How to Create Folders in Windows 11

1Create a Folder Using the Right-Click Menu

Right-clicking remains the most common way to make a new folder, whether you are on your Desktop, inside another directory, or browsing a secondary drive. Right-click an empty spot, hover over ‘New,’ and then click ‘Folder’ to create a new folder ready for you to name.

1. Go to the spot where you want the folder — your Desktop, inside another folder, or on a drive.
2. Right-click on 🖱️ an empty space (not on a file or icon).
3. From the menu, hover over New.
4. Click Folder.
5. You will see a new folder pop up, ready for you to name it. Just type the name you want and press Enter.

The process: right-click, choose New, then Folder.

2Create a Folder Using File Explorer’s Command Bar

File Explorer 📁 features a built-in command bar for building directories. Open File Explorer, navigate to the target destination, click the ‘New’ button, and then select ‘Folder’ from the dropdown list.

1. Open File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar or pressing Win + E on your keyboard.
2. Go to the place where you want the new folder.
3. Click the New button near the top.
4. Select Folder from the dropdown.
5. Type a name for your folder and press Enter.

Click "New" then "Folder" in File Explorer.

3Create a Folder Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts speed up repetitive tasks across the operating system. Open the target location, press Ctrl + Shift + N simultaneously, type a title, and hit Enter.

1. Open the location where you want the new folder (like Desktop or inside File Explorer).
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + N at the same time.
3. A new folder will appear. Just type the name and press Enter.

Hitting Ctrl + Shift + N on your keyboard instantly generates a fresh directory, leaving the title highlighted so you can type a name right away.

4Create a Folder Using Windows Terminal (Command Prompt)

Launch Command Prompt, use the cd (change directory) command to navigate to the target destination, and run mkdir followed by your chosen folder name.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt by typing cmd in the search box and clicking the app.
2. Type cd Documents (or another folder path) and press Enter. This moves you to the folder where you want the new folder.
3. Type mkdir NewFolder and press Enter. Replace NewFolder with your folder name.
4. The folder will be created in that location.

cd Documents
mkdir NewFolder

5Create a Folder Using Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell (a command-line shell designed for system administration) offers another terminal-based method. Open Windows PowerShell, use the 'cd' (change directory) command to navigate to where you want the folder, and then type 'New-Item -Type Directory -Name "FolderName"', replacing 'FolderName' with your chosen name.

1. Open Windows PowerShell by searching in the Start menu.
2. Use cd to go to the folder where you want your new folder.
3. Type this command and press Enter:

New-Item -Type Directory -Name "FolderName"

Type your desired folder name where it says FolderName.

Quick Tips

• Give your folders clear names so you know what's inside.
• Keep your desktop and files organized for easier access.
• Try different ways and pick what feels easiest for you!

Summary

• Folders help keep your files neat and easy to find.
• You can create folders by right-clicking, using File Explorer, keyboard shortcuts, or commands.
• Using descriptive folder names makes your computer more organized.
• Knowing how to make folders is a helpful skill for everyone who uses a Windows PC.

Directories help keep files neat and accessible in Windows 11. Users can create them through right-click menus, File Explorer, keyboard shortcuts, or command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell to maintain an organized computer.