Are you frustrated with File Explorer opening multiple windows every time you try to access your files? This issue can be annoying and disrupt your workflow. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve it.
Understanding File Explorer
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a brief look at what File Explorer is and how it works. File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, is a file manager application that allows you to access and manage your files, folders, and drives on your Windows computer. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for navigating and interacting with your file system.
How File Explorer Works
When you open File Explorer, it creates a new process that runs in the background, allowing you to interact with your files and folders. By default, File Explorer opens in a single window, displaying the contents of your computer, including your desktop, documents, pictures, and other folders.
Causes of Multiple File Explorer Windows
So, why does File Explorer open multiple windows? There are several reasons that can cause this issue:
1. Corrupted File Explorer Settings
Sometimes, the File Explorer settings can become corrupted, causing it to open multiple windows. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a sudden shutdown, a virus attack, or a software conflict.
2. Malfunctioning Shell Extensions
Shell extensions are third-party programs that integrate with File Explorer to provide additional functionality. However, if these extensions malfunction, they can cause File Explorer to open multiple windows.
3. Conflicting Programs
Some programs, such as cloud storage services or file management software, can conflict with File Explorer and cause it to open multiple windows.
4. Windows Registry Issues
The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for your Windows operating system. If the registry becomes corrupted or contains incorrect entries, it can cause File Explorer to open multiple windows.
5. Virus or Malware Infection
A virus or malware infection can also cause File Explorer to open multiple windows. Malware can modify the File Explorer settings or inject malicious code into the system, leading to this issue.
Solutions to Fix Multiple File Explorer Windows
Now that we have identified the possible causes of the issue, let’s move on to the solutions. Here are some step-by-step methods to fix the problem:
1. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. Restart your computer and see if File Explorer opens normally.
2. Disable Shell Extensions
To disable shell extensions, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “shell:extensions” and press Enter.
- In the Shell Extensions folder, look for any suspicious or unknown extensions.
- Right-click on the extension and select “Disable” or “Uninstall”.
3. Reset File Explorer Settings
To reset File Explorer settings, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Look for the “SeparateProcess” value and set it to 0.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
4. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that scans and replaces corrupted system files. To run the SFC, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.
5. Run a Virus Scan
To run a virus scan, follow these steps:
- Open your antivirus software and select the “Scan” option.
- Choose the type of scan you want to run (e.g., quick scan, full scan).
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts to remove any detected malware.
6. Reinstall File Explorer
If none of the above solutions work, you can try reinstalling File Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type “powershell” and press Enter to open the PowerShell console.
- Type “Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.FileExplorer | Remove-AppxPackage” and press Enter.
- Wait for the uninstallation to complete and restart your computer.
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for “File Explorer”.
- Click the “Install” button to reinstall File Explorer.
Preventing Multiple File Explorer Windows in the Future
To prevent multiple File Explorer windows from opening in the future, follow these best practices:
1. Regularly Update Your Operating System
Keep your Windows operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This will help fix any known issues that may cause multiple File Explorer windows.
2. Use a Reliable Antivirus Software
Install and regularly update a reliable antivirus software to protect your computer from malware and viruses.
3. Avoid Installing Suspicious Software
Be cautious when installing software from unknown sources. Only install software from trusted developers and read user reviews before installing.
4. Regularly Clean Up Your Computer
Regularly clean up your computer by deleting temporary files, system files, and other items you no longer need. This will help prevent clutter and reduce the risk of corrupted files.
Conclusion
In conclusion, multiple File Explorer windows can be a frustrating issue, but it can be resolved with the right solutions. By understanding the causes of the problem and following the step-by-step methods outlined in this article, you can fix the issue and prevent it from happening in the future. Remember to regularly update your operating system, use a reliable antivirus software, avoid installing suspicious software, and regularly clean up your computer to keep your File Explorer running smoothly.
What causes File Explorer to open multiple windows?
File Explorer opening multiple windows can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, incorrect settings, or malware infections. One common reason is that the ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’ option is enabled in the Folder Options settings. This option allows each folder to open in a separate process, which can lead to multiple windows opening simultaneously. Additionally, if the system’s registry is corrupted or if there are conflicting system files, it can also cause File Explorer to behave erratically and open multiple windows.
Another possible cause is a malware infection that manipulates the system’s settings or registry to cause File Explorer to open multiple windows. In some cases, a faulty or outdated driver can also contribute to this issue. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem to apply the correct solution and prevent it from happening again in the future.
How do I disable the ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’ option?
To disable the ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’ option, follow these steps: Open File Explorer, click on the ‘View’ tab, and then click on ‘Options.’ In the Folder Options window, click on the ‘View’ tab and uncheck the box next to ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process.’ Click ‘OK’ to save the changes. Alternatively, you can also press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer, then press the Alt key to display the menu, and click on ‘Tools’ > ‘Folder options’ to access the Folder Options window.
After disabling this option, File Explorer should open in a single window. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to restart your computer or try other troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem. It’s also a good idea to check for any system updates or malware infections that could be contributing to the issue.
How do I reset File Explorer to its default settings?
To reset File Explorer to its default settings, you can try deleting the ‘Bag’ folders in the registry. To do this, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type ‘regedit,’ and press Enter. Navigate to the ‘HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU’ key and delete the ‘Bag’ folders. Then, navigate to the ‘HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags’ key and delete the ‘Bag’ folders.
After deleting the ‘Bag’ folders, restart your computer and check if File Explorer opens normally. If the issue persists, you can try resetting the Windows Explorer settings using the ‘Reset Folder View’ option in the Folder Options window. To do this, open the Folder Options window, click on the ‘View’ tab, and click on the ‘Reset Folders’ button. This will reset all folder views to their default settings.
What is the ‘Reset Folder View’ option, and how do I use it?
The ‘Reset Folder View’ option is a feature in the Folder Options window that allows you to reset all folder views to their default settings. This option can be useful if you’ve customized your folder views and want to revert to the default settings or if you’re experiencing issues with File Explorer opening multiple windows.
To use the ‘Reset Folder View’ option, open the Folder Options window, click on the ‘View’ tab, and click on the ‘Reset Folders’ button. A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you want to reset all folder views to their default settings. Click ‘Yes’ to confirm, and all folder views will be reset to their default settings. Note that this will also reset any customizations you’ve made to your folder views.
Can malware infections cause File Explorer to open multiple windows?
Yes, malware infections can cause File Explorer to open multiple windows. Some types of malware, such as Trojans or viruses, can manipulate the system’s settings or registry to cause File Explorer to behave erratically and open multiple windows. Malware can also infect system files or drivers, leading to issues with File Explorer.
If you suspect that a malware infection is causing File Explorer to open multiple windows, run a full system scan using an anti-virus program to detect and remove any malware. You can also use the Windows Defender Offline tool to scan your system for malware. Additionally, ensure that your operating system and software are up-to-date, as newer versions often include security patches and fixes for known issues.
How do I use the System File Checker tool to fix corrupted system files?
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in utility in Windows that scans and replaces corrupted system files. To use the SFC tool, open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’ Type the command ‘sfc /scannow’ and press Enter. The SFC tool will scan your system for corrupted files and replace them with healthy copies.
After running the SFC tool, restart your computer and check if File Explorer opens normally. If the issue persists, you can try running the SFC tool again or using other troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem. Note that the SFC tool may take some time to complete, depending on the number of files on your system.
What are some additional troubleshooting steps I can take to resolve the issue?
If the above solutions don’t resolve the issue, you can try additional troubleshooting steps, such as checking for system updates, updating drivers, or running a disk cleanup. You can also try disabling any recently installed software or drivers to see if they’re causing the issue.
Additionally, you can try booting your system in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If File Explorer opens normally in Safe Mode, it could indicate that a third-party software or driver is causing the issue. You can also try performing a System Restore to a previous point when File Explorer was working normally. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to seek further assistance from a Windows support specialist or a professional technician.