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.

0 comments

71 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-06-11T21:53:15+00:00

    Then I tested by creating a new folder and no longer have the focus issue!

    Try first navigating to a different folder using the address bar (so that the focus is in the address bar) then create a new folder by selecting "Folder" from the upper left "New" menu. Does the focus change to the folder name or does the focus stay in the address bar, causing the address bar history to drop down?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-11T20:38:02+00:00

    Just adding support to this thread. A computer we maintain now has this happening and it was very disappointing to see that the issue has been around since 2023. I will be looking for other opportunities to raise awareness of this issue as well.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-03T07:23:22+00:00

    Can you hear Microsoft silence ?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-31T19:01:15+00:00

    This one's a fresh Windows installation with nothing but Microsoft Windows update drivers.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-31T18:36:38+00:00

    I just fresh installed Windows 11 24H2 on a HP EliteDesk 800 G5 and its already developed this issue. The file explorer is near unusable if you need to make folders. It also affects applications that open the Windows folder browser to save or open files with the focus set incorrectly.

    I have this problem on an HP laptop as well. Would be interesting to know what we all have in common? Could it be that HP Security wolf created this problem? This software was a disaster.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments