Windows Explorer is one of the classic Windows utilities that has been with us since 1995. Thanks to it we keep classified all the files and folders that we keep on our computer. In addition, it allows us to order our material using many variables (name, type, size …) and find it easily thanks to its search engine. Having everything tidy is a habit that will save us time and make us more productive and effective, whether at work or enjoying leisure at home.
Sometimes, and perhaps for work reasons, we use the computer routinely. We start Windows Explorer and almost always open and close the same folders. This action can take a long time and, above all, cause errors because we have not paid enough attention.
The trick that we bring you today is designed just to help us in those tedious situations that make us waste time. With a simple script , we are going to program the computer so that, in a single click, it will open all the folders that we have indicated. If you want to go a little further, we will also show you how to get Windows to run it when you start your computer to have them available from the first second.
Even if you are a Windows 10 user, this trick will work for previous versions since it is possible to use it from the Windows 7 version.
@echo off open your folders immediately
To develop the script that will speed up your work pace, you only need Windows Explorer and Notepad. It’s very simple, let’s go there.
The first thing you have to do is open Notepad and write the words @echo off . Then you will create a new line for each folder you want to open. Now we are going to see what you have to write in each one of them.
Open Windows Explorer and locate the folders you want to include in the file. In this case, we have selected three. You can use as many as you want, but don’t forget that opening many windows can lead to unnecessary consumption of resources.
It is very likely that your folder classification system is much more extensive than this example that we propose. That may be a problem because if you forget part of the path the file will not work. To avoid the error, look at the floating menu that appears if you right-click on the Windows Explorer bar. If you select “copy address as text” you will not be wrong and the script will be perfect.
Now, just go to Notepad and paste the path from the clipboard . You will have to repeat this action for each of the folders you want to open with the script. Don’t forget to press enter at the end of each line or it will give you an error in at least two folders.
When you have finished the entire copy and paste process, you have to save the file. You can use the name you want but you must meet two requirements: use the .bat extension and choose ” All files ” from the “Type” menu. If you don’t, the script will not run because it will have been saved as a text file.
Keep in mind that you can generate as many scripts as you want since you don’t have to run them all at once. This would be especially useful if you need some folders to be opened for work purposes while others that you use for leisure or study remain closed.
You can easily check if you have done well. You just have to open the folder where you saved the file and check that the icon is like the one that appears in the image. This indicates that it is an executable file and not a text file like the one that Notepad also generates.
Once verified, click on the file and you will see how all the folders you have entered in your script open .
Automate the process more, open your script when starting Windows
The folders you have included in your file can have different uses and / or you may need them on infrequent occasions. For work routines in which you need your folders open from the first moment, we bring you this advanced trick that will allow you to have them when starting your PC. It is simple but you have to do it well because it will modify the way you start your computer.
For starters, let’s go back to the folder where you saved your script. Remember that you can make as many files of this type as you need, but this time, we recommend using only one. Find the .bat file you want to use.
The next step is to locate your Windows startup folder. The easiest way to find it is to use the “Run” utility. To do this, open it using the command start + R. Once opened, you have to choose who or who will have the folders available after starting the computer. If you want the file to run only when you boot your PC, type the Shell line : startup . If, on the other hand, you want all users to enjoy the benefits of this script, write the Shell line : common startup .
Once executed, a Windows Explorer window will appear. Save the script in that folder, you can drag it or use the clipboard using the copy and paste commands, whichever you prefer. You can also duplicate it and thus create a backup copy. Once you have saved it in the folder, you can close that window. Without you having to do anything else, the script will run and all folders will open, on your next PC startup.
You can change both the startup script and its content as many times as you like. You only have to take into account two possible errors: do not save it with the .bat extension and alter the location of the folders without modifying the script afterwards. If you make the first mistake, the file will not run. And if you commit the second, you will miss a mistake, the process will slow down and you will not be able to access those folders automatically.