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.: I click the "new folder" button (or right-click -> new folder) It creates a new folder called "New Folder" 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 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

I just tried typing in a path. Then created a new folder two ways: Using the +New. This worked fine. Focus remained with the new folder, so I could rename. Right clicking and selecting New > Folder. This also worked. So my Windows 11 PC seems to be working as intended. Hopefully, others will find that the issue disappears as Microsoft provides updates for other variants of Win 11. It does seem concerning that this issue is somehow complicated enough that a general update can't resolve the problem.

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue. I do not have the same problem as you describe. When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it. Are you using any tool that has switched your Explorer to the "Ribbon UI", such as StartAllBack or Explorer Patcher? Thank you. No I do not.

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue. I do not have the same problem as you describe. When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it. Are you using any tool that has switched your Explorer to the "Ribbon UI", such as StartAllBack or Explorer Patcher?

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue. I do not have the same problem as you describe. When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it.

From my laptop: I used Explorer to change the name of an existing folder I then used +New at the upper left of window and selected "Folder". A new folder was created with the name "New folder" active for editing. In the past, the focus would have shifted to the address bar, but I can now edit the folder name w/o any extra actions. As a second test, I first navigated to a different folder and repeated the process. The new folder was created and renamed w/o losing focus and w/o the address bar history appearing. So for my Win 11 installation, I am guessing that a recent update has resolved the issue. I am happy for you. I still have this issue. Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2 Installed on ‎04.‎03.‎2025 OS build 26100.4349 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0 HP

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

Anonymous

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.:

I click the "new folder" button (or right-click -> new folder)
It creates a new folder called "New Folder"
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
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

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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71 answers

Anonymous

2025-06-16T21:26:27+00:00
I just tried typing in a path. Then created a new folder two ways:
- Using the +New. This worked fine. Focus remained with the new folder, so I could rename.
- Right clicking and selecting New > Folder. This also worked.
So my Windows 11 PC seems to be working as intended. Hopefully, others will find that the issue disappears as Microsoft provides updates for other variants of Win 11.

It does seem concerning that this issue is somehow complicated enough that a general update can't resolve the problem.
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Anonymous

2025-06-16T20:06:13+00:00

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue.

I do not have the same problem as you describe.

When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it.

Are you using any tool that has switched your Explorer to the "Ribbon UI", such as StartAllBack or Explorer Patcher?

Thank you. No I do not.
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Les Ferch 10,361 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-06-16T19:43:12+00:00

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue.

I do not have the same problem as you describe.

When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it.

Are you using any tool that has switched your Explorer to the "Ribbon UI", such as StartAllBack or Explorer Patcher?
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Anonymous

2025-06-16T19:21:24+00:00

You have to navigate by typing a path in the address bar so that the focus is in the address bar. Then, I'm sure, you'll still see the issue.

I do not have the same problem as you describe.

When I do the steps above you describe (focus is already on the address bar) and then press new + folder, then the folder is created and I can edit it.
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Anonymous

2025-06-16T19:19:19+00:00
From my laptop:

I used Explorer to change the name of an existing folder

I then used +New at the upper left of window and selected "Folder".

A new folder was created with the name "New folder" active for editing. In the past, the focus would have shifted to the address bar, but I can now edit the folder name w/o any extra actions.

As a second test, I first navigated to a different folder and repeated the process. The new folder was created and renamed w/o losing focus and w/o the address bar history appearing.

So for my Win 11 installation, I am guessing that a recent update has resolved the issue.
I am happy for you.

I still have this issue.

Edition Windows 11 Pro
Version 24H2
Installed on ‎04.‎03.‎2025
OS build 26100.4349
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0
HP
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