How to close a group of explorer windows simultaneously?

If for example, when you open a folder in my document, and then navigate further into the directory structure, it will open several windows. Later this becomes quite tedious to close every window individually.

Here is a simple technique to close all opened windows simultaneously with a click. For that, activate the last opened folder window in the directory structure.

Then keep the [Shift] key pressed and click the closing icon (with a cross in the title bar of this window). This will closes all the opened windows of the higher level folders simultaneously.

Note: This technique is needed, only if you enabled the option “Open each folder in its own window” from Tools menu – Folder option (XP), Organize – Folder and Search options (Windows 7) under the General tab. (via)