Windows 10: Expand File Explorer Navigation Pane

Now and then I want to view the full folder tree in Navigation Pane of File Explorer. There are some options to keep the folder tree open, but most of the time they are a pain in the butt. When I do want the tree visible, I have to go to the root disk and open each parent folder independently (generally at least half a dozen). Is there a quick way to ask window to open the tree, only when I want it shown?


I know there is an option to show all folders, but this makes the navigation pane un-navigable and useless

Folder Options / View Tab / Navigation pane/ Show all folders


Another option is better, but becomes a nuisance when used all the time.

Folder Options / View Tab / Navigation pane/ Expand to open folder


The handiest would be a right-click option to "Expand Folder Tree".

:)

 

File Explorer navigation pane sometimes expands to show all folders and sometimes consolidates shows only the selected folder

Both the folders that expand fully and those that partially expand have exactly the same settings, which are as you suggested, so this didn't solve the problem. Any other ideas?

 

Not able to open sub-folders from navigation pane in File explorer.

Hi,



Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. We will assist you in resolving the issue.



Before assisting further, I would like to ask you few questions:

• Under which drive are you not able to view the sub folders?
• Are you not able to expand the options from navigation pane of the File explorer?

This seems to be a temporary issue. Sometimes disabling and enabling some of the options will fix the issue.



Follow the steps below and check if the issue is resolved.

• Open File explorer by pressing Windows key + E keys on the keyboard.
• Click on View tab located at the top of the window.
• Click on Navigation pane and uncheck Navigation pane option.
• Close the window, follow the above steps from a to
  c, only this time check the option Navigation pane and check if the changes are effective.

Write back to us for further assistance, we will be happy to assist.



Thank you.

 

File Explorer navigation pane sometimes expands to show all folders and sometimes consolidates shows only the selected folder

Hi Bruce,

I just want to verify if what you want to establish is to set the navigation pane to display the major folder and expand the consolidated list of sub-folders when you select or click a single folder in the File Explorer main page? If so, please follow the
steps below:

• Launch File Explorer, then click View on the top.
• On the right pane, click Options > Change folder and search options.
• On the Folder options > General tab, make sure the Open each folder in the same window is selected.
• Click Apply.
• On the same Folder options window, click the View tab.
• Under Advanced settings, scroll down to Navigation pane and tick
  Expand to open folder.
• Click Apply, then OK.

Once done, close File Explorer and relaunch it. Let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards.

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