How to Enable Separate Process for Windows 11 File Explorer

Launch a File Explorer folder with a separate process

Turning on the Windows 11 File Explorer 📁 separate process feature stops a frozen folder from closing all your other open windows. You can easily turn this on by opening the Folder Options menu inside File Explorer 📁, clicking the View tab, and checking the box that says Launch folder windows in a separate process. This keeps your open work safe.

Open File Explorer 📁, click the three dots in the command bar, and select Options.

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

Using Registry Editor (a tool for changing advanced system settings) lets you force a Windows 11 File Explorer 📁 separate process if you prefer not to use the normal menus. Open Registry Editor and go to 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advancedcopy to create or change the SeparateProcess value to one. Make sure you back up your registry first to stay safe.

Backing up your registry or creating a System Restore point prevents potential issues before diving into the Registry Editor.

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.

Applying the changes correctly sometimes requires a full computer restart.

That completes the setup process.

Summary

Running a Windows 11 File Explorer separate process gives you much better stability by stopping one crashing window from taking down your entire desktop. When you run each window by itself, you protect your active work and keep your computer running smoothly even if a single folder stops responding.

What happens when done? Once applied, every folder operates independently. An unresponsive directory no longer brings down the rest of your desktop interface.

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.