How to Make Each File Explorer Window Run Separately in Windows 11
Running each File Explorer window separately in Windows 11 treats every folder window like its own standalone program so a single crash does not freeze your whole desktop. This built-in setting isolates your tasks to keep your PC running smoothly when you have multiple folders open at the same time.
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 lets you keep working on other tasks if one window stops responding.
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
You can use File Explorer settings to launch each folder window in its own process, which stops one frozen window from crashing the rest. To do this, open File Explorer, click the three-dot menu at the top, open Options, go to the View tab, and check the box that says Launch folder windows in a separate process.- 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.You can use the Windows Registry to force a File Explorer separate process if you prefer editing system values over using the folder options menu. This method requires opening Registry Editor, going to 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
- 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.
Running each File Explorer separate process stops one frozen folder window from taking down your entire desktop. You can turn on this feature quickly using the built-in folder options or by making a quick change in the Windows Registry, giving you a much more stable computer.
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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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