Restoring File Explorer Folders and Tabs After Restart in Windows 11

If you are a Windows 11 user and often work with multiple File Explorer windows and tabs, then you’ll appreciate the functionality that allows you to restore your previous session after a restart. This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to configure your system to open the folders and tabs you had open before, maximizing your workflow efficiency.

Starting with the March 2025 update, Windows 11 also supports the added capability to reopen tabs, further enhancing your experience. Follow the detailed instructions below to set this feature up effectively.

Restoring Your Previous File Explorer Session on Windows 11

To configure File Explorer to restore your previous folders and tabs upon restarting, follow these steps:

Begin by launching File Explorer from your taskbar or by pressing Windows + E.
Navigate to the See more (three dots) menu located at the top right corner and click on Options.
In the new window that appears, select the View tab.
Option 1: To enable the session restoration feature, check the box for “Restore previous folder windows at logon”.
Option 2: To disable the feature, simply uncheck the same box.
After making your selection, click the Apply button to save your changes.
Finally, click the OK button to close the window.

Once these steps are completed, your system will automatically reopen the previous folders and tabs in File Explorer the next time you log in.

Do keep in mind: If you enable the option “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” from the Sign-in options settings, it will also activate the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” feature if it hasn’t been turned on already. This integrated functionality can save you valuable setup time after restarts.

Although the enhanced restartable apps functionality was introduced with the March 2025 update, it may take a little while for these changes to be applied to every device. Patience is key as updates roll out!

Additional Insights

1. What should I do if the restore feature doesn’t work after enabling it?

If the feature does not work as expected after enabling it, ensure that your Windows 11 is fully updated. Check the version and ensure that you have the latest patches installed, especially those related to the March 2025 update which includes the enhancements for restartable apps.

2. Can I customize which folders restore when I log in?

Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not allow for customization of specific folders to restore; it simply reopens whatever was open during the previous session. However, you can manage which tabs you keep open for quicker access after restoring the session.

3. Will enabling this feature slow down my computer’s restart?

Enabling the restoration feature should not significantly slow down your computer’s restart time. Any slight delay is typically outweighed by the convenience of having your work environment reset automatically.

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