Opening multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11 can greatly enhance your productivity by allowing you to view and manage different folders or drives simultaneously. To do this, you can simply open a new File Explorer window from the taskbar or use keyboard shortcuts. Once you master these techniques, switching between folders becomes a breeze, making file management more efficient and less time-consuming.
How to Open Multiple File Explorer Windows in Windows 11
The following steps will guide you through the process of opening multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11, letting you manage files with ease and efficiency.
Step 1: Open the First File Explorer Window
Click the File Explorer icon located on your taskbar or press the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
This action launches the first File Explorer window. It’s your gateway to accessing files, folders, and drives on your computer. You’ll see the Quick Access view by default, which shows frequently used folders and recent files.
Step 2: Open a New File Explorer Window
Right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar and select “File Explorer” from the context menu.
This step opens another separate File Explorer window. By doing this, you can now drag and drop files between two windows easily, without the hassle of constantly switching folders in a single window.
Step 3: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Open Additional Windows
Press Ctrl + N while a File Explorer window is open.
Utilizing keyboard shortcuts is a speedier method to open new windows. It’s perfect for those who prefer keeping their hands on the keyboard, streamlining the workflow and reducing the time spent on mouse navigation.
Step 4: Arrange Windows Side by Side
Drag one of the File Explorer windows to the left or right edge of the screen until it snaps into place, then select another window to align with it.
This step helps you better organize your screen if you’re juggling multiple windows. Snapping windows side by side can greatly simplify comparing files or moving data between folders, enhancing both visibility and multitasking.
Step 5: Explore Advanced Options
Explore the options in the “View” tab of each File Explorer window to customize your experience.
Here, you can adjust how files and folders are displayed, making it easier to find what you need. Playing with these settings can further refine your file exploration experience, tailoring it to suit your specific needs.
After completing these actions, you’ll have multiple File Explorer windows open, ready for multitasking. You’ll be able to view and manage different folders side by side, facilitating smoother file operations like copying, moving, or comparing data.
Tips for Opening Multiple File Explorer Windows in Windows 11
- Use the Windows key + Tab shortcut to view all open windows and switch between them efficiently.
- If you’re constantly using the same folders, pin them to Quick Access for faster navigation.
- Consider using virtual desktops to organize different tasks on separate desktops, keeping your workspaces tidy.
- Customize the Quick Access toolbar with frequently used commands for even faster access.
- Learn more keyboard shortcuts to further enhance your productivity with File Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I close multiple File Explorer windows at once?
You can close all open File Explorer windows by right-clicking the File Explorer icon on the taskbar and selecting “Close all windows.”
Can I open File Explorer with a specific folder by default?
Yes, you can create a shortcut to a specific folder on your desktop, and opening that shortcut will directly take you to the folder.
Is there a limit to how many File Explorer windows I can open?
There’s no strict limit imposed by Windows, but opening too many can slow down your computer depending on its resources.
How do I open File Explorer as an administrator?
Right-click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar, then right-click “File Explorer” again in the menu, and select “Run as administrator.”
Can I change the default view in File Explorer?
Yes, go to the “View” tab, adjust to your preferred settings, and then select “Options” to set it as the default.
Summary
- Click File Explorer icon or press Windows + E.
- Right-click taskbar icon, select “File Explorer”.
- Press Ctrl + N in an open window.
- Drag windows to screen edges to snap.
- Use “View” tab to customize window.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Mastering the art of opening multiple File Explorer windows in Windows 11 can really elevate your efficiency, turning your file management experience into a walk in the park. Whether you’re organizing photos, sorting through school projects, or even handling a complex work task, juggling several File Explorer windows makes everything more manageable.
Don’t just stop here; consider diving into more features like utilizing the Quick Access toolbar or learning other nifty keyboard shortcuts. These can further enhance your ability to navigate Windows 11 with ease. If this piqued your interest, try exploring virtual desktops for an even more organized workspace.
Knowledge is power, and now that you’ve got the know-how to open multiple File Explorer windows, you’re well on your way to becoming a Windows 11 wizard. So go ahead, put what you’ve learned into practice, and watch your productivity soar!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.