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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 73 views

Windows 11 Removed the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" Feature: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you one of the many Windows users who have upgraded to Windows 11 and noticed that the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" feature is no longer available? You're not alone. This feature, which was a staple in Windows 10, has been removed in Windows 11, leaving many users frustrated and searching for a solution.

What Happened to the "Open Containing Folder" Feature?

The "Open Containing Folder" feature was a convenient way to quickly open the folder where a file or application was located. It was a simple right-click option that allowed users to navigate to the file's location without having to manually search for it. However, with the release of Windows 11, this feature was removed, leaving users to find alternative ways to access the file's location.

Why Was the "Open Containing Folder" Feature Removed?

Microsoft has not officially stated why the "Open Containing Folder" feature was removed from Windows 11. However, it's likely that the feature was removed as part of a broader effort to simplify the Windows interface and reduce clutter. The new Windows 11 interface is designed to be more streamlined and user-friendly, and the removal of the "Open Containing Folder" feature may be part of this effort.

Alternative Ways to Access the File's Location

While the "Open Containing Folder" feature is no longer available, there are still several ways to access the file's location in Windows 11:

File Explorer: You can use File Explorer to navigate to the file's location. Simply right-click on the file and select "Open file location" from the context menu.
Properties: You can also access the file's location by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Properties." From the Properties window, click on the "Location" tab to view the file's location.
Search: You can use the Windows search function to find the file and then navigate to its location.

Why Does the "Open File Location" Feature Sometimes Not Work?

If you're experiencing issues with the "Open File Location" feature not working, there are several possible explanations:

Corrupted System Files: Corrupted system files can cause the "Open File Location" feature to malfunction. You can try running the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files.
Outdated Drivers: Outdated drivers can also cause issues with the "Open File Location" feature. Make sure that your drivers are up-to-date and that you're running the latest version of Windows 11.
Conflicting Software: Conflicting software can also cause issues with the "Open File Location" feature. Try closing any conflicting software and then try using the feature again.

How to Fix the "Open File Location" Feature

If you're experiencing issues with the "Open File Location" feature, there are several steps you can take to try and fix the issue:

Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool: The SFC tool can scan for and repair corrupted system files that may be causing the issue.
Update Your Drivers: Make sure that your drivers are up-to-date and that you're running the latest version of Windows 11.
Close Conflicting Software: Try closing any conflicting software and then try using the feature again.
Reset Windows 11: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting Windows 11 to its default settings.

The removal of the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" feature in Windows 11 has left many users frustrated and searching for a solution. While the feature is no longer available, there are still several ways to access the file's location in Windows 11. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to fix the issue and access the file's location with ease.

Q: Why was the "Open Containing Folder" feature removed from Windows 11? A: Microsoft has not officially stated why the "Open Containing Folder" feature was removed from Windows 11. However, it's likely that the feature was removed as part of a broader effort to simplify the Windows interface and reduce clutter.
Q: How can I access the file's location in Windows 11? A: You can use File Explorer to navigate to the file's location. Simply right-click on the file and select "Open file location" from the context menu.
Q: Why does the "Open File Location" feature sometimes not work? A: There are several possible explanations for why the "Open File Location" feature may not work, including corrupted system files, outdated drivers, and conflicting software.

Windows 11 Upgrade: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows 10 vs Windows 11: What's the Difference?
How to Fix Common Windows 11 Issues

The removal of the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" feature in Windows 11 has left many users frustrated and searching for a solution. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to fix the issue and access the file's location with ease. Whether you're a seasoned Windows user or just upgrading to Windows 11, this guide should provide you with the information you need to navigate the new Windows interface with confidence.
Windows 11 Removed the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" Feature: A Q&A Guide

The removal of the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" feature in Windows 11 has left many users frustrated and searching for a solution. In this Q&A guide, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the feature and provide tips and tricks for accessing the file's location in Windows 11.

Q: Why was the "Open Containing Folder" feature removed from Windows 11?

A: Microsoft has not officially stated why the "Open Containing Folder" feature was removed from Windows 11. However, it's likely that the feature was removed as part of a broader effort to simplify the Windows interface and reduce clutter.

Q: How can I access the file's location in Windows 11?

A: You can use File Explorer to navigate to the file's location. Simply right-click on the file and select "Open file location" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can use the Properties window to view the file's location.

Q: Why does the "Open File Location" feature sometimes not work?

A: There are several possible explanations for why the "Open File Location" feature may not work, including corrupted system files, outdated drivers, and conflicting software.

Q: How can I fix the "Open File Location" feature?

A: To fix the "Open File Location" feature, try the following steps:

Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool: The SFC tool can scan for and repair corrupted system files that may be causing the issue.
Update Your Drivers: Make sure that your drivers are up-to-date and that you're running the latest version of Windows 11.
Close Conflicting Software: Try closing any conflicting software and then try using the feature again.
Reset Windows 11: If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting Windows 11 to its default settings.

Q: Is there a way to restore the "Open Containing Folder" feature in Windows 11?

A: Unfortunately, there is no official way to restore the "Open Containing Folder" feature in Windows 11. However, you can try using third-party software or registry hacks to restore the feature.

Q: What are some alternative ways to access the file's location in Windows 11?

A: There are several alternative ways to access the file's location in Windows 11, including:

File Explorer: You can use File Explorer to navigate to the file's location. Simply right-click on the file and select "Open file location" from the context menu.
Properties: You can also access the file's location by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Properties." From the Properties window, click on the "Location" tab to view the file's location.
Search: You can use the Windows search function to find the file and then navigate to its location.

Q: Can I use a third-party software to restore the "Open Containing Folder" feature in Windows 11?

A: Yes, there are several third-party software options available that can restore the "Open Containing Folder" feature in Windows 11. However, be careful when using third-party software, as it may cause compatibility issues or other problems.

Q: How can I prevent the "Open File Location" feature from not working in the future?

A: To prevent the "Open File Location" feature from not working in the future, make sure to:

Regularly update your drivers: Keep your drivers up-to-date to ensure that they are compatible with Windows 11.
Close conflicting software: Close any software that may be conflicting with the "Open File Location" feature.
Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool: Regularly run the SFC tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files.

The removal of the "Open Containing Folder" or "Open File Location" feature in Windows 11 has left many users frustrated and searching for a solution. However, by following the tips and tricks outlined in this Q&A guide, you should be able to access the file's location with ease. Whether you're a seasoned Windows user or just upgrading to Windows 11, this guide should provide you with the information you need to navigate the new Windows interface with confidence.

Q: Why was the "Open Containing Folder" feature removed from Windows 11? A: Microsoft has not officially stated why the "Open Containing Folder" feature was removed from Windows 11. However, it's likely that the feature was removed as part of a broader effort to simplify the Windows interface and reduce clutter.
Q: How can I access the file's location in Windows 11? A: You can use File Explorer to navigate to the file's location. Simply right-click on the file and select "Open file location" from the context menu.
Q: Why does the "Open File Location" feature sometimes not work? A: There are several possible explanations for why the "Open File Location" feature may not work, including corrupted system files, outdated drivers, and conflicting software.

Windows 11 Upgrade: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows 10 vs Windows 11: What's the Difference?
How to Fix Common Windows 11 Issues