How to Prevent Windows 7 Explorer From Expanding Folders on Open

When you open a folder location, all of the parent folders are expanded in Windows Explorer. If the folder you want to view is nested deep in a series of folders, this creates a confusing array of folders in the left pane of Windows Explorer. If all you want to do is view that one folder, expanding all the others is unnecessary. Therefore, you may elect to only view that one folder and prevent the others from expanding.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button, then select "Computer" to open Windows Explorer.

2. Click "Tools" at the top menu, then select "Folder Options." If you cannot see the menu bar, press the "Alt" key.

3. Uncheck "Automatically expend to current folder" on the "General" tab, then click "OK" to prevent parent folders from automatically expanding.