How to Open Multiple File Explorer Windows in Windows 11 Efficiently

By / September 20, 2025

File Explorer is the heart of navigation in Windows 11. Whether you’re organizing photos, moving files between drives, or comparing folders, sometimes a single window just isn’t enough. The good news? You can open multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11 efficiently using several built-in tricks and productivity hacks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to manage multiple File Explorer windows — so you can multitask like a pro.

đź“ť Quick Summary: Open Multiple File Explorer Windows

  • Keyboard Shortcut → Press Ctrl + N inside File Explorer to open a new window.

  • Taskbar Trick → Right-click File Explorer → Select File Explorer again.

  • File Explorer Ribbon → Use the New Window option.

  • Drag & Snap Layouts → Place two (or more) windows side by side for easier comparison.

  • Use Tabs + Windows → Combine Explorer tabs with multiple windows for maximum efficiency.

Why Open Multiple File Explorer Windows?

You might wonder, why not just stick to one window? Here’s why multiple windows are a game-changer:

  • Drag-and-drop file transfers between two folders.

  • Compare directories side by side without losing your place.

  • Multitask efficiently while working with different drives or projects.

  • Speed up workflow by skipping back-and-forth navigation.

Think of it like having two open notebooks on your desk instead of flipping through one.

Method 1: Open a New File Explorer Window with a Keyboard Shortcut

Windows 11 has a handy shortcut to duplicate your File Explorer window.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Press Ctrl + N.

  3. A new File Explorer window opens instantly.

👉 Quick, easy, and efficient — especially for power users.

Method 2: Use the Taskbar to Open Another File Explorer

The taskbar lets you spawn multiple Explorer windows in seconds.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.

  2. Click File Explorer from the context menu.

  3. A new instance launches.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Hold Shift + Left Click on the taskbar icon to open a new window faster.

Method 3: Open New Window from File Explorer Menu

Windows 11’s Explorer ribbon includes an option to open another window.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click the three-dot menu (See more) in the top toolbar.

  3. Select Open new window.

Perfect if you already have File Explorer open and want another one side by side.

Method 4: Use Windows + E Multiple Times

Every time you press Win + E, Windows 11 opens a new File Explorer window.

Steps:

  • Hit Win + E once → Opens first window.

  • Hit Win + E again → Opens another one.

Repeat as needed. This is one of the fastest methods for opening multiple instances.

Method 5: Duplicate a Window with Middle-Click

If you use a mouse with a middle button (scroll wheel), you can open a new window instantly.

Steps:

  1. Hover over the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.

  2. Middle-click (scroll wheel button).

  3. A new window opens.

Simple and efficient for mouse users.

Method 6: Open Specific Folders in New Windows

You can open folders in separate windows directly, without duplicating the main Explorer.

Steps:

  1. Right-click any folder.

  2. Select Open in new window.

  3. The folder opens in a separate Explorer window.

👉 Great for quickly comparing two different directories.

Method 7: Use Tabs + Windows for Maximum Efficiency

Windows 11 introduced File Explorer tabs, allowing you to keep multiple folders in one window. But here’s the trick: you can combine tabs + windows for peak productivity.

Example workflow:

  • Keep related folders in one Explorer window (using tabs).

  • Open another Explorer window for a different project.

  • Snap both windows side by side for multitasking.

Method 8: Snap Layouts for Side-by-Side Windows

Opening multiple windows is only half the battle — arranging them efficiently is key.

Steps:

  1. Open two File Explorer windows.

  2. Hover over the maximize button (top-right corner).

  3. Choose a Snap Layout (e.g., split screen).

Now you can drag files seamlessly between two windows.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Press Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow to instantly snap windows.

Method 9: Pin Explorer Windows for Easy Access

If you frequently open the same folders, you can pin them for quick multi-window access.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer → Navigate to your folder.

  2. Right-click → Select Pin to Quick Access.

  3. Open multiple pinned folders in new windows whenever needed.

Method 10: Open Multiple File Explorers with Command Line

For advanced users, Command Prompt or PowerShell can launch multiple File Explorers at once.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R → Type cmd → Enter.

  2. In the console, type:

    start explorer
    start explorer

  3. Each line spawns a new Explorer window.

You can even create a batch file to automate opening multiple folders at startup.

Comparison Table: Best Ways to Open Multiple Explorer Windows

Method Speed Best For Shortcut Needed?
Ctrl + N Fast Quick duplication Yes
Win + E Fast Instant new window Yes
Taskbar Right-Click Medium Mouse users No
Folder Right-Click Medium Comparing different directories No
Snap Layouts Fast Side-by-side multitasking No
Tabs + Windows Flexible Power users handling multiple projects Optional

Tips for Managing Multiple File Explorer Windows

  • Use Alt + Tab to switch quickly between windows.

  • Group windows by snapping them into layouts.

  • Pin favorite folders to Quick Access for one-click opening.

  • Use Explorer tabs to reduce clutter when too many windows are open.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Open Multiple Explorer Windows?

  • Restart File Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Find “Windows Explorer” → Right-click → Restart.

  • Check System Policies: In rare cases, admin restrictions may block multiple Explorer instances.

  • Update Windows 11: Ensure you’re running the latest version, as Explorer bugs are often patched.

Conclusion

Opening multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11 is not just possible — it’s easy and highly efficient. From simple keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + N and Win + E, to advanced tricks like Command Line scripts and Snap Layouts, you now have a toolbox full of options to supercharge your multitasking.

✅ For speed → Use Win + E repeatedly.
✅ For folder comparison → Use Right-click > Open in New Window.
✅ For maximum productivity → Combine tabs + multiple windows + Snap Layouts.

Now your workflow is smoother, faster, and more organized.

FAQs

1. How many File Explorer windows can I open in Windows 11?
There’s no strict limit. You can open as many as your system’s memory allows.

2. What’s the fastest shortcut to open a new File Explorer window?
Pressing Ctrl + N inside an existing Explorer window is the quickest.

3. Can I open File Explorer windows on different monitors?
Yes. Drag a window to another monitor and open more windows as needed.

4. Does Windows 11 support tabs and multiple windows together?
Absolutely. You can have multiple tabs in one window, plus multiple Explorer windows side by side.

5. Can I set File Explorer to always open in multiple windows at startup?
Yes. You can create a batch file with start explorer commands and add it to the Startup folder.

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