The problem in which opening files and folders by double-clicking does not work is extremely widespread among Windows users. Even though incorrect mouse settings are the primary cause, there are a number of other factors that could prevent files and folders from opening. If you want to know how to Fix ‘Double-click not opening files or folders’ issue in Windows 11/10. Some examples of these factors include enabled controlled folder access and problems with Windows updates.
Before attempting to troubleshoot any issues on your computer, it is best practice to perform a restart. In most cases, the issues that could have been caused by bugs and glitches can be fixed by restarting the computer. As a result, it is strongly suggested that you restart your computer.
Why ‘Double-click not opening files or folders’ issue
- File or folder association is corrupted: The association between the file or folder type and the program that opens it may have become corrupted.
- File or folder is corrupted: The file or folder itself may be corrupted.
- File or folder is write-protected: The file or folder may be write-protected, preventing you from opening it.
- File or folder is located on a network drive that is not available: If the file or folder is located on a network drive, the drive may be unavailable or you may not have permission to access the file or folder.
- User profile is corrupted: Your user profile may have become corrupted.
- System files are corrupted: Some of the system files that are responsible for opening files and folders may have become corrupted.
- There is a conflict with a third-party program: A third-party program that you have installed may be conflicting with the Windows system files that are responsible for opening files and folders.
- There is a hardware problem: There may be a problem with your mouse or other hardware device. Visit Windows official website for more details.
Fix: ‘Double-click not opening files or folders’ issue in Windows 11/10
Check Mouse Drivers
- Pick up the Start button and press “Device Manager.”
- Make the section called “Mice and other pointing devices” bigger.
- Get your mouse and right–click it. Then choose “Update driver.”
Uninstall and reinstall the Mouse and Touchpad drivers
- Go to the Device Manager.
- Select the option ” Mice and other pointing devices“.
- Right-click on the Uninstall device.
- A pop-up will appear on your screen, then click on “Ok“
- After uninstalling the driver, restart your computer.
Adjust the Double-Click Mouse Speed
- First, use the Windows key + S hotkey to open the tool for finding files.
- Press the “mouse settings” key.
- To get to the Settings window, click Mouse settings.
- Next, go to Settings and click on “Additional mouse options.”
- To slow it down, move the slider on the Double-click speed bar to the left.
- To change the speed of the double–click, choose Apply and click OK.
Edit the Shell Registry Key
- Press the Windows logo keyboard key + R to start Run.
- Input a regedit (Registry Editor) Run command inside the Open box and select OK.
- Bring up the shell key by inputting this path inside the registry address box:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell - Double-click (Default) inside the shell key
- If the Value data box is empty, or set differently, input none there as in the snapshot directly below.
- Click OK to save the new (Default) string value.
Check Folder Options
- Start up “File Explorer.”
- Pick up “View” from the list of options.
- Click on “Options” in the upper right corner.
- Go to the “General” tab in the Folder Options window.
- “Double-click to open an item” should be chosen under “Click items as follows.”
- Remember to click “OK” after “Apply” to save your changes.
FAQs
The error message “cannot access shared folder Windows 11” can be caused by a number of things. There could be a problem with the way the network is set up, the way the drives are set up, or the spelling of the folder names listed above. And sometimes, the user account that created the folder doesn’t have the right permissions.
Press “Enter” after typing the command sfc/scannow into the Command Prompt window. If the SFC checks the protected file and finds that it has been damaged or changed, it will fix it and add the correct copy. If the file cache is found to be changed or broken, the SFC can even try to fix it.
There is only one way to open Folder Options from File Explorer in Windows 11. When the app is open, click or tap the three dots (…), which is also known as the “See more” button. Go to the menu that comes up and select Options. It shows the Folder Options window right away.
