How to Open 2 of the Same Program Windows 10​

If you want to know how to open 2 of the same program windows 10, the short answer is that you can usually launch the app again from the Start menu, taskbar, desktop shortcut, or its executable file. If Windows only brings the existing window to the front, the program may be designed to run as a single instance, which means you will need an app-specific workaround or a different Windows account.

How to open two of the same program in Windows 10

In Windows 10, many programs can run more than one window or instance at the same time. Others are built to allow only one open copy. The easiest way to test it is to open the program normally, then try launching it a second time from a different place, such as the Start menu or File Explorer.

Try these methods in order:

1. Open the program once.

   Start the app as you normally would. Keep the first window open.

2. Launch it again from the Start menu.

   Click Start, find the program, and open it a second time. If the app supports multiple instances, a second window should appear.

3. Use the taskbar icon.

   Click the pinned program icon again. Some apps open a new window when launched this way, while others just switch to the existing one.

4. Double-click the desktop shortcut again.

   This often works for programs that allow more than one instance.

5. Open the executable file in File Explorer.

   Go to the program’s install folder and run the .exe file again. This can start a second instance if the app allows it.

Why the second launch sometimes opens the same window

Sometimes it looks like Windows 10 is refusing to open a second copy, but the operating system is not always the reason. Many programs are built with single-instance behavior. That means when you launch them again, they do not start a new process. Instead, they bring the original window to the front.

This is common in programs that handle files, sync data, or manage a single account session. It helps prevent conflicts, duplicate background tasks, or accidental changes to the same file.

If you are seeing the same window instead of a second one, one of these is usually happening:

• The app is limited to one instance by design.
• You launched the app from a shortcut that only focuses the existing window.
• The program is already running in the background, even if its main window is closed.
• The app can open multiple documents, but not multiple full program instances.

Use the taskbar or Start menu to open another instance

For many apps, the quickest solution is simply launching the program again from a different entry point. This is often enough to create a second window.

Using the Start menu

1. Click the Start button.
2. Find the program in the app list or search for it.
3. Click it again while the first copy is still open.

If the app supports multiple instances, Windows will open another copy.

Using the taskbar

1. Open the program once.
2. Click its pinned taskbar icon again.
3. Watch for a new window or a second app session.

Some programs respond well to this, while others only reactivate the current window.

Using the desktop shortcut

1. Leave the first window open.
2. Double-click the program’s desktop shortcut again.
3. See whether a second copy opens.

This method works best with apps that are not restricted to a single instance.

Open the program from its executable file

If the normal shortcut only reopens the same window, try launching the app directly from its executable file. This is often the cleanest way to start a second instance when Windows shortcuts are not enough.

1. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Go to the folder where the program is installed, usually in Program Files or Program Files (x86).
3. Find the program’s .exe file.
4. Double-click the executable to launch it again.

If the program allows multiple instances, this can open another window even when a shortcut does not. If it still does not work, the app is probably intentionally blocking duplicate sessions.

What to do if the app only allows one instance

Some applications are designed to run only once at a time. In that case, you cannot force a second normal instance using standard Windows 10 shortcuts alone. Instead, try one of these practical options.

Check whether the app supports multiple windows instead of multiple instances

Some programs cannot run twice, but they can open multiple documents, tabs, or windows within the same session. For example, a text editor, browser, or image editor may let you open several files without launching the app twice.

Look for an “Open new window” command

Many programs include a menu option for opening another window inside the same app. This is different from launching a second instance, but it can solve the same problem.

Use a different Windows user account

For apps that are tied to one user session, signing into a separate Windows account can sometimes allow a separate copy of the program to run. This is a heavier workaround, but it can help when the app is locked to one session.

Use virtual desktop only for organization, not duplication

A virtual desktop does not create a second program instance. It only gives you another workspace. This is useful for arranging windows, but it will not bypass a single-instance limit.

Common examples and app-specific behavior

Whether you can open two copies of the same program depends on how the app was built. Here is a general guide.

These are general patterns, not guarantees. The exact behavior depends on the app’s design.

Useful troubleshooting if you still cannot open a second copy

If none of the usual methods work, use this quick troubleshooting checklist.

• Close the app completely, including any background tray icon, then try again.
• Check Task Manager to see whether the program is still running after the window closes.
• Try a different launch method, such as the executable file instead of the pinned taskbar icon.
• Look for built-in settings or menu options that open a new window.
• Confirm whether the app is single-instance by checking its help documentation or support pages.

If the app is single-instance by design, there may be no safe way to force duplicate windows without using a separate user account or a different version of the software.

Best practices when running two copies of the same program

Before opening two instances of any program, keep a few things in mind:

• Avoid editing the same file in both windows unless the app clearly supports it.
• Be careful with account-based apps, because a second instance may sign in with the same session.
• Watch for background sync or autosave features that could create conflicts.
• Use multiple windows only when the app supports it to prevent crashes or duplicate processes.

If you mainly need better multitasking, sometimes the simplest solution is to open two windows of the same document inside one program, rather than trying to run the whole app twice.

Frequently Asked Questions About how to open 2 of the same program windows 10

How do I open 2 of the same program in Windows 10?

Open the program once, then launch it again from the Start menu, taskbar, desktop shortcut, or executable file. If the app supports multiple instances, a second window should open.

Why does opening the program again only bring up the existing window?

That usually means the app is single-instance. Instead of starting a new copy, it is designed to focus the already open window.

Can I use Task Manager to open another copy?

Task Manager is mainly for managing running apps, not launching duplicate windows. It is more useful for checking whether the app is still running in the background.

Which programs can run two instances at the same time?

Many browsers, editors, and document-based apps can. However, the exact behavior depends on the program. Some apps allow multiple windows, while others block duplicate launches.

What if the app is single-instance and will not open twice?

Try the app’s built-in new window option, if it has one. If not, a different Windows user account may work in some cases, but many apps still will not allow duplicate sessions.

Does a virtual desktop open a second copy of the same app?

No. A virtual desktop only gives you another workspace. It does not create a second program instance.

Conclusion

To how to open 2 of the same program windows 10 successfully, the key is to find out whether the app allows multiple instances. If it does, relaunch it from the Start menu, taskbar, desktop shortcut, or executable file. If it does not, Windows will usually just reopen the existing window, and you will need an app-specific workaround or a separate user session.

In most cases, the fastest way forward is to test a second launch from File Explorer or the taskbar, then decide whether the app supports true duplicate windows or only one running copy.