Did you accidentally close a File Explorer Window or a Tab? It’s not hidden from anyone how annoying it is to find the path of the folder and then open it again. Since Windows doesn’t offer a history view, it becomes even more difficult. This post will share ways to reopen the recently closed File Explorer window in Windows 11/10.
How To Reopen Recently Closed File Explorer Window
There are broadly two ways of reopening a recently closed window in Windows computers. The first way of reopening a recently closed window in a Windows system is via the Windows Shell command. The second way of reopening a recently closed window in a Windows system is via third-party applications.
- Shell Command
- Third-Party Apps
Now, many third-party applications out there claim to be the best solution for this problem. We’ve picked out two software known for efficiently and quickly reopening recently closed File Explorer windows for you.
1] Using Shell Command To Reopen Recently Closed Window
File Explore offers a Recent section available under Home, but it doesn’t list folders. Instead, you can use the Windows Shell command to find a list of all recently opened files and folders.
- Press Windows key + R to launch the Run command.
- Type the following command in the dialogue box:
shell:recent
- Press the Enter key.
Doing so will open up a list of the programs/applications or windows you’ve recently terminated.
However, the time window for this ‘recent’ isn’t often very favorable. Sorting out the particular window you’re looking for can be time-consuming, given that much more is included than just the recently closed File Explorer window.
Related: How to Bookmarks Folders in File Explorer
2] Reopen Recently Closed File Explorer Window Using Third Party Applications
In this section, we’ll take a brief look at two of the best software we could find across the internet that you can rely on to reopen any recently closed window in your Windows PC quickly.
1. GoneIn60s
This application/software is a blessing for users who accidentally close an open window in their Windows system and grieve over losing their data/progress etc. GoneIn60s is a lightweight application that, when installed and set up, responds to the closing of a program (Alt + F4) and hides it from the desktop instead of closing it, allowing the users to reopen that window from where they left off.
Features:
- GoneIn60s gives you a total of 60 seconds before the software proceeds to terminate the closed hidden window (when the counter reaches zero, GoneIn60s will close the program, and you won’t be able to reopen that same window again).
- You can also increase the time window from 60 seconds to 100 seconds.
- You can close the program via the Alt + F4 shortcut or the X button on the top right corner. GoneIn60s works either way.
2. Chameleon Window Manager
As the name suggests, the Chameleon Window Manager is an application you can rely on for more than just reopening recently closed windows. This application’s main essence lies in customizing all windows’ behavior.
Features:
- You can add functional buttons to window title bars.
- You can reposition and resize windows.
- You can save any window at any of its states.
- You can also opt to terminate unnecessary windows automatically.
Related: Best File Explorer Alternatives
In this article, we went over a few things that we can do to avoid feeling helpless over the loss of an open window due to accidentally closing it. Using third-party applications such as GoneIn60s and Chameleon Window Manager is a great and efficient way of reopening a recently closed File Explorer window.
However, knowing a way that doesn’t require any external tool is also essential, i.e., the Shell command. With that being said, we’ll wrap this article up hoping that it was of help to you and that you’ll not experience frustration over an accidentally closed window anymore.
