Open Folders in New Windows on Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to open a folder in its Windows 11 window. By default, when you open a folder in File Explorer, the folder will open in the same File Explorer window.

If you keep traversing File Explorer folders, you will continue to move to the following folder within the same window. Therefore, if you need to access content in the previous folder, you must return to it.

If you need multiple folders open simultaneously, you’ll need to right-click on the folder and select Open in a new window from the context menu.

However, Windows has a feature that allows you to configure File Explorer to open any new folder within its window. So you’ll always have a separate window for folders you open.

This can be handy, especially when working with multiple Windows content.

Below is how to enable it in Windows 11

How to open the folder in a new or same window in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Windows has a feature that allows you to configure File Explorer to open any new folder within its window. You’ll always have a separate window for folders you open.

One can always manually open a new folder in new windows by right-clicking on it and selecting Open in a new window on the context menu, as highlighted below.

If you want this to happen automatically, use the steps below to configure File Explorer to open all new folders in a new window.

First, open File Explorer, click the three dots (ellipses), and select Options.

On the File Explorer Open window, under the General tab, please choose to Open each folder in its window.

Click OK to apply your changes, and you’re done.

The next time you open a new folder in File Explorer, it will open in its window as described above.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Configuring File Explorer to open each folder in its own window provides a convenient way to work with multiple windows simultaneously.
• Users can manually open a new folder in a new window by right-clicking on it and selecting “Open in a new window” from the context menu.
• By following a few simple steps, users can set File Explorer to automatically open each new folder in a separate window, enhancing workflow efficiency and organization.