How to Make Explorer Restore Previously Open Folders in Windows 11 after Restart

Introduction

In Windows 11, the File Explorer does not have a built-in option to restore previously open folders after a system restart. However, there is a way to enable this feature using a registry hack. This article will guide you through the process of enabling this feature and provide some key concepts related to the topic.

Key Concepts

Registry Hack

A registry hack is a modification of the Windows Registry, which is a database that stores low-level settings for the Microsoft Windows operating system and for applications that opt to use the registry. The registry contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences on the computer.

File Explorer

File Explorer is a file manager application that is included with Windows. It provides a graphical user interface for accessing the file system, and it allows users to browse, open, move, and delete files and folders.

Enabling the Facility

To enable the File Explorer to restore previously open folders after a system restart, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. Right-click on the right side of the window and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value RestorePreviousFolderWindowsAtLogon.
6. Double-click on the new value and set the value data to 1.
7. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Code Block

Here is an example of the registry key that needs to be modified:

HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER
   Software
     Microsoft
       Windows
         CurrentVersion
           Explorer
             Advanced

• The File Explorer in Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to restore previously open folders after a system restart.
• A registry hack can be used to enable this feature.
• The registry hack involves modifying the RestorePreviousFolderWindowsAtLogon value in the Advanced key of the Explorer key in the Windows Registry.

References

• Microsoft. (2021). File Explorer. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-explorer-dfdf6664-e886-836a-68ba-3bb840399455
• Microsoft. (2021). Registry Editor. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/registry-editor-3bd838a5-11d2-42c5-8971-271bf3356d3f

Note: The above article is generated by an AI language model, it may not be 100% accurate and it is provided for informational purpose only. It is recommended to consult official documentation and verify the information before making any changes to your system.