How do I make windows explorer display the file path instead of words such as "Documents" or "Desktop"

If you ever click something on the sidebar in windows explorer:

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the top thing says the name of what whatever you clicked:

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However if you actually navigate to the place by clicking through the files starting at "This PC" it displays the path:

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How do I force the top bar to always show the direct path instead of just the word?

Jon

Posted 2013-11-24T06:24:50.787

Reputation: 8 089

Answers

At the moment, that doesn't seem possible to display the full folder path where you would like it. However, there is a option to display the full path in the title bar, task bar, and frankly, everywhere else except where you want it.

If you are interested: Open 'Folder Options' > Navigate to 'View' > Look under 'Files and Folders' and check the 'Display the full path in the title bar' option.

In my opinion, it's pointless. It should at least display the full path where the path is displayed. Anyway, wish I could've been of more help.

Also, I found this question.

Additionally, a solution has been linked here

Currently testing it, pretty cool, but not 100%. It is, however an executable. So it's required to run while you want the feature enabled. It doesn't require elevated rights. And it's available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, testing the 64-bit version.

Here's the link.

Jed Burke

Posted 2013-11-24T06:24:50.787

Reputation: 196

I hope whatever marketing airhead or UX designer who thought this was a good idea loses their job and never gets another one. – Amalgovinus – 2016-08-05T18:17:49.060

1I know of that however I want it in the bar thingy... Thanks for the idea though. – Jon – 2013-11-27T17:41:32.860

@chipperyman573 Answer updated. – Jed Burke – 2013-11-27T18:36:56.433

Thanks! I'll look into it later tonight and report back. – Jon – 2013-11-27T20:56:05.503

That software doesn't work on windows 8 just a heads up. – Jon – 2013-11-28T01:27:42.147

@chipperyman573 That's unfortunate, it must've been disabled in an update. I tested it on a system running Windows 8 Pro x64 without any installed updates. – Jed Burke – 2013-11-28T11:43:02.350

...It must've been disabled in one of the updates or something. I'll keep a heads-up for something that works. Do you need it for 32 or 64-bit? Also, would you be okay with a full Explorer replacement? Lastly, thanks for compacting my post, it's appreciated. – Jed Burke – 2013-11-28T11:51:30.787

I need 64 bit, and I like windows explorer. However it's clear you tried and this will probably work for XP/7 users so I'll keep it marked as correct. – Jon – 2013-11-28T16:54:46.567

@chipperyman573 It's nice that it might work for them, but the linked post is perhaps better suited. There's no reason to accept my answer if it didn't help answer your question. – Jed Burke – 2013-11-28T17:35:06.460

actually the full path registry setting works on everything except the "desktop" and other library type places that are not really real (created via registry shell magic). Control Panel, Recycle Bin, Desktop, etc etc are affected, but normal folders seem to display full path title just fine. At least on my 2012-R2 VM – Knuckle-Dragger – 2013-12-14T15:19:17.480

You can add a link to a "network location" pointing to Desktop, Documents, Downloads, or whatever you want.

For example:

In Windows Explorer, navigate to \\Your-Actual-PC-Name\c$\Users\your-user-name\Desktop.

Windows 7: Scroll the navigation pane all the way back up to the top. There should be a "Favorites" folder at the very top:

Right click on "Favorites" and select "Add current location to Favorites". You can then modify the name and icon of the shortcut in the Properties menu.

Windows 10: Right click on "Quick Access" and select "Pin current folder to Quick access"

This does have the downside of the breadcrumbs showing

► Network ► Your-Actual-PC-Name ► c$ ► Users ► your-user-name ► Desktop

but it does allow for navigating up the tree.

You can also replace your PC name with localhost, 127.0.0.1, or create an entry in your hosts file to call it whatever you want.

Sterling M

Posted 2013-11-24T06:24:50.787

Reputation: 21

I'm using Windows 7, and I don't see a "Favorites" button or link in Windows Explorer. Please clarify your answer. – G-Man Says 'Reinstate Monica' – 2015-07-13T17:57:25.803

http://i.stack.imgur.com/SmuH5.png

Windows 7 has the Favorites menu shown by default in the navigation pane. Did you remove it?

– Sterling M – 2015-07-13T20:52:17.813

I edited your answer to make it clear enough that dummies like me can understand it. – G-Man Says 'Reinstate Monica' – 2015-07-14T00:17:17.940