Does your Windows PC throw an error when creating a new folder? Even if you want to organize your files, the inability to create a new folder can discourage you. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting tips to fix the problem when you can’t create a new folder on Windows 11. Let’s check them out.
Whether it’s a lack of permissions for your user profile or a lack of storage space, the reason could be anything. We’ll start with the basics and move on to advanced methods like using a registry editor to fix unable to create new folder on Windows 11. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Restart File Explorer
The newly redesigned File Explorer app with a tabbed interface can be fun to use. However, it can sometimes misbehave, especially if you’re on one of the Windows 11 Insider builds. You can force quit the app and try again to create new folders.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows key and select Task Manager.
2nd step: Select “File Explorer” from the list and select “Restart Task”.
Step 3: Open File Explorer and create a new folder.
2. Use hotkeys
Another quick fix is to use keyboard shortcuts to create new folders in File Explorer. Press Ctrl + Shift + N and check your new folder in action.
3. Use Command Prompt to Create New Folders
If you still have problems with File Explorer, use the Command Prompt to create new folders on your PC.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type Command Prompt.
2nd step: In the results, select Run as administrator.
Step 3: When the command prompt window opens, type CDs / to navigate to the root directory – the one where you installed Windows.
Step 4: Type mkdir followed by the name of your folder and press Enter.
Open File Explorer, head to the (C:) drive and find your new folder.
4. Adjust Windows Registry
It’s time to edit Windows registry to fix Can’t create new folders in Windows 11 issue. Be careful when using Windows registry to make tweaks on your computer. Just one misstep can lead to software issues on your Windows PC. We recommend that you back up the registry before proceeding.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and find the Windows Registry. Press Enter.
2nd step: Head to the next path.
ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectoryBackgroundshellexContextMenuHandlers
Step 3: Right-click on an empty space, select New and choose Key.
Step 4: Type New as a key title.
Step 5: Double-click it to open the Edit Channel menu.
Step 6: Copy and paste the following into the value data and click OK:
{D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}
Step 7: Close Registry Editor and restart File Explorer (see steps above) and create new folders.
5. Run Windows Security Scan
Malicious and corrupted files can prevent you from creating new folders on your PC. You can scan your PC using Windows Security to let it diagnose and fix the problem.
Step 1: Click the Windows key and search for Windows Security.
2nd step: Press Enter to open the application. Select Virus & threat protection from the sidebar.
Step 3: Select “Scan Options”.
Step 4: Select the radio button next to “Full Scan” and click “Scan Now”.
Once the Windows security scan is complete, open the File Explorer app and start creating new folders.
6. Adjust Windows Security Settings
Enabling Controlled Folder Access protects your device’s files, folders, and memory areas from unauthorized modification by random apps. If you have enabled the option, follow the steps below to disable it.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Go to the Privacy & Security section in the left column and select Windows Security in the right pane. Then choose “Virus & threat protection” (check the steps above).
2nd step: Click on the “Manage Ransomware Protection” option.
Step 3: Disable the “Controlled Folder Access” toggle in the next menu.
7. Restore File Explorer to Default Settings
Incorrect setting of settings can prevent you from creating folders on your computer. You can restore File Explorer to default settings and try again.
Step 1: Press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer.
2nd step: Select the three-dot menu at the top.
Step 3: Click Options.
Step 4: Select Restore Defaults.
Step 5: Press Apply and click OK.
8. Update Windows 11
Microsoft recently revamped the default File Explorer with a new interface and features like tabs. However, the app is not free from problems. Sometimes we encounter issues such as thumbnails not showing, file explorer not working or cannot create folders.
The software giant is pretty quick to fix glaring issues. The File Explorer app is related to the OS version and you need to download the latest Windows update to fix the issue.
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings menu.
2nd step: Select “Windows Update” from the sidebar.
Step 3: Download and install pending Windows updates on your PC.
Create new folders on Breeze
You might encounter problems when creating new folders due to the low internal storage capacity of your PC. You should delete unnecessary applications or use storage spaces and create new folders without any problem.