General Open Folder in New or Same window in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to open a folder, drive, or library in the same window or in its own new window for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

While you browse in File Explorer, you can open each folder in the same window or in its own new window.







1 Press the Ctrl + N keys to open the currently opened folder, drive, or library in a new window.

This option will perform the opposite default action you set in Option Four or Option Five.

1 Select the folder background, folder(s), drive(s), and/or library you want to open in the same window or new window.

2 Press the Ctrl + Enter keys.





1 Select the folder(s), drive(s), and/or library you want to open in a new window.

2 Perform one of the following actions: (see screenshots below)

• Right click on the selected items, and click/tap on Open in new window.
• Press and hold the Shift key, right click on the selected items, release the Shift key, and click/tap on Open in new window.

This option is only available starting with Windows 11 build 25145.

1 Middle click on a folder in the body of File Explorer.





1 Open Folder Options.

2 In the General tab, select (dot) Open each folder in the same window (default) or Open each folder in its own folder for what you want under the top Browse folders section. (see screenshot below)

3 Click/tap on OK.







1 Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).

2 Navigate to the registry key location below in the left pane Registry Editor. (see screenshot below)



3 In the right pane of the CabinetState key, double click/tap on the Settings binary value to modify it. (see screenshot above)

4 Do step 5 (same window) or step 6 (new window) below for what you want.

This is the default setting.

7 Close Registry Editor.

8 Either restart the explorer process, sign out and sign in, or restart the computer to apply.


That's it,
Shawn Brink