Solved Windows 11 File Explorer Folder Tree

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

In the first attachment named “Docs.jpg” you can see I have circled a “>” next to the folder named Documents. This screenshot is from a Windows 10 computer. In the second attachment named Docs1.jpg I put a circle but there is no “>” inside it. This is a change Microsoft made on purpose and I can’t believe they did that. In any case, I am wondering if there is any hack to get those “>” back in Windows 11’s File Explorer. As you can see, I do have the Classic File Explorer Ribbon but would also like those carrots back where they have always been. Does anyone know of a fix for this?

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

Hello HDL,

The folders in your right screenshot for W11 are just folders pinned to Quick access, and why they do not expand. You can only open them instead. It's the same as the top folders on your left screenshot from W10.

To see the expansion arrows, you'll have to navigate the folders under "This PC" instead.

Another option is to turn on "Show all folders' in the navigation pane below.

Turn On or Off Show all folders in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all folders in the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11. The navigation pane is the far left pane in File Explorer used to find files, folders, and drives on your PC or network. If you like, you can select to...

www.elevenforum.com

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

Brink said:
Hello HDL,

The folders in your right screenshot for W11 are just folders pinned to Quick access, and why they do not expand. You can only open them instead. It's the same as the top folders on your left screenshot from W10.

To see the expansion arrows, you'll have to navigate the folders under "This PC" instead.

Another option is to turn on "Show all folders' in the navigation pane below.

Turn On or Off Show all folders in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all folders in the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11. The navigation pane is the far left pane in File Explorer used to find files, folders, and drives on your PC or network. If you like, you can select to...

www.elevenforum.com

Thank you for the reply. Is there a way after turning on "Show all folders" as instructed here to make that change permanent so that every time I open File Explorer it will be there? Also is it possible for the change to be used permanently using the Classic Ribbon? By-the-way, I already have the have that option checked in the Folder Option windows as far as I know. Please see attachment.

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

"Show all folders" is a universal setting that should be set in all File Explorer windows.

If you're using a 3rd party customization app, it could be causing an issue with the settings though.

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

Brink said:
"Show all folders" is a universal setting that should be set in all File Explorer windows.

If you're using a 3rd party customization app, it could be causing an issue with the settings though.

I don't think I am using any third party software but I am using a bat file to open File Explorer using the Classic Ribbon. It is a bat file I got from another thread here. It works well with the exception of those ">". This is the bat file I use:
@echo off
REM Name of folder to open
set FOLDER=Documents

powershell -nop -ep bypass -c "Start-Process 'Control'; $wshell = New-Object -ComObject wscript.shell; $null = $wshell.AppActivate('Control Panel'); Start-Sleep 0.75; $wshell.SendKeys(""^l$env:FOLDER~""")"

Thank you for your help.

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

As a test, how does it work when you open File Explorer (Win+E) without the BAT?

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

Brink said:
As a test, how does it work when you open File Explorer (Win+E) without the BAT?

it has those ">" but doesn't open to the Documents folder, as I like it to do.

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

This is what you should be seeing with "Show all folders" turned on for the navigation pane of File Explorer without the BAT.

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

If you open the folder with the BAT file, and turn on "Show all folders" and close the window, it should still open with "Show all folders" turned on like below.

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

Here is what I see in the first attachment and the second attachment show that "Show all folders" is checked.

HDL · Jan 17, 2023

Brink said:
If you open the folder with the BAT file, and turn on "Show all folders" and close the window, it should still open with "Show all folders" turned on like below.

View attachment 50205

Yes, I think it just did. Thank you.

Brink · Jan 17, 2023

Great news. You're most welcome. :party:

SimplyJ3sse · Jan 18, 2023

After enabling the show all folders in explorer, is there any way to:
1) Remove the Desktop at the top? Everything in the sidebar is now expanded from that unnecessary Desktop button/link
2) Remove the Libraries, Network, and Control Panel buttons near the bottom? When I right click, there is a delete option on the Network and Control Panel buttons, but it doesn't do anything and I just don't like how cluttered this currently is after the update to add the explorer tabs.

I am experiencing these same 2 gripes on 3 PCs running Win11 22H2 now and I just wanted to ask now that I see someone has raised a forum post somewhere about it.

Brink · Jan 18, 2023

SimplyJ3sse said:
After enabling the show all folders in explorer, is there any way to:
1) Remove the Desktop at the top? Everything in the sidebar is now expanded from that unnecessary Desktop button/link
2) Remove the Libraries, Network, and Control Panel buttons near the bottom? When I right click, there is a delete option on the Network and Control Panel buttons, but it doesn't do anything and I just don't like how cluttered this currently is after the update to add the explorer tabs.

I am experiencing these same 2 gripes on 3 PCs running Win11 22H2 now and I just wanted to ask now that I see someone has raised a forum post somewhere about it.

Hello, and welcome.

I'm afraid not with "Show all folders" turned on.

SimplyJ3sse · Jan 18, 2023

Hello!

Ok, at least I know I'm not the only one in this boat currently. I guess we'll have to see what happens. Hopefully they don't remove the Show All Folders button and can add dragging and dropping explorer tabs soon.

Thank you for the info!

Greengecko19 · Oct 30, 2025

Brink said:
This is what you should be seeing with "Show all folders" turned on for the navigation pane of File Explorer without the BAT.

View attachment 50204

I want to add these words to the thread to make it more searchable, because this is the exact solution I was looking for when helping someone figure out the answer to this problem: "windows 11 file explorer does not show folder tree". This is one of those settings that you only have to adjust once in a decade, so it's impossible to remember. Thanks!

Solved Windows 11 File Explorer Folder Tree

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