21H2 Not Opening Tab in Same Window File Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you experiencing issues with the File Explorer in Windows 21H2, where it’s not opening tabs in the same window? This can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re trying to manage multiple files or folders at once. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through various aspects of this problem, including potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and solutions. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Issue
The problem of File Explorer not opening tabs in the same window in Windows 21H2 can occur due to several reasons. It might be a setting issue, a corrupted file, or even a problem with the operating system itself. Before we proceed with the solutions, it’s essential to understand the problem better.
Common Causes
Here are some of the common causes behind the File Explorer not opening tabs in the same window issue:
| Causes | Description |
|---|---|
| Corrupted System Files | Corrupted system files can lead to various issues, including the one you’re experiencing. |
| Outdated or Corrupted Drivers | Outdated or corrupted drivers can interfere with the File Explorer’s functionality. |
| Incorrect File Explorer Settings | Incorrect settings in File Explorer can cause it to not open tabs in the same window. |
| Malware or Viruses | Malware or viruses can corrupt system files and cause various issues, including the one you’re experiencing. |
Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into the solutions, let’s try some troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause of the problem:
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 21H2 is up to date. Sometimes, updating to the latest version can resolve various issues.
- Run the System File Checker: The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and fixes corrupted system files. To run it, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Check for Malware: Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus software to ensure that your system is not infected with malware or viruses.
- Reset File Explorer: Sometimes, resetting File Explorer to its default settings can resolve the issue. To do this, open File Explorer, click on the “File” menu, and then select “Options.” In the “General” tab, click on “Reset Folder Options” and then “Reset.” Restart File Explorer.
Solutions
After trying the troubleshooting steps, if the issue persists, here are some solutions you can try:
- Disable Group Policy: Group Policy can sometimes interfere with File Explorer’s functionality. To disable it, open the Group Policy Editor by typing “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog box (Windows Key + R) and pressing Enter. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer, and then double-click on “Disable Tabbed Document Interface.” Set it to “Disabled” and restart your computer.
- Reinstall File Explorer: If the issue is caused by a corrupted File Explorer, you can try reinstalling it. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will scan for corrupted files and repair them if found. If the problem persists, you can try reinstalling File Explorer by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
- Update or Rollback Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause issues with File Explorer. Update your drivers to the latest version or roll them back to a previous version if the latest one is causing problems.
- Use a Different File Explorer: If none of the above solutions work, you can try using a different File Explorer, such as XYplorer or File Explorer++.
Conclusion
The File Explorer not opening tabs in the
