How to Make Each File Explorer Window Run Separately in Windows 11
Running each File Explorer window separately in Windows 11 stops a single crash from freezing your whole desktop. This setting treats every folder window like its own standalone program so you can keep working if one window stops responding.
You can turn on this feature by checking “Launch folder windows in a separate process” inside the File Explorer options menu. Keeping your windows split up helps your PC run smoothly when you have lots of folders open at the same time.
Open File Explorer , click the three dots, select Options, go to the View tab, and check “Launch folder windows in a separate process.” This setting ensures that if one File Explorer window freezes, others will remain unaffected.
Why Use Separate Processes for File Explorer?
- Better Stability: If one window crashes, others keep working.
- Easy to Fix: You can close just the problem window without losing everything.
- Simple to Turn On or Off: You can choose how you want it to work.
How to Turn On Separate Processes Using File Explorer Settings
Built-in Folder Options offer the quickest path to isolate these processes without touching system files. This step stops one frozen window from making all your File Explorer tabs stop working, improving your computer’s stability.- Open File Explorer . You can do this by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing
Windows + Eon your keyboard. - Click the three dots (More) button at the top, then select Options. This opens Folder Options.
- In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
- Look for the option that says “Launch folder windows in a separate process” and put a checkmark in the box next to it.
- Click OK to save your changes.
How to Turn On Separate Processes Using the Windows Registry (Advanced)
Advanced users can accomplish the exact same isolation by editing the Windows Registry directly.For users who prefer a more advanced approach, changing a setting in the Windows Registry also allows each File Explorer window to run separately. This requires navigating to a specific folder path and adding a new value, which instructs Windows on how to handle File Explorer processes.
- Press
Windows + R, typeregedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. - Navigate to this folder path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - Right-click on the Advanced folder in the left panel, choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value
SeparateProcess. - Double-click the new SeparateProcess entry, set the value data to
1to turn the feature on, or0to turn it off. - Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Summary
- Turning on separate processes helps keep File Explorer windows from crashing all at once.
- You can easily enable this in File Explorer ’s Folder Options or by editing the Registry.
- Always back up your system before changing the Registry.
- This setting makes your file browsing more stable and responsive.
- You might need to restart your PC for the setting to work.
Turning on separate processes for File Explorer makes your file browsing more stable and stops all windows from crashing together. You can do this through File Explorer’s settings or by editing the Windows Registry, but always back up your system first.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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