Arranging files in folders can help to easily access them whenever you needed. In addition, folders help to reduce the clutter whether it is on a desktop or in File Explorer. Whether you are working multiple projects or want to store your downloaded files from internet, here are the options for you to create a new folder in Windows 11.
New Folder in Windows 11
By default, Windows will name the newly created folder as “New Folder”. You can rename it properly before started using to keep them identifiable. When you create multiple folders in the same location, Windows will use the naming convention like “New Folder”, “New Folder (2)” and so on.
1. Create New Folder with Keyboard Shortcuts
Press Control + Shift + N in Windows 11 to create a new folder in your current location. This works both on desktop as well as in File Explorer.
If you are on Windows 10, right-click in the location and press W and then F to create a new folder. However, this method will not work in Windows 11.
2. Create New Folder from Desktop Right-Click Menu
If you want to create a new folder in desktop, simply right-click on any empty area. Select “New > Folder” option from the context menu.
3. Use New Folder Button in File Explorer
The best way to create a new folder inside File Explorer is to use the menu button.
- Click the File Explorer icon in taskbar or press “Windows Logo + E” keys to open File Explorer app.
- Go to the location where you want to create a new folder.
- Click “New” button showing on top right corner of the app.
- Select “Folder” option to create a New Folder in the selected location.
4. File Explorer Right-Click Menu
Like using right-click context menu in desktop, you can also use the same inside any folder in File Explorer app.
- Right-click on any applicable location in File Explorer app.
- Click “New” and then select “Folder” option from the context menu.
5. From Terminal App (Command Prompt or PowerShell)
The last option is to use Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell in Terminal app. Let’s say, you want to create a new folder with the name as “Test” in your desktop.
- Right-click on the Start menu icon in taskbar and select “Terminal” or “Terminal (Admin)” option.
- Terminal app will open with Command Prompt or PowerShell depending upon your setting. You can also click the + icon in the title bar and open a new tab to switch the mode.
- C:\Users\<Username>\ is the Desktop location in Windows 11. Terminal will open in your username folder by default unless you have changed that in app’s settings. If you are in any other folder, use CD\ to change the current prompt to C: drive. Then type CD C:\Users\<Username>\Desktop to change the prompt to your desktop folder. If you are already in your username folder, then simply use CD Desktop to move the prompt to desktop location.
- There are two commands available to create a new folder (called as directory).
- Type md Test and press enter key.
- Alternatively, type mkdir Test and press enter key.
- You will see the details of the created folder as shown below in Windows PowerShell app. Both commands will create a folder with the name as Test in desktop location.
Restrictions on Creating Folder in Windows 11
There are few important things you should know when naming your folder. First, Windows does not accept the following symbols in the file or folder name.
- Right slash \
- Left slash /
- Colon :
- Double quotation mark “
- Question mark ?
- Asterisk *
- Less than <
- Greater than >
- Pipeline |
When you try to use these restricted symbols, Windows will show an error as shown below. Remember, you can single quote or any other symbols in the folder name.
Second, you can’t create a new folder in “Home” or “This PC” location either of one should be your default location when opening File Explorer. Finally, folder names are NOT case sensitive though they appear in small or capital letters. For example, you can’t create Test and test folders in the same location as Windows will consider both folder names as test.
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