Closed a window by mistake? How you get it back depends on what it was. Browser windows and tabs can be reopened with a single shortcut. File Explorer folders and apps can be reopened from recent lists, and minimized or hidden windows aren’t closed at all, just out of sight. This guide covers each case in Windows 10, plus settings that restore your windows automatically after a restart.
Quick Answer
In a web browser (Chrome, Edge or Firefox), press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the last closed tab or window; press it again to reopen earlier ones. For a closed File Explorer folder, press Windows + E and look under Quick access > Recent. For an app, right-click its taskbar icon to see its recent files.
Reopen a Closed Browser Window or Tab
- Keyboard: press Ctrl + Shift + T. If you closed a whole window, the whole window returns with all its tabs.
- Menu: open the browser menu (⋮ or ⋯) > History and pick an item under Recently closed.
- Right-click the tab bar: choose Reopen closed tab (or Reopen closed window).
- History page: press Ctrl + H to find pages from earlier.
Private (Incognito/InPrivate) windows can’t be reopened after closing.
Reopen a Closed File Explorer Window
- Press Windows + E.
- Check Quick access for Frequent folders and Recent files.
- Or right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar to see frequent folders.
To reopen all folders automatically after restarting: in File Explorer, click View > Options > View and check Restore previous folder windows at logon.
Reopen a Closed App or Document
- Taskbar jump list: right-click the app’s taskbar icon (or its Start menu tile) to see recent documents.
- Office apps: open the app and look under Recent on the start screen or File > Open. For unsaved work, use File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents.
- Timeline: on Windows 10, Windows + Tab may show recent activities from earlier Windows 10 versions; Microsoft has since reduced this feature.
Window Not Closed, Just Hidden?
- Alt + Tab shows all open windows; hold Alt and press Tab to pick one.
- Windows + Tab opens Task View with windows on all virtual desktops.
- Check the taskbar for the app’s icon with an underline, and click it.
- Off-screen window: select it in Alt + Tab, press Alt + Space, choose Move, press an arrow key, then move the mouse to bring it back.
- Windows + D toggles the desktop; press it again to bring windows back.
Restore Apps After a Restart
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and turn on Restart apps (Automatically save my restartable apps when I sign out and restart them after I sign in). In browsers, set startup to Continue where you left off in Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a universal “undo close” shortcut for Windows?
No. Ctrl + Shift + T works in browsers; other apps need their own recent lists.
Can I recover an unsaved Notepad window?
The Windows 11 Notepad can restore sessions; classic Notepad on Windows 10 can’t recover unsaved text after closing.
Is it the same on Windows 11?
Mostly. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Browsers: Ctrl + Shift + T.
- File Explorer: Quick access or Restore previous folder windows at logon.
- Apps: taskbar jump lists and recent file lists.
- Hidden windows: Alt + Tab or Windows + Tab.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.