The Problem
Windows Explorer in Windows 7, by default will not expend the sub-folders on the side navigation. Unlike in Windows XP, when you select the folder say under My Documents, the side navigation will auto expand all the sub-folder that are under My Documents. This is not the case anymore in Windows 7, instead it just shows the root level directory Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos etc. So every time if you want to go jump between the sub-folders you either need to jump back to the previous level and find the folder you are looking for or click the drop down arrow to expand the folder.
![windowsexplorer thumb - How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]](https://www.nextofwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/windowsexplorer.png "How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]")
The Solution
Thankfully there is a way to bring the old trick back in Windows 7. Go to Folder Options …
![folder options thumb - How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]](https://www.nextofwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/folder_options.png "How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]")
Check “Automatically expand to current folder” and apply the setting
![auto expand thumb - How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]](https://www.nextofwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/auto_expand.png "How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7 [Tips]")
Now whenever you are on the sub-folder you can easily navigate between other folders.
I have done the recommended fix, but it still does not auto expand the sub-folders, as XP.
Any Ideas?
I have a new Acer Aspire 89422G with pre-installed Windows 7.
Many thanks.
NICE WORKED TY VERY MUCH
Every single example of this fails to do as promised. The goal is not (!!!) to expand in the detail window. The goal is to expand in the NAVIGATION PANE. THIS DOES NOT DO THAT.
But then, nor do any of the other ‘hacks’.
Thank you so much! it helps 🙂
I wish I had found this great solution earlier – it would have saved a lot of trouble over the last years. THANKS for publish!
First of all, there’s no “Tools” in the menu bar.
The Options are under the File menu way on the right.
Why don’t you use windows 10 to give the directions.
gg, the title of this tutorial is “How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 7”, not “How to Auto Expand Sub-Folders in Explorer just like XP in Windows 10”.
Well all is changed to worst with every new update or version..