diff --git a/src/vs/workbench/parts/files/electron-browser/views/explorerViewer.ts b/src/vs/workbench/parts/files/electron-browser/views/explorerViewer.ts
index af257952938..e0204febe1f 100644
--- a/src/vs/workbench/parts/files/electron-browser/views/explorerViewer.ts
+++ b/src/vs/workbench/parts/files/electron-browser/views/explorerViewer.ts
@@ -502,7 +502,7 @@ export class FileController extends WorkbenchTreeController implements IDisposab
 					sideBySide = tree.useAltAsMultipleSelectionModifier ? (event.ctrlKey || event.metaKey) : event.altKey;
 				}
 
-				this.openEditor(stat, { preserveFocus, sideBySide, pinned: isDoubleClick });
+				this.openEditor(stat, { preserveFocus, sideBySide, pinned: isDoubleClick || (event && event.middleButton) });
 			}
 		}