File Explorer jump list opens Desktop folder instead of selected folder

When I select a folder from the Taskbar File Explorer jump list, it opens the Desktop folder instead of the desired folder. It seems like the desired folder is momentarily opened (perhaps ½ second), then immediately closes and then the Desktop folder shows. Of course, I can then select the desired folder from the Desktop folder array, but seems an unnecessary step.

Other Taskbar icons (all are apps) jump lists work normally.

A similar thing happens when I am downloading an image (Save Image As) from a browser; I have selected the destination location folder, but it defaults to the Desktop folder.

The system was new in May, 2023 (OEM); my recollection is that this misbehavior did not start until around September 1st or so.

The behavior survives a restart.

Ran sfc /scannow. Result: Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

Have searched for answers, but will be glad to have help. Thanks.

I want to rephrase and expand on the question I posted above.

When I right click on a folder from the Taskbar File Explorer jump list, it (as normal) gives me a list of Frequent folders I have used. Then, when I right click on one of the frequent folder names, I get the list shown in the image below. The first entry is ‘Open’; the second entry is ‘Open file location’. Left clicking on either of those entries opens the Desktop folder instead of the desired folder.



It seems like the desired folder is momentarily opened (perhaps ½ second), then immediately closes and then the Desktop folder shows. Of course, I can then select the desired folder from the Desktop folder array, but seems an unnecessary step and sometimes two steps.

Other Taskbar icons (all are apps) jump lists work normally.

Similar thing happens in another situation: Enter a file name in desktop search bar. List of possible files, desired file is in a desired folder within another folder. Right click on desired file, then ‘Open file location’. Result is Desktop folder instead of desired folder.

A similar thing happens when I am downloading an image from a browser; I have selected the destination location folder, but it defaults to the Desktop folder.

Similar behavior when right clicking on a Desktop shortcut, 'Open file location' defaults to Desktop folder instead of desired folder.

Basically, the 'Open file location' seems to always default to the Desktop folder rather than the desired location.

Does this additional information help?

Hi,

The foremost reason Jump Lists do not work is that the Disk Drive is absent or changed location. This happens mainly when you unplug a portable drive. It can also happen if you have manually moved a file to a different directory.

If that is not the case, then it is possible that the Jump Lists Cache is corrupted. In which case, follow these steps to rebuild the Cache (warning: rebuilding the cache will delete the existing cache and rebuild a new one.):

1. Use File Explorer, and type into the address bar Shell:Recent\AutomaticDestinations , and press Return.
2. Locate and delete the file labelled 1b4dd67f29cb1962.automaticDestinations-ms

Restart the computer and check that the new Jump Lists Cache is working or not.


Alternatively, open Settings > Personalisation > Start
Then Turn Off and Turn back On Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer.

iko22 said:

Hi,

The foremost reason Jump Lists do not work is that the Disk Drive is absent or changed location. This happens mainly when you unplug a portable drive. It can also happen if you have manually moved a file to a different directory.

If that is not the case, then it is possible that the Jump Lists Cache is corrupted. In which case, follow these steps to rebuild the Cache (warning: rebuilding the cache will delete the existing cache and rebuild a new one.):

1. Use File Explorer, and type into the address bar Shell:Recent\AutomaticDestinations , and press Return.
2. Locate and delete the file labelled 1b4dd67f29cb1962.automaticDestinations-ms

Restart the computer and check that the new Jump Lists Cache is working or not.


Alternatively, open Settings > Personalisation > Start
Then Turn Off and Turn back On Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer.

Click to expand...

Hello and thanks.
1. No changes to portable or any drives.
2. The file labelled 1b4dd67f29cb1962.automaticDestinations-ms is not present in that AutomaticDestinations folder. I have restarted many times and that file does not appear.
3. Turned off/on 'Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer. This did not solve the problem.
---------------------------------------------
I want to reiterate that the problem is not confined to Jump Lists alone. Almost any attempt to 'Open file location' will default to the Desktop folder instead of the desired folder when the desired folder is within another folder besides the Desktop folder.

I now wish I could change the title of this thread, since it is not specifically a jump list problem (that is where I first saw it).

retexan599 said:

I want to reiterate that the problem is not confined to Jump Lists alone. Almost any attempt to 'Open file location' will default to the Desktop folder instead of the desired folder when the desired folder is within another folder besides the Desktop folder.

I now wish I could change the title of this thread, since it is not specifically a jump list problem (that is where I first saw it).

Click to expand...

That's okay. Your re-phrased question is "Open file location" opens to desktop folder instead of target folder .

I am wondering if you have another directory management / file management program running on the computer? That might interfere with how explorer.exe works.

iko22 said:

That's okay. Your re-phrased question is "Open file location" opens to desktop folder instead of target folder .

I am wondering if you have another directory management / file management program running on the computer? That might interfere with how explorer.exe works.

Click to expand...

There is no other directory/file management program on the computer. Virgin Windows 11 in that regard. I might start a different thread with that revised title you suggested. Thanks.