Folder view-common tasks in folder(s)

Hello!!! I hope somebody can help me out with this problem-everytime I open up a folder, the FOLDER TOOLBAR(left side of window) opens with it. I have to click the FOLDER button on the toolbar to close it so I have access to my COMMON TASKS. Is there a way, when I open a folder, that the COMMON TASKS are displayed, and not the folders? Thanks!

Open a Folder> Select Tools> Folder Options> Make whatever changes you want, Select View> Apply to All Folders