How to Open 2 File Explorer in Windows 11
Yes, you can easily how to open 2 file explorer in windows 11 by launching File Explorer a second time, using the keyboard shortcut Win + E, or opening a folder in a new window. This is useful when you want to compare folders, drag files between locations, or keep one folder open while browsing another.
How to open a second File Explorer window
Windows 11 does not limit you to a single File Explorer window. You can open as many separate windows as you need, and each one can show a different folder location.
Method 1: Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar
- Open File Explorer in the usual way.
- Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar again.
- A second File Explorer window should open.
This is the fastest method for most people. If clicking the icon only switches to the existing window, use one of the other methods below.
Method 2: Use the keyboard shortcut Win + E
- Press Windows key + E once to open File Explorer.
- Press Windows key + E again.
- Windows 11 should open another File Explorer window.
This shortcut is handy if you prefer the keyboard and want to keep working without using the mouse.
Method 3: Open a folder in a new window
- In File Explorer, right-click the folder you want to open.
- Select Open in new window if that option appears.
- The folder opens in its own File Explorer window.
This is especially useful when you want two specific folders open at the same time, such as Downloads in one window and Documents in another.
Method 4: Open File Explorer from Start or Search
- Open the Start menu or use Search.
- Type File Explorer.
- Select it again even if one window is already open.
This method is slower than the taskbar or keyboard shortcut, but it still creates a separate window if Windows allows it.
How to place two windows side by side
Opening two File Explorer windows is only part of the job. For copying, moving, or comparing files, it helps to place them side by side.
- Open both File Explorer windows.
- Drag one window to the left edge of the screen until Snap Assist appears.
- Choose the other File Explorer window for the right side, or drag the second window to the opposite edge manually.
You can also use Windows key + Left Arrow and Windows key + Right Arrow to snap the windows quickly.
A common workflow is to open your source folder in one window, the destination folder in the other, and then drag files between them. This is usually easier than copying and pasting one folder at a time.
File Explorer tabs vs separate windows
Windows 11 File Explorer supports both tabs and separate windows, but they are not the same thing.
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tabs | Multiple folders open inside one File Explorer window | Keeping things organized in one place |
| Separate windows | Each folder opens in its own window | Comparing folders or moving files between locations |
If you only need to switch between folders, tabs may be enough. If you want to view both folders at once, open separate windows instead.
If File Explorer keeps reopening the same window
If clicking File Explorer only brings an existing window to the front, that does not always mean something is broken. Windows often reuses the current window unless you intentionally open another instance.
Try these fixes:
- Use Win + E more than once to launch another window.
- Right-click a folder and choose Open in new window.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar after the first window is active.
- Restart File Explorer from Task Manager if it is behaving strangely.
If File Explorer is frozen, slow, or not responding properly, restarting the process can help before trying again. If the issue continues, a Windows restart may clear it.
Best way to use two File Explorer windows
If your goal is simply to work faster, the most practical setup is this:
- Open the first folder in File Explorer.
- Open a second File Explorer window with Win + E or the taskbar icon.
- Move each window to one side of the screen.
- Drag, copy, or compare files between the two folders.
This setup is ideal for transferring photos, organizing downloads, or checking whether files already exist in another folder.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to open 2 file explorer in windows 11
How do I open a second File Explorer window in Windows 11?
Open File Explorer once, then click the File Explorer icon again or press Win + E again. You can also right-click a folder and choose Open in new window.
Can I open two File Explorer windows side by side?
Yes. Open both windows, then use Snap Assist or drag each window to opposite sides of the screen.
Does Windows 11 File Explorer support tabs and separate windows?
Yes. Tabs keep folders inside one window, while separate windows let you view multiple folders at the same time on screen.
What is the shortcut to open another File Explorer window?
The most common shortcut is Win + E. Pressing it again may open another window, depending on your current setup.
Why does File Explorer keep opening in the same window?
Windows often reuses the current File Explorer window instead of opening a new one. To force a separate window, use a folder’s context menu and choose Open in new window.
What is the easiest way to move files between two folders?
Open both folders in separate File Explorer windows, place them side by side, and drag files from one window to the other.
Conclusion
The easiest way to open two File Explorer windows in Windows 11 is to launch File Explorer a second time with the taskbar icon or the Win + E shortcut. If you need to work with files, separate windows are usually better than tabs because they let you compare folders and move items side by side. For the smoothest workflow, open both windows, snap them next to each other, and drag files between them as needed.