By default, when you double-click on a folder in File Explorer, Windows 10/11 opens the folder in the same window by replacing the current contents of the window.
While comparing files in two folders or while working on multiple projects, you might want to open a folder in a new window instead of opening it in the current window.
For this, Windows 10 and 11 allow you to open a folder in a new window instead of opening in the same window. Windows 11 users can also use this method to open a folder in a new window instead of opening a folder as a new tab.
There are multiple ways to open a folder in a new window. Following are the four easy ways to open a folder in a new window in Windows 10/11.
Method 1 of 4
Open a folder in a new window using the context menu in Windows 10/11
Step 1: In the File Explorer, right-click on the folder you want to open in a new window and click the Open in new window option. Simple as that!
Method 2 of 4
Open a folder in a new window using the keyboard shortcut in Windows 10/11
Step 1: Use the arrow keys to select the folder you want to open a new window and use the Ctrl + Enter keyboard shortcut to open the selected folder in a new window.
Method 3 of 4
Keyboard shortcut to open a folder in a new window in Windows 10/11
Step 1: To open a folder in a new window, hold down the Ctrl key and then double-click on the folder.
Method 4 of 4
Always open folders in their own windows in Windows 10/11
If you prefer opening all folders in separate windows, you can configure File Explorer to do the same. Here is how.
Step 1: Open the Folder Options dialog.
Step 2: Under the General tab, select Open each folder in its own window option.
Step 3: Finally, click on the Apply button.
Tip: Use Alt + Enter hotkey to view file/folder properties.
