Opening multiple folders in Windows 11 can be a bit weird at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty handy. Instead of juggling a bunch of tabs or clicking around all over the shop, you can have multiple File Explorer windows open at once. Whether you’re copying files between folders or just comparing stuff, this method makes it heaps easier.
How to Open Multiple Folders in Windows 11
Here’s the gist on how to do it without losing your rag. The idea’s simple — just open new windows for each folder you want to work with. Sometimes on certain setups, it might kick up a bit of a fuss or be a tad slow, but a quick reboot or a click with the mouse sorts it out.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Hit Windows key + E. Or click the folder icon on your taskbar. File Explorer’s your go-to for all your files and folders. If it’s acting up, sometimes it’s good to restart it — right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar and choose Close window, then open it again.
Step 2: Find Your First Folder
Doubles tap on your first folder to open it. This gets the ball rolling. Make sure you’re in the right spot so you don’t get lost later on.
Step 3: Open a New Window
Right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, then pick File Explorer again. Yep, clicking that twice (or more) opens up a fresh window. It’s a bit odd that Windows doesn’t have a default shortcut for “new window,” but this does the trick. Sometimes the new window might be slow to pop up — restarting Explorer or rebooting might fix it. For quicker access, you can make a shortcut that runs explorer.exe in Run or Command Prompt.
Step 4: Head to Your Second Folder
In the new window, navigate to your next folder and double-click. Having a few windows open at once makes dragging files around or comparing stuff much simpler. Perfect if you’re tidying up disks or backing things up.
Step 5: Keep Going if You Need More
Just repeat: right-click that File Explorer icon, open a new window, and jump to your next folder. You can open quite a few, depending on your PC’s specs. It’s also handy to Snap windows side by side so they don’t overlap and get in the way.
After a while, you’ll have a bunch of File Explorer windows open, each with different folders. You can drag and drop files, check details side by side, or just keep everything open. Not bad, but expect some clutter — have a tidy-up session when you’re done.
Tips for Mastering Multiple Folders in Windows 11
- Use Ctrl + N when in File Explorer to whip up a new window fast. No need to right-click or navigate menus.
- Snap Assist (drag a window to the side or press Windows key + Left/Right arrow) is a great way to organise all your open folders neatly.
- Pin your most-used folders to Quick Access — right-click the folder and choose Pin to Quick Access. Quick as a flash to get to the stuff you need.
- Can’t find a folder? Hit the search bar in File Explorer. Easy.
- If you prefer fewer windows cluttering up the place, try third-party tools like “Q-Dir” or “Directory Opus” — they let you have multiple tabs in one window, which is a bit of a cheat, but it keeps things tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open folders in new tabs instead of windows in Windows 11?
Not quite yet. Windows 11’s File Explorer doesn’t natively support tabs, but some third-party apps like XYplorer or Files UWP do that. Handy if you’re managing a heap of folders regularly.
How do I switch quickly between open folder windows?
Easy — Alt + Tab. Keep tapping it until you find the folder you want. Works a treat.
Can I open multiple folders at once from the desktop?
You bet. Hold down Ctrl and click on a few folder icons on the desktop, then hit Enter. Or right-click each one and select Open in new window.
What if my taskbar gets clogged with too many open windows?
Right-click the taskbar, then pick Cascade windows or Show windows stacked. Might keep things a bit tidier, but if you’re juggling heaps, a second monitor might be the go.
Can I save my folder layout for next time?
Not really built-in, but some third-party file managers can save window positions. Windows itself is a bit lazy that way.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to your first folder.
- Right-click the File Explorer icon, select New window.
- Go to your second folder.
- Keep opening new windows as needed — it’s pretty straightforward.
Hopefully, this cuts down a few headaches. Managing various folders like a pro isn’t rocket science once you’ve got a few tips under your belt. Just bear in mind, Windows can be a bit finicky sometimes, but that’s part of the charm. Good luck multitasking, legend!