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Open Windows Explorer Folders as Separate Process [How to]
To open folders in new processes, change a few settings.
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Windows launches File Explorer folders in separate Windows processes by default. In other words, each folder that users will open will have their own separate process. This feature is actually a very practical one.
For example, ifWindows freezes randomlydue to some folder issues, the rest of the File Explorer processes won’t be affected.
What does launch folder Windows in a separate process mean?
This means that each folder runs as a separate process. This has one benefit, as far as we can tell.
If a folder freezes and you close it from the Task Manager desktop, and taskbar won’t reload like before.
How do I enable a separate process for each folder in Windows Explorer?
Change folder options
How do I open File Explorer in a new process?
Even if you end the main Windows Explorer process using the taskbar, the Desktop app won’t start. However, all the open File Explorer windows will be closed.
As you can see, it’s easy to set Windows Explorer to use a separate process for each folder, and it just requires you to make a few small changes.
To optimize your PC even further, read our guide on the bestfolder settings for Windows 11.
Have you used this feature before? Let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:File Explorer
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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