File Explorer wont expand to folder

GDay All,

I have a modified File Explorer shortcut on the taskbar that points to my downloads folder and this worked perfectly until a recent Windows update.

Now, when I open File Explorer it will display the contents of my downloads folder (right pane), but the folder tree (left pane), does not expand to the H:\Downloads folder and I must navigate to it manually.

I have checked and followed the tutorial here: Turn On or Off Expand Folder in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

But that does not help at all. Modifying the registry entries manually or via .bat file does nothing.

If I open File Explorer and right click on a blank space under Network, then deselect and re-select expand to folder, it will expand to the H:\Downloads folder, but you must do this every time you open File Explorer, which is a PITA.

I have run SFC /scannow, but that did not correct the issue.

Anyone have any ideas why this is happening and what I can do to correct it?

Any help would be appreciated.