4. Update Windows 11
The fourth way to solve a folder that cannot be opened when double-clicked in Windows 11 is to update your Windows 11 operating system. Update is the process of downloading and installing the latest updates from Microsoft that can improve the performance, security, and stability of Windows 11.
By updating Windows 11, you can fix various bugs or glitches that might cause folders to not open when double-clicked.
To update Windows 11, you can follow these steps:
- Click the (Windows + I) keys on the keyboard.
- Select “Windows Update”.
- Click “Check for updates” on the right panel.
- Wait until Windows 11 searches and displays available updates.
- Click “Download and install” if there are any updates available.
- Wait for the download and install process to complete.
- Click “Restart now” if prompted.
After your computer restarts, try opening the folder that you couldn’t open before. If this works, the folder will open as usual. If not, proceed to the next way.
5. Clean Cache and Junk Files
The fifth way to solve folders not opening when double-clicked in Windows 11 is to clear the cache and junk files that accumulate on your computer. A cache is temporary data stored by applications or operating systems to speed up the loading or access process. Junk files are useless or unused files that take up storage space on your computer.
Cache and junk files that accumulate can cause your computer to become slow, slow, or error. To clean the cache and junk files, you can use the built-in Windows 11 application called “Disk Cleanup”. To use this app, you can follow these steps:
- Click the “Start” button and type “disk cleanup” in the search box.
- Select “Disk Cleanup” from the search results.
- Select the drive you want to clean, for example, C:
- Click OK
- Wait for the app to display a list of caches and junk files that can be cleaned.
- Check all the boxes you want to clean, e.g. Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, etc.
- Click the “Clean” button.
6] Using Registry Editor
The next step is through the Registry Editor. Changes to the registry can have a serious impact on your system. Make sure you follow the steps carefully or consult an IT professional.
- Open the “Run” by pressing the keys (Win + R).
- Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell”.
- Right-click on “shell”, select “New” and create a new Key with the name “open”.
- Right-click on “open”, select “New” and create a new Key with the name “command”.
- On the right side, double-click on “Default” and enter “%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe %1”.
7] System Update and Restore
If this issue occurs after a system update, try to restore the system to a restore point before the update is performed. Open the “Control Panel”, find “Recovery” and select “Open System Restore”. Follow the instructions to restore the system.
Conclusion
So, if you are facing the double-click issue of not opening folders in Windows, there are some steps you can try. Starting from checking for viruses or malware, making changes in the Registry Editor, to using the system restore feature. Make sure you perform each step carefully to restore the normal functioning of your folders and increase your productivity in using Windows. If you find it difficult or doubtful, it is always wise to seek help from an experienced IT expert.