File Explorer. Windows 11 Pro (24H2)

Issue Description: On some Windows 24H2 systems, users are reporting a bug wherein clicking the New Folder button (or choosing "New Folder" from the right-click context menu) within the currently open folder results in the focus jumping to the search bar input field, rather than highlighting the "New Folder" filename for editing, as has been the conventional behavior.

More InformationThis is a NON-OFFICIAL fix for the issue described above for Windows 11 File Explorer. I have tested this on multiple machines, specifically on Windows 11 Pro (on the versions listed in the Applies To section above) and found the behavior consistent and the herein-described fix successful in all tests.

Note: Changes to the registry may result in potential risk to your system and/or data loss. I will not be responsible for any issues that may result from implementing the fix described herein. By implementing the following steps, you agree that you are doing so at your own risk.

Steps to Implement:

Step 1. Open your favorite text editor and paste the following into a new file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32] 

@="" 

Make sure you include the blank lines. it needs to be exactly as shown.

Step 2. Make sure you include the final newline at the end of that last line. Just hit enter after that last line before you save the file.

Step 3. Save the file as "fix.reg", making sure that your editor does not add a ".txt" extension. You need the .reg extension for this to work. You can name it anything you want as long as you retain the .reg extension.

Step 4. Next, just double-click the fix.reg file to automatically add the key to the registry in the right place. A dialog will display saying it was added successfully. Click OK.

Step 5. REBOOT your machine after you run the above file. Upon next login, you should be able to verify that Windows File Explorer now behaves correctly.

This process should work on both stand-alone windows 11 machines and domain-joined machines. This only applies to Windows 11 Pro, as I do not have any non-pro versions to test in my lab.

Cheers,

-=Cameron

https://cameronlanders.com 

Please Note: I am not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

Hi Cameron,

The registry setting that you posted is a user profile setting (HKCU) so it makes no difference if you use Windows Home or Pro. It also takes effect by just restarting Explorer, which, of course, happens when you logout/login or restart.

However, that registry setting does not fix the focus issue.

That registry setting is actually the very well-known setting for changing the right-click menu from the new modern Windows 11 context menu back to the classic context menu. Both right-click style of menus have a "New > Folder" item that works fine.

The focus issue occurs when using the "New > Folder" item from the command bar (upper-left corner of the window). The focus remains stuck in the address bar, unlike Windows 10 where it properly sets the focus to the main window. If you first press Tab until the main window is focused, then the focus will remain in the main window. Simply clicking in the main window should also set the focus, but it does not. It's a bug and, unfortunately, the registry entry you posted does not fix it.

That bug doesn't bother me because I always right-click to create a folder, but if you use the item in the command bar, it's very aggravating.

Les

P.S. I do not work for Microsoft. I'm just another user trying to help.

I have same issue, but I don't have one drive, at all. Not installed.

I get it with right-click as well.