How To Fix Can’t Create a New Folder on Windows 11?

Last updated on October 14th, 2025 at 4:46 pm

Windows 11 users praise this operating system’s ease and its prominent features. Creating a new folder on Windows 11 is easy; it can be completed by right-clicking over the blank space on the desktop or in File Explorer. Windows 11 users can select “New” and “Folder.”

However, Windows 11 users may face the issue of can’t create a new folder. It can be in different ways, including no option for the “New” folder or no results while clicking on the space on the system. It is easy to fix this error easily and independently on Windows 11. Let us go through the different fixes for can’t create a new folder in Windows 11.

Create a New Folder on Windows 11

Top 7 solutions for fixing can’t create a new folder on Windows 11 error:

After going through the quick reasons that Windows 11 may show it can’t create a new folder problem, it all comes down to quick solutions. So, below is the detailed list of the top seven solutions to fix the error:

1. Relaunching the file explorer app:

The first and one of the easiest solutions for the can’t create a new folder on Windows 11 error is to relaunch the file explorer app. The quick steps for the same are:

  1. Press “Control + Shift + Escape” to open Task Manager app.
  2. Go to the “Processes” tab.
Task Manager app
  • Look for the “Windows Explorer” app in the list and select “Restart” to terminate and reboot the application.
  • Relaunch the Windows Explorer and confirm if the problem is resolved or it.

2. Restore the file explorer app: 

  • If relaunching is not working on the Windows 11 system, it is easy to restore the file explorer app. The quick steps to set the file explorer app to the default settings are:
  • Go to the file explorer app and click on the three-dots menu.
  • Select the “Options.”
opening the options
  • Go to the “Properties” window and select the “Restore Defaults” option.
selecting the restore defaults option
  • Click the “OK” and “Apply” buttons to save the changes.
  • Reboot the Windows 11 device or system and launch the file explorer app.

3. Configuring security settings:

  • The security settings on the Windows 11 device or system may cause restricted creation of new folders. Hence, it is easy to configure the security settings of Windows 11 device or system in the following steps:
  • Go to the “Settings” app.
  • Open “Privacy and Settings,” followed by “Windows Security.”
privacy and security
  • Select the “Virus and threat protection.
selecting the virus and threat protection
  • Go to “Manage Ransomware Protection” and toggle off the “Controlled Folder Access.”
turning the controlled folder access off
  • Reboot the device to confirm if issue is resolved.

4. Using the Command Prompt:

  • Command Prompt is the leading command line interpreter application available in all Windows operating systems. The quick steps to use Command Prompt to fix can’t create a new folder on Windows 11 are:
  • Type “Command Prompt” in the taskbar.
  • Select “Run as Administrator.”
  • Go to the terminal window and type the “Mkdir <Foldername>” command and run it.

5. Running a security scan:

  • Sometimes, the Windows 11 system shows that it can’t create a new folder due to malware or virus in the system files. The quick steps for the same are:
  • Open the “Taskbar” and open the “Windows Security” option.
  • Launch the “Windows Security” app on a Windows 11 device.
 launching windows security
  • Go to the “Virus and threat protection” from the left menu side.
  • Go to the “Scan options” and select “Full Scan.” It helps Windows perform a full scan of the system to get rid of malware or virus.
full scan
  • Click on the “Scan now” button.

6. Using keyboard shortcuts:

  • Another quick method of using keyboard shortcuts to create a new folder on Windows 11. The combination of the “Control + Shift+ N” key can quickly help create a new folder on Windows 11.

The keyboard shortcut can help solve the problem of can’t create a new folder on Windows 11 when it is about the right-click not working on the screen. Even beginners can go for this shortcut quickly to get rid of the can’t create a new folder on Windows 11 error.

7. Editing the Windows registry:

  • Last but not least, the quick editing of these Windows registry for eliminating the can’t create a new folder on Windows 11. The quick steps for the same are:
  • Click “Windows + R.”
  • Type “Regedit” and press “Enter” to open the “Registry Editor.”
  • Find the following folder location:

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

finding the folder location

Alt text finding the folder location

  • Right-click on the right side of the window and select New> Key.
  • Double-tap on the newly created key to open “Properties.”
  • Enter the following string in the Value Data field.

{D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}

  • Click “OK.”
  • Exit all Windows and reboot the Windows 11 device.
  • Launch the file explorer to check if the issue still persists.

Wrapping Up:

Hence, Windows 11 users don’t need to panic while facing the can’t create a new folder error on their system. It is easy to go through the top seven fixes for this problem, including relaunching and restoring the file explorer app. Windows 11 users can go for editing the Windows registry or can quickly configure the security settings.

Some other solutions for not being able to create a new folder in Windows 11 include using the command prompt, running a security scan, using different keyboard shortcuts, etc. All these fixes can be quickly used by beginners and professionals in Windows 11. No need to go for the extra help or additional technical information.

Author Bio:

Dinesh Lakhwani

Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.

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