Windows 7: How to open two instances of Windows Explorer ?

From time to time I want to open two instances of Windows Explorer at the same time so that I can then have them run side-by-side in order to , say, copy a file from one to the other by dragging and dropping. I have the Windows Explorer icon locked to the Taskbar which enables me to quickly launch one app of W.E. but if I now click this icon a second time W.E. closes. In order to open a second W.E. and have it run simultaneously with the first one I have to go to Start>Accessories and there click the W.E icon.
Is there a more efficient way to have both apps of W.E launched so that they run simultaneously?

Press ALT then go to File and New Window.

you can also make a new tab in the browser and just drag that tab out and it makes a new window.

I usually just right click the taskbar icon and click on the explorer icon to open a second instance of explorer.

If your mouse has a middle button, clicking the pinned explorer icon on the taskbar with the middle button also opens another instance of it.

Hello Thenoo,

In addition, you could use the "Computer" shortcut in the tutorial below to pin it to the right of your current Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar. A new Windows Explorer window will open for each time you click on the "Computer" icon.

Computer - Pin to Taskbar

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks to everyone, I just learned that the wheel on my mouse is also a middle button. I can open win exployer from task bar as many windows as I need. This was a good question.

TJG

Thanks to all who replied. My question has now definitely been answered ! Much appreciated

You're most welcome Thenoo. I'm glad that we could help.

Don't forget the tried and true method that's been around since XP... the WindowsKey-E key combo.

Check all these and more at Keyboard shortcuts