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Show all folders in navigation panel

Anonymous
2024-01-13T17:55:27+00:00

Why do i have to "show all folders" in the navigation panel to get my drop down arrows to see sub folder. The screen looks better without all folders showing. Is it possible to expand folders without showing all folders? I have no drop down arrows when not showing all folders.

I am using windows 11 home on new dell laptop.

Luckie

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-07-16T10:56:22+00:00

    Microsoft is absolutely out of touch with reality to introduce this in 11 and disrupting how we all work. I've had automatic folder expansion for my active folder set since Win 95. My Win 10 had it set. Win 11 came along and screwed everything up. Horrible, horrible UX choices.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-13T13:45:14+00:00

    I have the same issue and this is helpful to a point. But there is no “Show all folders” option. It would be helpful if you'd highlighted it in some way.

    I don't have "always show menus", running Win 11. If this is the option, how do I restore?

    Thank you.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-16T09:24:20+00:00

    Hi, Joyce A.Taylor

    Welcome to the MicroSoft Community. 

    You should be able to see the dropdown arrows to expand the folders in the navigation panel without having to “Show all folders”. If you’re not seeing this, it could be a settings issue or a bug.

Here are steps to check your folder options:
    • Open any folder, then click on the three dots (…) at the top to open the menu.
    • Click on “Options” to open the Folder Options dialog.
    • In the Folder Options dialog, click on the “View” tab.
    • In the Advanced settings list, make sure that “Show all folders” is unchecked. This should hide system folders like Control Panel from the navigation pane but still allow you to expand regular folders.
    • Also in the Advanced settings list, make sure “Automatically expand to current folder” is checked. 
       [![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/470962a5-dd30-4ca9-bcf2-50b6b9988f49?platform=QnA
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