How to Open each Folder in the Same or Own Separate New Window in Windows 7
Information
This will show you how to have each folder or drive temporarily or always open in the same or its own separate new Windows Explorer window in Windows 7.
Note
If you are stuck with a new window when you open a folder even after setting it to open in the same window, then:
1) Open an elevated command prompt.
2) Copy and paste the commands below one at a time in the command prompt, and press Enter after each command.
regsvr32 "%SystemRoot%\System32\actxprxy.dll"
regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer\ieproxy.dll"
3) Restart computer to apply.
1) Open an elevated command prompt.
2) Copy and paste the commands below one at a time in the command prompt, and press Enter after each command.
regsvr32 "%SystemRoot%\System32\actxprxy.dll"
regsvr32 "%ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer\ieproxy.dll"
3) Restart computer to apply.
OPTION ONE
Temporarily Open Folder in the Same or Separate Window
1. Open a Windows Explorer window, and do step 2 or 3 below.
2. To Open the Folder in the Same Window
A) Right click on a folder or drive, and click on Open. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: By default, you can also just double click on the folder to open it in the same window if the setting in step 2 of OPTION TWO below is still set.
2. To Open the Folder in its Own Separate New Window
A) Select a folder or drive, and press the CTRL + N keys.
OR
B) Right click on a folder or drive, and click on Open in new window. (See screenshot above)
OPTION TWO
Through Folder Options
1. Open Folder Options.
2. To Always Open each Folder in the Same Window
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Select (dot) Open each folder in the same window, and click on OK. (See screenshot above)
3. To Always Open each Folder in it's Own Separate New Window
NOTE: This also sets Open in the folder or drive context menu to behave the same as the Open in new window context menu item.
A) Dot Open each folder in its own window, and click on OK.(See screenshot below step 1)
OPTION THREE
Manually Through Registry Editor
1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press enter.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if admininstrator) or type in administrator's password (if standard user).
3. In Registry Editor, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
4. In the right pane of CabinetState, right click on Settings and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)
5. To Always Open each Folder in the Same Window
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Using your right arrow key, move the cursor over to the right of the 5th "Value data" (2A), press the Backspace key, type in 0A (number 0), and click on OK. (see screenshots below)
B) Go to step 7.
6. To Always Open each Folder in it's Own Separate New Window
NOTE: This also sets Open in the folder or drive context menu to behave the same as the Open in new window context menu item.
A) Using your right arrow key, move the cursor over to the right of the 5th "Value data" (0A), press the Backspace key, type in 2A, and click on OK. (see screenshots below)
7. Close regedit.
That's it,
Shawn
Last edited:
