Change windows explorer open with new window

A simple but useful tweak!

To change Windows Explorer to open a new window instead of a new tab, you can follow these steps:

Method 1: Using the Registry Editor

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\open\command
  4. Right-click on the command value and select "Modify".
  5. In the "Value data" field, add the following text: explorer.exe /n, %1 (make sure to include the comma and the space after /n)
  6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Method 2: Using the Group Policy Editor (for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise only)

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
  4. Double-click on the "Open Windows Explorer in a new window" policy.
  5. Select "Enabled" and click "OK" to apply the changes.

Method 3: Using a third-party software (for all Windows versions)

  1. Download and install a software like "Classic Shell" or "Open Shell".
  2. Launch the software and navigate to the "Explorer" settings.
  3. Look for the option to "Open Windows Explorer in a new window" and enable it.

After making these changes, Windows Explorer should now open a new window instead of a new tab when you double-click on a folder or press the Windows key + E.