How to Restore File Explorer Windows at Logon

Why Use This Feature?

Skipping manual folder cleanup saves valuable time upon sign-in by putting every window right back in place.

What Happens When You Enable It?

Windows remembers open File Explorer 📁 windows and tabs when this setting is active. They automatically reopen the next time you log in.

Method 1Use File Explorer Settings

You can restore previous folder windows automatically when you sign in by changing a setting inside File Explorer 📁. Open any folder, click the View tab in Folder Options, and check the box that says ‘Restore previous folder windows at logon’. This makes Windows reopen all the folders you had open before you shut down your PC.

1. Open File Explorer 📁 Folder Options.
2. Click on the View tab at the top.
3. Look for the box next to “Restore previous folder windows at logon”.
4. Check the box to turn the feature on. Uncheck it to turn it off.

5. Click OK to save your changes.

Method 2Use Windows Registry Editor

You can restore previous folder windows using the Windows Registry Editor if the settings ⚙️ menu does not work. This method requires admin access and involves changing a specific system value in 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorercopy. Make sure you back up your registry before you start, because a mistake can cause system instability.

⚠️ ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED: Administrator access is mandatory for editing the registry.

Before making any changes, back up your registry or create a System Restore point to remain secure.

1. Open the Windows Registry (search for "regedit" in Windows).
2. Navigate to this folder path:
   
   
   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Right-click on Advanced and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new entry PersistBrowsers.
5. Double-click PersistBrowsers and set the value to 1 to turn on the feature. Use 0 to turn it off.

System reboots may be necessary for changes to take effect.

Summary

Restoring previous folder windows when you log on to Windows is easy using either the built-in Folder Options menu or the Windows Registry Editor. Use the Folder Options method for a quick fix, or turn to the registry if you need to enforce the setting across your system. Both approaches ensure your open folders pop right back up after a reboot.

• Easy method: Use the File Explorer Folder Options menu to enable or disable the feature in just a few clicks.
• Advanced method: Edit the Windows Registry to control this setting. Remember to back up your registry first.
• Always create a System Restore point before making registry changes for extra safety.
• Your computer may need to restart for changes to work properly.
• This feature helps you work faster by remembering where you left off.