How To Open a Second File Explorer Window in Windows 10

In this tutorial, we are going to see how to open a second file explorer window in Windows 10. In Windows, if you have ever tried to open multiple File Explorer windows, you will quickly know that there is no visible option or way to do so. For example, if you double-click the file explorer icon in the taskbar, it will simply open the file explorer and minimize it. The good thing is that there are several ways to open multiple instances of File Explorer in Windows 10. Just follow one of the methods below to open a second File Explorer window.
 
 

Method 1: Open a Second File Explorer Window Using Shortcut Key

When you want to open multiple Windows file explorers, simply press the shortcut Windows key + E. As soon as you press the keyboard shortcut, Windows opens a new instance of the file explorer. So, if you want three file explorer windows, press the keyboard shortcut three times.
 

 
Remember that when you press the keyboard shortcut, a new file explorer window opens on the default page. that is, Quick Access or This PC.
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Method 2: Open a Second File Explorer Window Using Shift + left click

Another method is to use the Shift-Click method. This method is especially useful if you are a heavy mouse user or if you don’t like the awkward shortcut position of File Explorer on the keyboard.

To open multiple File Explorer windows using the mouse, simply hold Shift on your keyboard and click the File Explorer icon that appears in the taskbar. This action will open a new File Explorer window with its default page. i.e., Quick Access or This PC.
 

 
 

Method 3: Open a Second File Explorer Window Using right-click

Now, sometimes you need to open a specific folder in a new window instead of a new file explorer window with its default page. This method is especially useful when you don’t want to manually navigate to the target folder. Fortunately, it is quite easy to open a folder in a new window.

To open a folder in a new window, right-click on the target folder and select Open in a new window. As soon as you select the option, the folder will open in the new window.