Re-open Microsoft folders automatically on startup

Microsoft BAM 0 Reputation points
2024-04-15T04:40:54.8533333+00:00

Noob question from someone that is using a recent Asus with windows 11, one of my favorite features on Macbook is the option to have all my finders re-open on start up when I start up or restart my computer.

It helps me remember what I've been doing and not have to look through my folders to quickly get where I was befoer.

Is there a way, I can set that up on windows with options or perhaps a third party download?
Also let me know if there is a better place to ask questions like this?

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. S.Sengupta 18,636 Reputation points MVP
    2024-04-17T02:07:30.0233333+00:00

    Windows 11 doesn't have a built-in feature to automatically reopen all windows on startup exactly like a Mac.

    Windows 11 does remember the last-opened folder for File Explorer windows. So, when you open File Explorer and navigate to a specific folder, it will remember that location the next time you open it.

    • Open Task Manager.
    • Click the "Startup" tab.
    • Here, you can see programs that automatically launch on startup. You can add File Explorer instances to this list, but it won't remember specific folder locations.
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  2. Ian Xue 36,336 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-04-17T08:00:25.03+00:00

    Hi Microsoft BAM,

    Thanks for your post. Based on my research, to make sure your open folders reopen when you start a new session, follow the steps:

    1. Open File Explorer and from the ribbon, select the View tab and Options > Change folders and search options.

    Alternately, you can hit the Windows key and type: folder options and hit Enter or choose the best match from the top of the search results.

    1. Whichever way you do it, the File Explorer Options window will open. From there, select the View tab. And under the Advanced Settings section, scroll down and check “Restore previous folder windows at logon” and click Apply.

    Best Regards,

    Ian Xue


    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  3. sharpener 0 Reputation points
    2024-09-17T15:03:38.19+00:00
    1. Explorer > "..." (next to "View") > Options > View > Restore previous folder windows at logon > Apply >Apply to Folders.

    That should do it. However, it still does not work for me. Is this a bug?

    Maybe this could help:

    1. (Windows) Start>Settings>Settings>Accounts>Sign-in options > Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in
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