Fixing the File Explorer Address Bar Dropdown Issue in Windows 11 – IT Solver Support

Learn how to resolve the issue where the File Explorer address bar in Windows 11 unexpectedly drops down the current path when switching between windows or tabs, disrupting your workflow. This guide provides detailed steps and troubleshooting tips for users experiencing this common bug.

Issue Description

In Windows 11, some users encounter a bug where the File Explorer address bar dropdown persists or unexpectedly expands to show the current path when switching between windows or tabs. This behaviour, often reported since the 23H2 update, can interfere with navigation and productivity, especially in multi-tab scenarios.

Symptoms

The address bar dropdown remains open or reopens automatically when switching between File Explorer tabs or windows.
The dropdown blocks access to other File Explorer features, requiring manual closure.
The issue occurs inconsistently, often triggered by tab navigation or context switching.

Affected Systems

This issue primarily affects Windows 11 users, particularly those running version 22H2 or later (e.g., 23H2), including non-Insider builds. It is most noticeable in File Explorer with tabs enabled, a feature introduced in Windows 11 22H2 and later updates.

Resolution Steps

Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Manage the Address Bar: Press Alt + D or Ctrl + L to display the full path in the address bar, bypassing the dropdown issue. This helps you navigate without triggering the bug.

This is a quick workaround and works reliably in Windows 11 to manage navigation effectively.
Check for Windows Updates: Open Settings Windows Update and install any available updates. Microsoft has been addressing File Explorer bugs, including address bar issues, in recent patches (e.g., KB5037853).

Ensure your system is fully updated, as fixes for related issues like drag-and-drop in the address bar might also resolve this problem.
Try a Third-Party Tool (Optional): Download and install ExplorerPatcher from GitHub to revert to a Windows 10-style address bar, which may mitigate the issue.

Use caution with third-party tools, as they can introduce instability. Test thoroughly after installation, and note that this may not fully resolve the dropdown bug.
Report the Issue via Feedback Hub: Open the Feedback Hub app in Windows 11, describe the problem in detail, and submit your feedback to help Microsoft prioritize a fix.

Providing detailed feedback, including screenshots or steps to reproduce, can expedite a resolution from Microsoft.
Use a Manual Workaround for Stuck Dropdowns: If the dropdown stays open, click outside it or press Esc to close it manually.

This is a temporary solution and may need to be repeated frequently, but it can improve usability in the short term.

Additional Information

This issue is a known bug in Windows 11, reported since the 23H2 update, and persists as of March 2025, despite user feedback.
The problem is specific to the breadcrumb-style address bar in Windows 11, contrasting with the full-path address bar in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s focus on other address bar fixes (e.g., drag-and-drop) suggests a broader effort, but a specific fix for the dropdown may still be pending.

Troubleshooting Tips

Avoid rapid tab switching if possible, as it seems to trigger the issue more frequently.
Monitor Microsoft’s release notes for future updates, as a patch addressing this bug may be released in 2025.
If using ExplorerPatcher, check its GitHub issues Windows 11 classic Address Bar in File Explorer has stopped working for known limitations or updates.

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