Question about folders (please help)

I really did not know how to put this in a search field so I decided to make a post... its something I have been wondering for a very long time.

Is there a way to make it so that when I open a folder, the folder before it does not stay open?

So say when I click the HD and go to applications, the HD and applications do not both stay open but the applications replaces the HD window. I hate having to click out of so many windows when I go into an application to change something.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Okay so the box was already unchecked.

I tried checking it and undoing it again but nothing changed. I dont know what to do now.

Edit: I figured it out. It was because I had clicked the elongated circle in the top right of the window.