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How to Create Folder in Windows ? Organize your files and folders

Q: How do I create a folder on the Windows desktop?

Right-click on the desktop, then select New → Folder. Name your folder and press Enter to confirm.

Q: How do I create a folder in File Explorer?

Open File Explorer, go to Documents or another location, right-click and select New → Folder.

Q: How do I rename a folder?

Right-click the folder, select Rename, type the new name, then press Enter.

Q: Why should I create folders?

Folders help you organize your files such as photos, documents, and videos so you can find them more easily.

Q: Can I create folders on a USB drive?

Yes, right-click inside the USB drive window and choose New → Folder, just like on a computer.

Q: What is the difference between a file and a folder?

A file contains data such as a photo or document, while a folder is used to store and organize files.

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Computer basics : create folder and organize files and folders on my computer.

Create folders in Windows

Folders allow you to group a set of files together. To use an analogy, a folder is like a drawer, and the files are the documents inside it. To easily find your documents, nothing beats having a piece of furniture with the right number of drawers! Want to learn more about using Windows? Check out our Windows course.

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Pour les lecteurs français
Consultez le guide complet sur comment créer un dossier dans Windows

Table of Contents

Create a folder
Organize files and folders
3. FAQ

1. Create a folder

From the Desktop

To create a folder on the desktop or in Windows File Explorer, right-click to open the context menu, then click on "New" → "Folder". Give it a name and confirm by pressing "Enter".

You can create folders in your personal directories accessible from File Explorer (Documents, Pictures, Videos...), but also directly on the desktop like here:

All that’s left is to give it a name. Press Enter on your keyboard or left-click next to the folder to confirm.

In File Explorer

To create folders in your personal directories (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Downloads...), open File Explorer, then right-click → "New" → "Folder", as shown above.

However, you can also use the Explorer toolbar. Click on "+ New" in the toolbar (in Windows 10, a "New folder" icon is also available in the File Explorer toolbar). Select "Folder". All that’s left is to give it a name. Press Enter on your keyboard or left-click next to the folder to confirm.

2. Organize files and folders

Organize files and folders

To sort your files and find them more easily, it is essential to organize your folders. Organizing folders means creating subfolders and placing your files inside them (by dragging and dropping them, or by using the Cut/Copy method). This way, you will create folder structures.

Change display size

To change the display size of your folders, click on the "View" menu. You can also use the keyboard/mouse shortcut "Ctrl" + mouse wheel. Check the link to read our complete guide.

Move a folder

To move a folder in File Explorer, click on it and hold the mouse button down. Drag it to the desired location after preparing the destination folder in the left navigation panel (your target folder must be visible so you can reach it with the mouse). When you are over the destination folder, release the mouse button. The folder will be moved.

If you try to move a folder to a different drive, Windows will create a copy instead of moving it. In that case, you must use Cut/Paste to move your folder. The same applies to files.

3. FAQ - How to create a folder on Windows ?

1. How do I create a folder on the Windows desktop?

Right-click on the desktop, then select New → Folder. Name your folder and press Enter to confirm.

2. How do I create a folder in File Explorer?

Open File Explorer, go to Documents or any location, right-click and choose New → Folder.

3. Can I create multiple folders at once?

Not directly. You need to create folders one by one using the New → Folder option.

4. How do I rename a folder?

Right-click the folder, select Rename, type the new name, then press Enter.

5. How do I move a folder?

Click and hold the folder, drag it to the new location, then release. You can also use Cut → Paste.

6. Why should I create folders?

Folders help you organize your files (photos, documents, videos) so you can find them more easily.

7. Can I create folders on a USB drive?

Yes. Right-click inside the USB drive window and choose New → Folder, just like on your computer.

8. What is the difference between a file and a folder?

A file contains data (photo, document, video), while a folder is used to store and organize files.

Conclusion

Knowing how to create a folder is essential for using a computer correctly. To archive the files that interest you, create folders and then sort your files into them: photos, documents, PDFs... If you want to learn more, check how create a Desktop shortcut in Windows and how increase display size of files and folders in Windows.

If you want to go further, I offer free online computer courses to help you better understand how Windows works and become more comfortable using your computer.

End of the lesson

You know now how to create a folder in Windows, and how organize files.

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Thibaut MATHIEU

Editor of Premiers Clics

Editor and writer of Premiers Clics, and author of the book “Je me mets à l'informatique” (only avalaible in french), I share all my computer knowledge to help you learn, using the Premiers Clics computer courses.

Also the manager of a computer support and repair company, I fully understand your needs in computer training and assistance. Every day, I answer my clients’ questions about their computers, phones, or tablets.

This experience has given me extensive knowledge in consumer digital technology, allowing me to separate fact from fiction in device protection, identify the most common user mistakes, and provide numerous tips to make the best use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets.