File Explorer is one of the most frequently used applications in Windows 11, allowing you to browse files, manage folders, copy data, and organize your storage devices. While Windows 11 introduced tabs in File Explorer to make navigating multiple folders easier, there are still many situations where opening multiple File Explorer windows is more convenient. For example, you may need to compare folders side by side, copy files between different drives, organize documents, or work with multiple locations at the same time.
Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several ways to open multiple File Explorer windows. You can use keyboard shortcuts, the taskbar, the Start menu, context menus, or even Command Prompt and PowerShell. Whether you’re managing personal files or handling large amounts of data, knowing these methods can improve your productivity and make multitasking much easier.
This guide explains the best ways to open multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11.
Why Open Multiple File Explorer Windows?
Although File Explorer tabs reduce the need for multiple windows, separate windows are still useful for many tasks.
Common reasons include:
- Copying files between folders
- Comparing two directories
- Organizing documents
- Managing multiple drives
- Working with network folders
- Dragging and dropping files
- Using multiple monitors
- Improving multitasking
Choose the method that best fits your workflow.
Method 1: Open Another File Explorer Window Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to launch a new File Explorer window is by using a keyboard shortcut.
Steps
- Press Windows + E.
- Press the shortcut again whenever you need another File Explorer window.
Each time you press Windows + E, Windows opens a separate File Explorer window.
This is one of the fastest methods and works regardless of whether File Explorer is already open.
Method 2: Open a New Window from the Taskbar
If File Explorer is pinned to your taskbar, you can easily launch additional windows.
Steps
- Locate the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Right-click the icon.
- Click File Explorer from the jump list.
A new File Explorer window opens immediately.
This method is especially useful if you prefer using the mouse instead of keyboard shortcuts.
Method 3: Middle-Click the File Explorer Icon
A faster taskbar method is to use the middle mouse button.
Steps
- Locate the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Press the mouse wheel (middle-click) on the icon.
Windows instantly opens another File Explorer window.
This shortcut works for many pinned applications, not just File Explorer.
Method 4: Use the Start Menu
The Start menu provides another simple way to open additional File Explorer windows.
Steps
- Click the Start button.
- Type File Explorer.
- Select File Explorer.
Repeat the process whenever you need another window.
Each launch creates a separate File Explorer instance.
Method 5: Open File Explorer from the Run Dialog
The Run dialog can quickly launch File Explorer.
Steps
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
explorer- Press Enter.
Repeat the command whenever you want another File Explorer window.
This method is particularly useful when working primarily with keyboard shortcuts.
Method 6: Open a Folder in a New Window
Windows allows you to open a specific folder in its own File Explorer window.
Steps
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click the folder you want.
- Select Open in new window.
A separate File Explorer window opens directly to that folder.
This feature makes it easy to compare folders without changing the current window.
Method 7: Use the Keyboard Shortcut Inside File Explorer
If you’re already browsing folders, you can open the selected folder in a new window.
Steps
- Open File Explorer.
- Select a folder.
- Press:
Ctrl + Enter
If supported, Windows opens the selected folder in another File Explorer window while leaving the original window unchanged.
Method 8: Launch File Explorer Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt can also open new File Explorer windows.
Steps
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type:
explorer- Press Enter.
To open a specific folder:
explorer "C:\Users"Replace the folder path with the location you want to open.
Each command launches a separate File Explorer window.
Method 9: Open File Explorer Using PowerShell
PowerShell works similarly to Command Prompt.
Steps
- Open Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal.
- Enter:
explorer- Press Enter.
To open a specific folder:
explorer "D:\Projects"A new File Explorer window opens for the specified directory.
Method 10: Use Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal supports launching File Explorer through any supported shell.
Steps
- Open Windows Terminal.
- Enter:
explorer .The period tells Windows to open the current directory in File Explorer.
This is particularly useful for developers working from the command line.
Method 11: Open Multiple Windows Using File Explorer Tabs
Although this method doesn’t create separate windows, File Explorer tabs allow you to manage several folders within a single window.
Steps
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the + button beside the current tab.
- Browse to another folder.
You can continue adding tabs as needed.
If required, drag a tab out of the window (on supported Windows versions) or open the folder in a separate window using one of the earlier methods.
Method 12: Use Multiple Monitors
If you use more than one display, opening multiple File Explorer windows becomes even more useful.
Open separate windows using any method described above.
Drag each window to a different monitor.
This setup is ideal for:
- File transfers
- Folder comparisons
- Content management
- Photo editing
- Video production
- Software development
Multiple windows combined with multiple monitors significantly improve productivity.
Tips for Managing Multiple File Explorer Windows
When working with several File Explorer windows, using Windows Snap can help keep your desktop organized. Press Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow to snap windows to either side of the screen. This makes comparing folders or transferring files much easier.
You can also use Alt + Tab to switch quickly between open File Explorer windows or Windows + Tab to access Task View and manage multiple desktops if your workflow involves many open folders.
If you frequently access the same directories, consider pinning them to Quick Access in File Explorer. This allows you to open commonly used folders faster, regardless of how many File Explorer windows are already open.
Which Method Should You Use?
For most users, pressing Windows + E repeatedly is the fastest and simplest way to open multiple File Explorer windows. If you’re already using the mouse, right-clicking or middle-clicking the File Explorer taskbar icon provides an equally convenient option. Advanced users who work with scripts or the command line may prefer launching File Explorer through Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal, especially when opening specific directories.
Conclusion
Windows 11 offers several easy ways to open multiple File Explorer windows, making it simple to manage files across different folders, drives, and locations. Whether you use keyboard shortcuts, the taskbar, the Start menu, or command-line tools, each method allows you to work more efficiently and organize your files with less effort. While File Explorer tabs are useful for many situations, separate windows remain the better choice for side-by-side comparisons, drag-and-drop operations, and multitasking across multiple monitors.
By choosing the method that best matches your workflow, you can significantly improve productivity and make file management in Windows 11 faster and more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11 allows you to open as many File Explorer windows as your system resources can handle using keyboard shortcuts, the taskbar, Start menu, or command-line tools.
What is the fastest way to open another File Explorer window?
Press Windows + E repeatedly. Each press opens a new File Explorer window.
How do I open a specific folder in a new File Explorer window?
Right-click the folder and select Open in new window, or use the explorer "FolderPath" command in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Are File Explorer tabs the same as separate windows?
No. Tabs let you manage multiple folders within a single File Explorer window, while separate windows allow you to view folders side by side and move them across multiple monitors independently.
