Windows – How to Disable Auto Focus of Opened Applications

Don't use Explorer.

Whether that means using a 3rd party file manager, a copy handler, or the command line is up to you.

A copy handler is a shell extension that intercepts any attempts to copy/move files and implements the operations itself. Normally these copy handlers are made to implement features that Explorer doesn't have, like queuing up multiple operations, different overwriting semantics or synchronization, speed throttling, etc. Some tools you can look at include FastCopy, TeraCopy, SuperCopier, and the imaginatively named Copy Handler.

Personally, I use FastCopy because it maintains the semantics of Explorer's copying the best. For example, the last time I tried TeraCopy to update a file with multiple hardlinks, it didn't do the same thing Explorer did.

I too found the same problem with a new W7 laptop, but have a solution.

The answer it to make sure you have your Control Panel window set to VIEW BY: CATEGORY

As much as you may hate this setting, it's worth the pain to avoid the Windows bug. In fact, with this setting not only does the 'focus lost after first keystroke' problem go away, but you will also find the search box is given initial focus when you first open the control panel window. Very important for keyboard addicts!