How to open two instances of Windows Explorer ?


  1. Posts : 140
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    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?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,164
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
       #2

    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.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #3

    thenoo said:
    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?
    I usually just right click the taskbar icon and click on the explorer icon to open a second instance of explorer.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 44
    Windows 7
       #4

    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.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    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
      My Computer


  6. TJG
    Posts : 77
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bits
       #6

    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 :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 140
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

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


  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    You're most welcome Thenoo. I'm glad that we could help. :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 457
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home Build 15036
       #9

    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
      My Computer


 

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