Windows 11 opens files into a "Tabs" layout, can I remove this "busybody habit"?

[Mike Goodger]

Windows 11 opens files into a "Tabs" layout, can I remove this "busybody habit"?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

Windows 11 opens files into a "Tabs" layout, can I remove this "busybody habit"? Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike, I get where you're coming from—if you’ve grown accustomed to the classic single-window File Explorer, the new tabbed design in Windows 11 can feel a bit intrusive. Unfortunately, as it stands, Microsoft isn’t offering any official switch, registry tweak, or Group Policy option to disable the tabs in File Explorer. It appears that tabs are part of Microsoft's broader design direction for File Explorer, aiming to provide a more modern and flexible experience (think of it as Windows’ answer to having multiple browser tabs open). If you’re not a fan of the tabs, you might consider one of these workarounds: - Use a third-party file manager. There are some excellent alternatives like https://www.gpsoft.com.au/ or https://www.xyplorer.com/ that mimic a classic file management experience. - Alternatively, you might opt to provide feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub. Microsoft does monitor user feedback and sometimes rolls back or adjusts features based on user sentiment. For now, though, it looks like the tabbed File Explorer is here to stay, and we’ll just have to hope they give us more control over it in future updates. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Cheers, ChatGPT

 

[Mike Goodger]

Hi Mike, I get where you're coming from—if you’ve grown accustomed to the classic single-window File Explorer, the new tabbed design in Windows 11 can feel a bit intrusive. Unfortunately, as it stands, Microsoft isn’t offering any official switch, registry tweak, or Group Policy option to disable the tabs in File Explorer. It appears that tabs are part of Microsoft's broader design direction for File Explorer, aiming to provide a more modern and flexible experience (think of it as Windows’ answer to having multiple browser tabs open). If you’re not a fan of the tabs, you might consider one of these workarounds: - Use a third-party file manager. There are some excellent alternatives like Directory Opus or XYplorer that mimic a classic file management experience. - Alternatively, you might opt to provide feedback through the Windows Feedback Hub. Microsoft does monitor user feedback and sometimes rolls back or adjusts features based on user sentiment. For now, though, it looks like the tabbed File Explorer is here to stay, and we’ll just have to hope they give us more control over it in future updates. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Cheers, ChatGPT

Thanks, I'll grit my teeth and march obediently forward as a pawn in Microsoft's bigger game.

In Windows 11 File Explorer, by pushing random buttons, I have got something satisfactory on to the screen, now I have to be careful not to lose it!

Please see attached screenshot. But can I get it to ALWAYS open it at the "2nd Desktop" where I have added the artistic red marks? That would be File Explorer Heaven.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

Mike, it sounds like you’ve made great strides already, and I can assure you there’s no need to feel like a pawn in Microsoft’s game—let’s make File Explorer work for you!

Getting File Explorer to Always Open at Your “2nd Desktop”​

To achieve your goal of having File Explorer always open to a specific view (your “2nd Desktop”), here’s the general process you can set up:

---

Setting Up Quick Access in File Explorer​

• Create a Shortcut to Your Desired Folder:
• Navigate to the folder you want to open in File Explorer (where your artistic red marks are).
• Right-click on that folder and select Pin to Quick Access.
• This adds the folder to the left-hand sidebar in File Explorer, so you can click it directly anytime.
• Use File Explorer’s “Open” Shortcut:
• You can create a shortcut to open this folder, if desired:
• Right-click your folder ➡ Create Shortcut.
• Place this shortcut on your Desktop for one-click access.
• Set It as Your Default Open Location (Limited Options):
• Unfortunately, there isn’t an option in Windows to specify a unique opening folder for File Explorer by default.
• However, once pinned to Quick Access, you can navigate there quickly without hassle.

---

How to Make Access More Immediate​

• Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
• Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
• Simply click the pinned folder on the left sidebar to jump directly to it.
• Create a Desktop Shortcut to Open Files Explorer:
• You can right-click on the pinned folder under Quick Access in File Explorer.
• Click Create Shortcut, and place it on your desktop. Double-clicking the shortcut immediately takes you there.

---

Remember This​

• Old habits die hard—even if the classic single-window setup can summon feelings of nostalgia.
• Organization Erase Fret: By pinning frequently accessed folders, you streamline navigation—turning the potential chaos into File Explorer Heaven.

---

Final Touch​

Let me know if you see success with that setup! And, of course, if there are more specifics (pixel-perfect descriptions of your artistic red marks?) you’d like help with, I’m here to make sure everything runs smoothly and you’re never left feeling adrift in Microsoft’s waters.
Explore and enjoy your organized experience, Mike!

 

[Mike Goodger]

Mike, it sounds like you’ve made great strides already, and I can assure you there’s no need to feel like a pawn in Microsoft’s game—let’s make File Explorer work for you!

Getting File Explorer to Always Open at Your “2nd Desktop”​

To achieve your goal of having File Explorer always open to a specific view (your “2nd Desktop”), here’s the general process you can set up:

---

Setting Up Quick Access in File Explorer​

• Create a Shortcut to Your Desired Folder:
• Navigate to the folder you want to open in File Explorer (where your artistic red marks are).
• Right-click on that folder and select Pin to Quick Access.
• This adds the folder to the left-hand sidebar in File Explorer, so you can click it directly anytime.
• Use File Explorer’s “Open” Shortcut:
• You can create a shortcut to open this folder, if desired:
• Right-click your folder ➡ Create Shortcut.
• Place this shortcut on your Desktop for one-click access.
• Set It as Your Default Open Location (Limited Options):
• Unfortunately, there isn’t an option in Windows to specify a unique opening folder for File Explorer by default.
• However, once pinned to Quick Access, you can navigate there quickly without hassle.

---

How to Make Access More Immediate​

• Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
• Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
• Simply click the pinned folder on the left sidebar to jump directly to it.
• Create a Desktop Shortcut to Open Files Explorer:
• You can right-click on the pinned folder under Quick Access in File Explorer.
• Click Create Shortcut, and place it on your desktop. Double-clicking the shortcut immediately takes you there.

---

Remember This​

• Old habits die hard—even if the classic single-window setup can summon feelings of nostalgia.
• Organization Erase Fret: By pinning frequently accessed folders, you streamline navigation—turning the potential chaos into File Explorer Heaven.

---

Final Touch​

Let me know if you see success with that setup! And, of course, if there are more specifics (pixel-perfect descriptions of your artistic red marks?) you’d like help with, I’m here to make sure everything runs smoothly and you’re never left feeling adrift in Microsoft’s waters.
Explore and enjoy your organized experience, Mike!

Thanks, some great ideas there, I am looking forward to trying them. The Desktop Shortcut sounds very attractive.
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

You're welcome, Mike! I'm glad the ideas resonate with you and that you're set to refine your Windows 11 File Explorer experience. Using desktop shortcuts and Quick Access can truly transform how you navigate your files, making everything feel much more streamlined and efficient.
If you run into any issues while setting things up, or if any new questions come up, feel free to let me know! I'm here to help ensure your digital workspace is organized exactly how you want it. Cheers to achieving that File Explorer Heaven you’re after!