Focus X : Keep keyboard focus on the file list view instead of the sidebar when a folder is opened in File Explorer, with this lightweight tray program
When you select a folder in File Explorer or Windows Explorer via the sidebar, keyboard focus remains on the sidebar, preventing you from browsing its contents with the arrow keys instantly.Focus X is a very small utility that provides you with a solution to this issue. While it is active, keyboard focus is immediately switched to the file list after a folder is selected in the sidebar.
Small enhancement for File Explorer and Windows Explorer
Naturally, this isn’t a problem a lot of users have faced, but it can be quite annoying if you are accustomed to browsing with the arrow keys after selecting a directory from the sidebar.It works with any version of Windows after Win 7, and it requires no configurations. While active, you will be able to cycle through files using your keyboard right after selecting a folder.
Tiny, unobtrusive utility that runs in the system tray
As we’ve already mentioned, you don’t need to fiddle with any settings to get the program to work. All you have to do is run the executable file and let the process run in the background.If you want to close the application at any time, you can just right-click the tray icon. However, there is no option to run the program automatically at system startup, so you will have to add it to the list yourself.
Useful tool that addresses a minor Windows issue
It goes without saying that Focus X isn’t a particularly impressive piece of software, as it was only designed to address a small problem with Windows Explorer and File Explorer. If, however, you find yourself wishing you could instantly browse the contents of a folder using your keyboard after selecting it from the sidebar, this program is exactly what you need.
Windows 10 64 bit / Windows 10 / Windows 8 64 bit / Windows 8 / Windows 7 64 bit / Windows 7
Focus X runs on
Windows 10/11
and is available under the
MIT License
license
— the installer is 26 KB.
We’ve catalogued it under
System.
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