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

Problem persists in Windows 11 version 24H2

I just installed the latest 24H2 update for Windows 11 last week. Unfortunately, the "Expand to open folder" issue is still there in Explorer. If the updates are not resolving this issue for users, then I suspect this issue can only be a bug. This feature failed to work on day one after receiving my new computer.

A search on the internet is not revealing any solution to this widespread problem.

The only way to move forward is for thousands of users to report this issue through Microsoft's feedback app. I suggest including a short video demonstrating how the Expand to Open Folder feature fails to work. Describe the problem. And check the box asking Microsoft to contact you.

Rupertsland,

Canada

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

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.

Unless it's a corporate computer with a managed volume license, a Windows license will never expire. If you see anything to the contrary on a store bought computer it is likely compromised.