Windows – Stop Windows 7 Explorer from automatically expanding folders

shellwindows 7windows-explorer

Windows 7 Explorer can be opened in any folder from the command line. But, it automatically expands (on the left nav panel) the Favorites, Desktop, and [Username] folders. This makes it hard to see what's what in the nav panel.

How can I tell Windows 7 Explorer to collapse those folders by default, until I open them? I only want the selected folder expanded.

Best Answer

There is a way to do this, at least for the user's home directory:

  • open explorer
  • right click on the username (the user's expanded home-directory)
  • do not choose any item of the context menu, but left click on the little arrow to collapse this directory
  • exit explorer
  • open explorer and enjoy ;)
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