How Do I Reopen a Closed Window in Windows 11?

Windows 11 provides several methods to reopen recently closed windows, from quick keyboard shortcuts for browser tabs to using application-specific features and system tools.

Quickest Methods to Reopen Windows

The fastest way to recover a closed window often depends on the type of window you've closed.

Reopening Browser Tabs (Native Shortcut)

If you've accidentally closed a browser tab (in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.), Windows browsers universally offer a convenient keyboard shortcut:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + T.
  • This shortcut will instantly reopen the most recently closed tab in your current browser window.
  • You can press it repeatedly to reopen multiple tabs in the order they were closed.

Reopening Program Windows with a Third-Party Utility

Unlike browser tabs, Windows 11 does not have a built-in, universal "undo close" keyboard shortcut for any program window. However, you can achieve this functionality by using specific third-party utilities.

• Some dedicated utilities are designed to track and reopen the last closed application window.
• These tools often assign a default keyboard shortcut, such as Control + Shift + A, to reopen the most recently closed program window.
• Typically, these utilities also allow you to set a custom keyboard shortcut for this action, letting you personalize your workflow.
• To use such a feature, you would need to install a compatible program that provides this capability.

Other Ways to Reopen Applications and Files

Beyond direct shortcuts, Windows 11 offers several built-in features to help you quickly access recently used items.

Using Taskbar Jump Lists

Many applications on your taskbar maintain a "Jump List" of recently opened files or frequently used options:

1. Right-click on the application icon in your taskbar (e.g., File Explorer, Word, Chrome).
2. A menu will appear, often showing sections like "Recent" or "Pinned" items.
3. Click on the file or document you wish to reopen. This will launch the application and open the specific item.

Through the Start Menu's Recommended Section

The Windows 11 Start Menu is designed to help you quickly pick up where you left off:

1. Click the Start button (or press the Windows key).
2. In the "Recommended" section, you'll find a list of your most recently opened applications and files.
3. Click on the item you want to reopen.

Reopening Specific Documents via File Explorer

If you closed a document or folder window, File Explorer keeps a log of your recent activity:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
2. In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Quick Access.
3. On the right, you'll see sections for "Recent files" and "Frequent folders."
4. Locate and double-click the file or folder you wish to reopen.

Relaunching Applications

If an entire application window was closed, the simplest approach is often to just restart it:

1. Click the application icon in the Start Menu or on your Taskbar.
2. If the application was running in the background or crashed, and a simple relaunch doesn't work, you might consider checking Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to ensure no lingering processes are preventing a fresh launch.

Summary of Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Keyboard Shortcut	Notes
Reopen last closed browser tab	Ctrl + Shift + T	Works in most web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
Reopen last closed program window	Control + Shift + A (or custom)	Requires a third-party utility.

By utilizing these methods, you can efficiently reopen closed windows and resume your work in Windows 11.