How to Restore File Explorer Windows at Logon

Why Use This Feature?

This feature saves you time. You won’t have to reopen all your folders after logging in. Everything will be exactly where you left it.

What Happens When You Enable It?

When you enable this setting, Windows will remember your open File Explorer windows and tabs. They’ll automatically reopen the next time you log in.

Method 1Use 📁 File Explorer Settings

You can restore previous folder windows at logon by changing a setting in 📁 File Explorer itself. Open File Explorer, go to the View tab in Folder Options, and check the box that says ‘Restore previous folder windows at logon’ to turn it on. This setting makes sure your folders automatically reappear when you sign back into Windows.

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

For those comfortable with more technical steps, you can restore previous folder windows at logon by using the Windows Registry Editor, a tool for making advanced system changes. This method requires administrator privileges. Before you begin, it’s important to back up your registry to prevent potential issues. You’ll need to open the Registry Editor and change a specific setting to determine whether your previous folders reopen when you log in.

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.

You may need to 🔄 restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Summary

Restoring previous folder windows when you sign in is a useful feature, and there are two main ways to manage it. The easiest method involves using 📁 File Explorer’s Folder Options menu for a quick change to enable or disable the feature. For more advanced control, you can edit the Windows Registry, but remember to back it up first to keep your system safe.

• 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.