How to Open Multiple Folders in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 is designed to help you work faster, stay organized, and multitask more efficiently. One of the most common productivity needs users face is the ability to open multiple folders at once — whether for file management, comparing contents, or simply moving files around.

If you’re wondering how to open multiple folders in Windows 11, this comprehensive step-by-step guide covers everything — from using File Explorer and keyboard shortcuts to Command Prompt, PowerShell, and batch files.

Let’s explore all the best ways to manage multiple folders like a pro!

Why Open Multiple Folders in Windows 11?

Opening multiple folders is more than just convenience — it’s about productivity. When working on projects, managing files, or organizing downloads, you often need to view several directories at once.

✅ Benefits include:

• Easily drag and drop files between folders

• Compare contents of two or more directories

• Keep project folders open side by side

• Speed up workflow and reduce window switching

• Better file organization for multitasking

Whether you’re a student, professional, or developer — mastering this skill saves time and effort.

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🧰 2. Methods Overview

There are several ways to open multiple folders in Windows 11, including:

Let’s go step-by-step through each method.

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📂 3. How to Open Multiple Folders Using File Explorer

This is the most common and user-friendly method.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the first folder you want to open.

3. To open another folder:

   • Right-click the folder and select Open in new window.

   • OR press Ctrl + N to open a new File Explorer window.

4. Repeat this process for as many folders as you need.

💡 Tip: Drag folders side by side using Snap Layouts to view them simultaneously.

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🗂️ 4. How to Open Multiple Folders Using Tabs in File Explorer

Windows 11 introduced File Explorer tabs (similar to a web browser), allowing you to open several folders in one window.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to a folder.

3. Press Ctrl + T to open a new tab.

4. In the new tab, navigate to another folder.

5. Repeat as needed — each tab can display a different folder.

✅ Shortcuts you should know:

• Ctrl + T → Open new tab

• Ctrl + W → Close current tab

• Ctrl + Tab → Switch to next tab

• Ctrl + Shift + Tab → Switch to previous tab

This keeps your workspace clean and organized — without cluttering your desktop with multiple windows.

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⌨️ 5. How to Open Multiple Folders via Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts make multitasking much faster.

Useful shortcuts:

💡 Combine these shortcuts to open and arrange multiple folders instantly.

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🖥️ 6. How to Open Multiple Folders from the Taskbar

If you frequently access the same folders, pinning File Explorer to the taskbar helps you open multiple folders in seconds.

Steps:

1. Right-click File Explorer in the taskbar.

2. Right-click File Explorer again → select File Explorer.

3. This opens a new window.

4. Repeat the step to open as many folders as you need.

💡 You can also pin specific folders (like Documents or Downloads) for one-click access.

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⚡ 7. How to Open Multiple Folders Using the Run Command

You can directly open folders via the Run dialog.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.

2. Type the full path of the folder, e.g.:

   C:\Users\YourName\Documents


3. Press Enter → The folder opens.

4. Repeat with another path to open multiple folders.

💡 Pro Tip: Separate multiple folder paths with && in Command Prompt for simultaneous opening.

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💻 8. How to Open Multiple Folders Using Command Prompt

If you like command-line tools, this method is fast and flexible.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.

2. Type:

   start "" "C:\Users\YourName\Documents"
start "" "D:\Projects"
start "" "E:\Downloads"


3. Press Enter.

Each command opens a new folder window simultaneously.
✅ You can list as many folders as you like.

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⚙️ 9. How to Open Multiple Folders Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers similar functionality but is more powerful for scripting.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. Enter:

   Start-Process explorer "C:\Users\YourName\Documents"
Start-Process explorer "D:\Work"
Start-Process explorer "E:\Images"


3. Press Enter.

Each folder will open in a new File Explorer window instantly.

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🔁 10. How to Open Multiple Folders at Startup Automatically

Want your work folders to open every time you start Windows 11?
You can automate this using the Startup folder.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type:

   shell:startup


2. Press Enter — this opens the Startup folder.

3. Right-click inside → New → Shortcut.

4. In the location box, type:

   explorer "C:\Users\YourName\Work" && explorer "D:\Projects"


5. Name it (e.g., “Open Work Folders”).

6. Restart your computer — your chosen folders will open automatically at startup!

💡 Great for businesses, developers, and students who use the same directories daily.

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⚡ 11. How to Open Multiple Folders Using a Batch File

Batch files are the best way to open several folders with a single double-click.

Steps:

1. Open Notepad.

2. Type the following lines:

   @echo off
start "" "C:\Users\YourName\Documents"
start "" "D:\Projects"
start "" "E:\Downloads"
exit


3. Click File → Save As.

4. In the “Save as type” dropdown, choose All Files.

5. Name it:

   openfolders.bat


6. Save it on your desktop and double-click to open all folders at once.

✅ Pro Tip: You can even schedule this batch file to run automatically using Task Scheduler.

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🪟 12. How to Open Multiple Folders Side by Side

Windows 11’s Snap Layouts make it easy to organize multiple open folders.

Steps:

1. Open two or more File Explorer windows.

2. Hover your mouse over the Maximize button.

3. Choose a Snap Layout (e.g., side-by-side or grid).

4. Select where each window should appear.

💡 Alternatively, use keyboard shortcuts:

• Windows + Left Arrow → Snap left

• Windows + Right Arrow → Snap right

• Windows + Up Arrow → Maximize window

Now you can easily view, compare, and manage folders simultaneously.

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📌 13. How to Pin Folders for Quick Access

Pinning folders makes it easy to open them quickly anytime.

To pin a folder to Quick Access:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the folder.

3. Right-click → select Pin to Quick access.

To pin a folder to the Taskbar:

1. Right-click the folder → Show more options → Create shortcut.

2. Drag the shortcut to your taskbar.

Now, you can open your favorite folders with a single click.

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🧩 14. How to Open Multiple Folders in File Explorer Tabs or Windows

Windows 11 gives you two layout options:

Option 1: Tabs

Use tabs to keep everything in one window:

• Ctrl + T → new tab

• Drag a folder onto tab bar → opens in new tab

Option 2: Separate Windows

Prefer separate views?

• Right-click → Open in new window

• Use Snap Layouts for side-by-side management

✅ Pro Tip: Use both methods together — tabs for related folders, windows for separate projects.

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🗃️ 15. How to Organize and Navigate Open Folders Efficiently

Once you’ve opened multiple folders, managing them efficiently is key.

Tips:

• Use Alt + Tab to switch between open folders.

• Use Task View (Windows + Tab) to see all open windows.

• Group related folders in the same Explorer window using tabs.

• Use Favorites or Quick Access for frequent folders.

• Enable “Show file path” in File Explorer to avoid confusion.

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🧩 16. Troubleshooting Common Issues

💡 Always ensure folder paths are correct and accessible.

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❓ 17. FAQs About Opening Multiple Folders in Windows 11

Q1: Can I open multiple folders in one File Explorer window?

Yes, use tabs in File Explorer (Ctrl + T).

Q2: Can I open multiple folders automatically at startup?

Yes, add shortcuts or batch files to the Startup folder.

Q3: How do I open multiple folders side by side?

Use Snap Layouts or Windows + Arrow keys to align them.

Q4: Can I open folders from different drives simultaneously?

Yes. File Explorer, CMD, or PowerShell can open folders from any drive.

Q5: Is there a limit to how many folders I can open?

Technically no, but too many open windows may impact performance.

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🏁 18. Conclusion

Opening multiple folders in Windows 11 gives you flexibility and control over your workflow. Whether you’re organizing files, comparing data, or multitasking between projects, mastering this simple feature saves time every day.

You can open multiple folders using:

• 🗂️ File Explorer tabs

• ⚙️ Command Prompt or PowerShell

• ⚡ Batch files for automation

• 🪟 Snap Layouts for visual management

Now that you know every possible method — from beginner to advanced — you can customize Windows 11 to suit your exact working style.

✨ Pro Tip: Combine tabs and Snap Layouts for the ultimate multitasking experience!