If File Explorer opens a new window after you choose Open in new tab, first confirm exactly where it happens, then try the reversible checks below. Reports of this behavior exist, but the available reports do not establish one confirmed cause or a Windows build affected across the board. The Folder Options suggestion below may help when ordinary folder clicks open new windows; it is not proven to fix the explicit right-click command.
1. Confirm which action opens a new window
Test the behavior with a local folder and, separately, a folder in Home or the navigation pane. Note whether a new window appears after an ordinary left-click, or only after you right-click and choose Open in new tab. These are different behaviors, and the reports available do not establish that all folder locations or Windows 11 builds behave alike.
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A March 26, 2026 Microsoft Q&A post describes selecting Open in new tab but getting a new window. A separate individual report from November 19, 2022 describes a similar result after upgrading to Windows 11. Neither report establishes a widespread defect or its cause: Microsoft Q&A: File Explorer opening Multiple New Windows and Microsoft Q&A: Opening new tabs through the context menu in File Explorer does not work.
2. Check the Folder Options browse setting
A Microsoft Q&A response suggests checking whether folders are set to open in the same window. The response is marked AI-generated and potentially incorrect, so treat this as a reversible test—not a confirmed fix for selecting Open in new tab.
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- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Choose View > Options. The menu labels may vary by Windows version.
- On the General tab, find Browse folders.
- Select Open each folder in the same window, then choose Apply and OK.
Test the original action again. This setting is most relevant if ordinary folder clicks are opening separate windows; the Q&A answer does not demonstrate that it changes the behavior of the explicit tab command. Microsoft Q&A: File Explorer opening Multiple New Windows.
3. Look under Show more options if the command is missing
In Windows 11, right-click the folder and choose Show more options if you cannot see the command in the streamlined menu. Microsoft notes that not every extension appears in that menu and that availability can depend on app support. This explains a missing command; it does not explain why a visible Open in new tab command might open a window instead. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows.
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4. Install available Windows updates and restart
Microsoft’s general File Explorer troubleshooting guidance recommends checking for Windows updates and restarting when File Explorer does not work as expected. This is sensible maintenance, but the guidance does not identify a particular update as a fix for this right-click symptom. Install updates offered for your device, restart Windows, and test the same folder and action again. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows.
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5. Use a documented middle-click alternative where available
Microsoft’s July 28, 2026 preview notes say that middle-clicking a folder opens it in a new tab from the Address Bar and Home page on OS Builds 26200.8973 and 26100.8973. This is a version- and location-specific alternate gesture, not a repair for right-click behavior and not a feature established for every Windows 11 installation. Microsoft Support: July 28, 2026—KB5101684 Preview.
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- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
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What to avoid treating as a proven fix
A community answer on the Microsoft Q&A page suggests deleting the contents of %APPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsRecentAutomaticDestinations and restarting. A later commenter says clearing that folder and several other items did not help. The discussion does not establish that this folder causes the behavior, so deleting its contents is not a dependable first-line fix. Avoid removing data unless you understand what it contains. Microsoft Q&A: File Explorer opening Multiple New Windows.
Keyboard shortcuts if you need to keep working
These shortcuts can help you navigate around the issue, but they do not repair the right-click behavior:
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- Ctrl + N: open a new File Explorer window.
- Ctrl + W: close the active window.
- Ctrl + a number (1–9): move to the corresponding tab.
Microsoft Support: Keyboard shortcuts in Windows.
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