Windows 10: Explorer opens a new window every time I double-click a folder

Hello Tenforums!
First I'd like you to thank you for all the times you've helped a frusterated little guy with his PC-problems - even thought I never registrered, I've been here quite some times.

The problem
Anyways, on to the problem. As the title states; every time I double-click a folder in Windows Explorer, it opens in a new window. I know there have been problems on this in earlier versions of Windows. I'm running Windows 10, but I've yet to found a solution to this problem.

What is weird about this, is the following. The ONLY time a folder opens in a new window, is when the folder is located in the PICTURES folder. On some occurrences, the folder I'm clicking is opening twice.

Another strange thing I noticed, is when I delete something. When I used to delete something, the folder would automatically update and remove the file without me needing to do anything. Now, I have to refresh the folder I'm in to actually be able to see the picture I deleted gone.

Here's what I've tried:

• Making sure the registry key of HKCR\Folder is empty.
• Running the sfc /scannow command in an elevated command prompt
• Checking the Explorer options for opening a folder in the same window or a different one on and off.
• Checking the double-click and single-click options on and off.
• Making sure I do not have this "Vault" program that everyone is talking about... SourceGear Vault?
• Refreshing the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager.

Explaning the .GIF I linked (if you didn't understand it)

• I'm double-clicking a folder within the PICTURES folder.
• Two windows open of the folder I clicked. There are now currently 3 windows open
• I close the two windows, and redirect into the MUSIC folder.
• I double-click a folder in MUSIC and the folder opens in the same window.

:)

 

A new window opens every time I open a folder in a particular library in File Explorer

Thank you so much. Your fix was the only one that worked for me. Keep well!

 

A new window opens every time I open a folder in a particular library in File Explorer

Is there a working link as of now? The webpage isnt available anymore

 

Having the same issue. Just started a few days ago randomly. I can reset the settings till I'm blue in the face.

 

If you right click on the folder, what is the default action shows (will be bold, should be at the top)? Mine is Open.

 

Mine is also open.

Also, what I notice that when I open folder options and click "reset to default"...the first time I open a folder or drive it's fine. Then it immediately goes back to opening everything in a new window.

I've ran SFC twice, first time it found and fixed issues. I've scanned the PC for malware. I've done a couple of other registry tweaks found online...nothing.

 

Another little update...

So it turns out if I open a folder shortcut it's fine...I can browse within it and the folders open in the same window.

When I open a drive from My Computer, the first time I open say H: it'll open in a new window but then all sub folders will open in that same window. Weird. So basically...only when I open a drive letter that initial action will open it's own window, everything else in that drive opens in the same window.

BTW: Sorry to piggy back of your post OP, we're just having very similar experiences and hopefully what helps you (or me) will help me (or you). Sad thing is I have 12 years of desktop support/server admin support and this is something I've never seen before.

 

Another thing that happened is that the snipping tool has mysteriously disappeared from the start menu. I have to go to C:\Windows\System32\ and look for it there every time I want it.

These issues seemed to start with some updates the system did a week or so ago...but trying to figure out which update is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

 

Just add a shortcut to the Snipping tool here:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories

 

Odd, shortcut is already there (and works) but when I go to the start menu and type in 'snipping' nothing comes up.

 

Turns out same thing is happening with the calculator app.

WTF happened to my Windows installation? This behavior is so odd.

 

I have given up and did an in place upgrade using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. I was worried it would break a ton of stuff, but every seems to be fine.

All of my apps in the start menu are back and everything seems fine.

OP, Ireliavent, your best bet is to probably do the same.

 

I noticed that the behavior where folders opened twice appeared after I turned on the Launch folders windows in a separate process option in Folder Options.

Instead, it occurred when I navigated to the desktop in file explorer and double-clicked a folder on the desktop.

I turned it off and it stopped happening ( have to close any open file explorer windows for the change to take effect).

The problem comes back when it is turned on.

Restoring to defaults should fix it for , because that disables the option. It's strange that it comes back.

 

Strangely, this does not happen in a virtual machine with the same version of Windows. Actually, on my real computer, double-clicking the folder on the desktop opens it in a new window, regardless of whether the culprit option is turned on or not. I've reset to default the folder options, and it still opens a new window, whether it's one while the option is turned off or two while it is on. The virtual machine opens the folder on the desktop in the same window, with the same folder options set as my real computer.

 

Here's something else I've noticed. In the two windows that opened erroneously, if try to replicate the glitch there, it navigates to that folder within the same file explorer window. It doesn't open one or two new windows.