How to Enable Separate Process for Windows 11 File Explorer

This article explains how to enable or disable the File Explorer feature that launches folder windows in a separate process in Windows 11.

Windows File Explorer is a file manager application that comes with the Microsoft Windows operating system. A graphical user interface lets you view, copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders and organize them hierarchically.

In Windows, each process gets a unique ID called the process ID (PID). This helps identify the process. It is useful for debugging purposes.

By default, all File Explorer windows, including the desktop shell, run within a single explorer.exe process. If one of these File Explorer windows stops responding or crashes, it will cause all other File Explorer windows running in the same process to hang or crash. The process will need to restart.

To keep all File Explorer windows from running under the same process ID, you can enable a feature. This feature launches folder windows in separate processes in Windows 11.

Launch a File Explorer folder with a separate process

As mentioned, users can enable a feature in File Explorer. This launches each window with a separate process. One window can’t bring down other processes running unique windows.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the File Explorer Folder Options.
2. Click on the View tab.
3. Check the box next to “Launch folder windows in a separate process” to enable it. To disable it, uncheck the box.

4. Click OK to save your changes and exit.

Launch File Explorer window in a separate process using Windows Registry Editor

Another way to enable or disable launching File Explorer windows in a separate process is to use the Windows Registry Editor.

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes. Or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

1. Open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.
   

   Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

   
   
2. Right-click Advanced > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD SeparateProcess.
3. ⚠️ ADMIN PRIVILEGES REQUIRED — Double-click SeparateProcess and change the value to 1 to enable launching windows in a separate process in File Explorer.
4. Enter 0 to disable the feature.

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Summary

Why enable separate processes? Launching folder windows in separate processes prevents one unresponsive window from crashing all your other File Explorer windows.

What happens when done? Each File Explorer window runs on its own. If one window stops responding, the others keep working normally.

Key points to remember:

• Process Isolation: Launching folder windows in separate processes prevents one unresponsive window from crashing others.
• Easy Configuration: You can easily change this setting through the File Explorer Folder Options or the Windows Registry Editor.
• Backup Precaution: Always back up your registry or create a System Restore point before making changes to the registry.
• Enhanced Stability: This feature can improve stability and responsiveness when navigating files and folders.
• Reboot Required: Changes may require a reboot, ensuring the settings are applied correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions