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

Hi Kaydee.

Windows update is saying "end of service" likely because you are using an older version of Windows that is no longer supported. That doesn't mean you cannot update Windows (unless your computer is a decade old). It just means you should update Windows. There may be a button that says "Check for updates" under Windows Update in Settings.

See screenshot below for guidance.

On my laptop, I now see that Windows 11 version 24H2 is available. I can download and install it when I'm ready to do so.

Otherwise, what you would (should) normally see on this page are one or more smaller updates listed. Once a month, on the first Tuesday, Microsoft will release its monthly updates for Windows 11 (and Windows 10). It is possible to pause the updates for one more more weeks, if one is not ready to install updates right away.

Be sure to backup / copy your personal files to a cloud service like OneDrive, or copy them to an external drive for safe keeping, as a precaution.

If you are still running into a problem with Windows update and discover you simply can't update, you might consider taking the computer to a local neighbourhood computer repair shop. They can assist you.

Screenshot:

Thanks Kadee for your feedback.

Did you install the Windows 11 24H2 update this month? If you did install the update, does the problem persist?

I haven't done so yet and I'm wondering whether the 24H2 update will fix this issue.

Maybe we have to wait until Windows 12, perhaps?

Rupertsland

I just purchased a new laptop in November 2024.

This same problem exists in Windows 11 version 23H2 build 22631.4460.

I fail to understand why this "Expand to current folder" setting in File Explorer in Windows 11 still doesn't work after more than a year. Clearly, this must be a bug in the software. Has anyone contacted Microsoft about this?

Does anyone know whether Microsoft will be fixing this issue?

Rupertsland,

Canada

Yes, I have shortcuts on my desktop to 3 partitioned workstation drives, and subdirectories under each, as well as 3 external drives. When I click the shortcuts, whether it's the top level or a subdirectory, the left pane expands.

It does not expand when I do a "save as" on files (jpg, pdf, msg, excel, etc.) unless I start clicking on subdirectories. I don't recall if that's they way it worked before because I never paid much attention until we lost the expand for everything in the left pane.

BTW-I'm on Win11, Windows professional 23H2 OS Build 22631.4169 and Office 2021 professional (not 365) version 2409 build 18025.20104.

Could be. It seems to depend on what computer you have!