Windows 7 - Open each Folder in the Same or Own Separate New Window

   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. By default, all folders open in the same window when opened in Windows 7.

   Warning

You will need to have the Navigation Pane turned on in Windows Explorer to be able to do this tutorial. By default, the Navigation Pane is turned on in Windows 7.

1. Open a Windows Explorer window.

2. Right click on a folder or drive in the navigation pane or main Windows Explorer window that you want to open.

3. To Open the Folder in the Same Window

A) 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.

4. To Open the Folder in its Own Separate New Window

A) Click on Open in new window. (See screenshot above)

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)

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.