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CarolyDixon's avatar
CarolyDixon
Tin Contributor
Jul 02, 2024

Restoring Open Tabs on File Explorer after Restart?

Hi, techcommunity.

Does anyone know of a way to restore/retain all the open tabs in file explorer after a restart? I poked around in preferences a bit but couldn't find anything.  I mean all the tabs in the same file explorer window.

 

configuration

3 Replies

  • DeclanRobinson's avatar
    DeclanRobinson
    Copper Contributor
    Jan 17, 2026

    In File Explorer, click View > Options > General, then tick the box for Reopen File Explorer windows from previous locations.

    • cocody's avatar
      cocody
      Copper Contributor
      Feb 26, 2026

      Hi Declan. I have been trying myself for many many many months to restore the function of reopening ALL OPEN TABS and GROUPS on Explorer after a compulsory or automatic browser update but even with your description above this doesnt match any command available to me on Windows 11 - I have read so many different versions of people suggesting a method but none of them EVER work or just target THE ONE last CLOSED tab  (not the full bunch of them) - Thing is, the system used to re-open them ALL automatically after an update but stopped doing it without reason (Google Chrome does it no problem) - The steps you suggest lead to documents files and not browser files (File Explorer, click view > Options...) it doesnt even reach Options as not offered after View - I dont get it and it is gravely affecting my productivity every time this **bleep** Explorer updates that i live in fear of the next one or keep re-scheduling any update indefinitely by fear or losing my opened tabs.  I dont know why this info is so impossible to get right whilst many other pple have the same issue  (very vwell described above by CarolyDixon ) - please help thanks 

      • RichWingerter's avatar
        RichWingerter
        Copper Contributor
        Jul 13, 2026

        By "Explorer" I take it you mean File Explorer.

        If you open it in Windows 11, you should see a ribbon of icons starting with a plus sign in a circle and continuing to the right where you find an ellipsis icon (three dots). You should be able to click on the ellipsis and then click on the Options menu item in the drop down.

        In the Folder Options panel, there should be three tabs. Pick the middle one, View.

        This should have a couple buttons (Apply to Folders...) followed by an area labeled "Advanced settings".

        This Advanced settings area has check boxes. Scroll down to find "Restore previous folders at logon". It needs to be highlighted for File Explorer windows to reload after start up.

        I don't know that this will restore tabs or anything other than File Explorer WINDOWS.

        My problem is that even with this checked off, I still don't get the windows restored after rebooting or restarting. I just think this feature is faulty.

        But make sure this checkbox is checked to have any hope of it working.