This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the "Open in new window" context menu in File Explorer for all users in Windows 11.
While you browse in File Explorer, you can open each folder in the same window or in its own new window.
You can right click on a drive, folder, or library location in File Explorer to see the Open in new window context menu item.
You must be signed in as an administrator to add or remove the "Open in new window" context menu.
This does not prevent users from using other methods to open a folder, drive, or library in a new window in File Explorer.
EXAMPLE: "Open in new window" context menu
Here's How:
1 Do step 2 (add) or step 3 (remove) below for what you would like to do.
2 Add "Open in new window" context menu
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Add_Open_in_new_window_context_menu_for_all_users.reg
Download
(Contents of .reg file)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\opennewwindow]
"LaunchExplorerFlags"=dword:00000001
"MUIVerb"="@windows.storage.dll,-8517"
"MultiSelectModel"="Document"
"OnlyInBrowserWindow"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\opennewwindow\command]
"DelegateExecute"="{11dbb47c-a525-400b-9e80-a54615a090c0}"3 Remove "Open in new window" context menu
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Remove_Open_in_new_window_context_menu_for_all_users.reg
Download
(Contents of .reg file)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\opennewwindow]4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.
6 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
7 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
