Finder opening new window or new tab every time

I am reposting: Finder opening new window or new tab ever… - Apple Community

I am reposting this comment from olivierfrommarseille from 2021 as I am having this problem, extremely frustrated, and this was never resolved as far as I can find.

Using Big Sur 11.6.8

I really don't understand - there are only 2 choices in Big Sur, when i'm not in full screen:

Apple menu > System Preferences > General. Click the “Prefer tabs when opening documents” pop-up menu, then choose an option:

• never: Open folders in a new window, not a tab.
• in full screen: Open folders in a tab only when you’re working in full screen.
• always: Open folders in a new tab."

The desired process is to click a folder and see contents in the SAME window, not a new window OR a new tab. I have a bajillion windows or tabs opening everytime I want to find something in several subfolders!! Please help!!