OneDrive File Issues

How to Fix OneDrive Not Staying Expanded in File Explorer

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop the OneDrive folder from repeatedly collapsing every time the Windows File Explorer is closed and reopened.

How to Fix OneDrive Not Staying Expanded in File Explorer

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Navigating OneDrive directories and folders within Windows File Explorer.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive folder expands when clicked but automatically collapses again whenever the File Explorer window is reopened, even after resetting, unlinking, or reinstalling the OneDrive app.

Before you start

Verify your current Windows version in Settings > System > About, and check if other local folders exhibit this same collapsing behavior in File Explorer to isolate the issue.

Solution 1Recommended

Test with a New Local Administrator Account

Creating a new local admin account helps determine if the collapsing issue is caused by a corrupted Windows user profile configuration.

Sometimes, File Explorer glitches are inherently tied to a specific user profile. By testing OneDrive on a fresh local account, you can quickly isolate whether the root cause is system-wide or profile-specific.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to 'Accounts' and select 'Family & other users'.

Add a New User

Click 'Add someone else to this PC'. Choose 'I don't have this person's sign-in information', and then select 'Add a user without a Microsoft account'.

Set as Administrator

Create the username and password. Once created, click on the new account, select 'Change account type', set it to 'Administrator', and click OK.

Test OneDrive

Log out of your current account, log into the new administrator account, open File Explorer, and check if the OneDrive folder stays expanded.

Test with a New Local Administrator Account

Profile Migration: If the issue does not occur on the new account, your original user profile may be corrupted, and you might need to migrate your files to the new profile.

Solution 2

Perform a Windows Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs to identify interference from background software.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my OneDrive folder keep collapsing in File Explorer?

This behavior is typically caused by a glitch in your Windows user profile, outdated Windows system files, or interference from third-party background software disrupting File Explorer's memory of folder states.

Will reinstalling the OneDrive application fix folder expansion issues?

Not always. While resetting or reinstalling OneDrive fixes syncing errors, File Explorer UI glitches (like folders not staying expanded) often persist if the root cause lies within Windows profile corruption or background service conflicts.

How do I check my current Windows version for troubleshooting?

You can quickly verify your Windows version by pressing the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigating to System > About. Scroll down to the 'Windows specifications' section to find your OS build and version.

Document & File Issues