How to re-enable the "Expand to Open Folder" option?

Many of us have reported this over quite a long time. If they haven't fixed it by now, they probably won't.

I guess us (including myself) posting temporary fixes doesn't help either. Why fix it if we can get by without their fix.

Maybe the AI development they are prioritizing over our minor issue will make the devs obsolete and fix the bug for us.

I am wondering whether Microsoft is putting more effort into developing the forthcoming Windows 12. However, it should have been released by now, I think. No explanation as to the delay, unless as you say, maybe AI development has been prioritized. And if this is the case, this is not helpful to users. Surely, it should not require that much effort to fix the bug in Explorer.

I suggest more users send feedback to Microsoft via the Feedback app. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

@Rupertsland,

It is VERY interesting to read 24H2 does not solve the problem. Thx for info !

Your approach encouraging Microsoft to solve the problem sounds solid to me. However, I can hardly imagine Microsoft is still not aware of the problem, as I did read several contributors having notified this problem to Microsoft in the past. Finding another thousand of users to denounce the problem will be a challenge... ?

As for my personal PC that is still not updating as it should do, you are correct. I am waiting for slightly better weather so I can return to the supplier and have things fixed, or me burning his place down :-)

So far I continue to use Ctrl+shift+E in order to generate the expanded tree - quite annoying, but it works.

Thx for input! Kadee, Belgium,

Hi Kadee.

Sorry to hear you can't update. Is there a local reliable computer shop near you who can help you? I'm not suggesting the services at the big box stores, rather smaller locally run shops. They install Windows and fix all sorts of issues. Maybe they can help you. Or, you could ask your IT department at work.

Rupertsland

Canada

Edition Windows 10 Pro

Version 22H2

Installed on ‎3/‎15/‎2022

OS build 19045.5247

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19060.1000.0

This worked for me... Made several desktop links and they all open to the folder with the navigation showing the open folders / folder path. Hot da**! I've been fighting this for far too long.

You cannot edit an existing shortcut, as it will check the path, and it chokes. You cannot try putting explorer in "Start in:" either - same thing, says path is invalid. You must create a new shortcut.

What I did was copy all the paths for my explorer shortcuts and pasted them into a Notepad file, appended the: C:\Windows\explorer.exe to each - ended up with: C:\Windows\explorer.exe D:\Documents\My Sandbox\ - clicked the new button and it allowed it. Gave it a name and poof! Click the link and it opens the folder and expands the navigation pane to show the folders /path.

Hi Jim,

So, you are doing this in Windows 10?

The users in this post are having an issue affecting Explorer in Windows 11, not 10.

Also, your instructions are not very clear. So, what do you do after you adjust all the filepaths in Notepad? Do you simply create a new shortcut and copy/paste the adjusted file paths to that shortcut? After you do this, how would you get the tree panel in Explorer to expand all the folders? Can you provide a list of instructions?

Rupertsland

Hi Rupert, thx for elaborated explanation! As a result I did investigate a little more. My PC is three years old and came with an official Windows licence. For three years all went fine, with automated updates, etc... only now, it shows "end of service", and I cannot choose the other options you show. Three years and it is "end of service",... yeah. "Expanding to open folder" does not work, etc, etc...

Multiple threads on this forum about "Expanding to open folder" (starting in October2023), but nothing happens, no repair.

It is clear actual operating system is too complicated for current IT-engineers.

Regards, Kadee,