How to restore File Explorer folders and tabs after restart on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you can have File Explorer restore your previous sessions, including folders and tabs, after the computer restarts, and in this guide, I’ll explain the steps to apply this configuration.

If, after restarting your computer, you prefer the system to restore the previous File Explorer session, you can complete this configuration from the “Folder Options.” Also, starting with the March 2025 update, the option to restart File Explorer will reopen your tabs in addition to the windows.

In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to restore the previous File Explorer session after restarting Windows 11.

Restore previous File Explorer session on Windows 11

To restore folders and tabs in File Explorer, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

2. Open the See more (three dots) menu and click on Options.

   

3. Click the View tab.

4. (Option 1) Check the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option to enable the feature.

   

5. (Option 2) Clear the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option to disable the feature.

6. Click the Apply button.

7. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will reopen the previous instances and tabs of File Explorer.

It’s important to note that if you turn on the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” option from the “Sign-in options” page, this will also turn on the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option if it’s not already enabled.

The change in the restartable apps feature is available with the March 2025 update. However, it could take some time to become active on every device.