5 Ways to Fix Can’t Create a New Folder on Windows 11

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Use Task Manager to Restart the File Explorer App

You may fail to create a new folder on Windows 11 if there are issues with the File Explorer app. Restarting it from the Task Manager app should fix it.

Step 1:Press theWindows + X shortcutto open the Power User Menu and selectTask Manager.

Step 2:Select theProcessestab from the left sidebar > right-clickWindows Explorer> selectRestart.

Fix 2: Create New Folders With Command Prompt

If restarting the File Explorer app doesn’t solve the issue, you can use theCommand Promptapp to create a folder manually.

Step 1:Press theWindows key, searchCommand Prompt, and selectRun as administrator.

Step 2:Open the root directory usingcd /, typemkdirfollowed by your desired folder name, and pressEnter.

For instance, ‘mkdir testing’ will create a folder named ‘testing’ in the root directory.

Step 3:Once you’ve created the folder using CMD, navigate to it using the File Explorer app.

Fix 3: Tweak the Windows Registry

Another nifty way to fix the folder creation issue on Windows 11 is to tweak the Windows Registry files. Before you begin, take a registry backup using File > Export in the Registry Editor app.

Step 1:Press theWindows key> searchRegistry Editor> click onRun as administrator.

Step 2: Approvethe UAC prompt > copy-paste the following address in the navigation bar > hitEnter.

Step 3:Right-click the blank space on the right and selectNew>Key.

Step 4:TypeNewas the key title > double-click(Default)> paste the following Value data > clickOK.

Step 5:Close the Registry Editor > restart File Explorer (check the Fix 1 above), and retry creating a new folder.

Fix 4: Restore File Explorer to Default Settings

A wrong tweak in File Explorer settings might prevent you from creating a new folder. Restore the File Explorer app to its default settings and retry creating a new folder.

Step 1:Open theFile Explorer app(press the Windows + E shortcut) > click on thethree-dot menuat the top > selectOptions.

Step 2:SelectRestore Defaults> clickApplyto save changes.

Fix 5: Run the File and Folder Troubleshooter

Lastly, if nothing works, launch the File and Folder troubleshooter on Windows 11 to restore normal functioning.

Step 1:Download the File and Folder Troubleshooter from theMicrosoft website.

Step 2:Open the downloaded troubleshooter > clickNext> follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the ‘can’t create a new folder’ error.

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Last updated on 11 July, 2024

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