Introduction
With the release of Windows 11, many users have upgraded from their older Windows 10 systems. One popular feature of Windows 10 was the ability to quickly jump to the parent directory in File Explorer by clicking in a blank space instead of double-clicking. This feature was made possible by the use of QTTabBar, a third-party tool that added additional functionality to File Explorer.
Jumping to the Parent Directory in Windows 11
Unfortunately, QTTabBar is not officially compatible with Windows 11. However, there are still ways to achieve the same functionality using built-in Windows tools and a few simple steps. In this article, we will cover how to jump to the parent directory in Windows 11 without double-clicking, using only the default File Explorer options.
Using the Address Bar
One way to quickly jump to the parent directory in Windows 11 is to use the address bar at the top of File Explorer. To do this, simply click in the address bar and then press the up arrow key on your keyboard. This will take you to the parent directory of the current folder.
// Using the address bar
Explorer.exe
cd ..
Using the Back Button
Another way to navigate to the parent directory is to use the back button located in the top left corner of File Explorer. This button will take you back to the previous folder you were viewing. By repeatedly clicking the back button, you can navigate up the directory tree to the parent directory.
// Using the back button
Explorer.exe
cd ..
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who prefer using keyboard shortcuts, there are a few options for jumping to the parent directory in Windows 11. The first is to use the Alt + Up Arrow keyboard shortcut. This will take you to the parent directory of the current folder.
// Using Alt + Up Arrow keyboard shortcut
Explorer.exe
Alt + Up Arrow
Another keyboard shortcut is to use the F4 key while the address bar is selected. This will open the address bar dropdown, allowing you to navigate up the directory tree using the up and down arrow keys.
// Using F4 key
Explorer.exe
F4
While QTTabBar may not be officially compatible with Windows 11, there are still several ways to achieve the same functionality using built-in Windows tools. By using the address bar, back button, or keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly jump to the parent directory in Windows 11 without double-clicking.
References
- Microsoft. (2021). Navigate folders and files in File Explorer. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/navigate-folders-and-files-in-file-explorer-77b05775-5a95-a1a8-861b-779c707ca30a
- The Windows Club. (2021). How to Jump to Parent Directory in Windows 10 File Explorer Without Double Clicking. https://www.thewindowsclub.com/jump-to-parent-directory-in-windows-10-file-explorer-without-double-clicking