Creating Your Own File Folders

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated November 22, 2021)

Windows comes with over 15,000 file folders in its overall directory structure. These folders help to keep individual files organized under various “headings” like Documents, Pictures, Music, etc. You can create your own file folders to maintain (or change) this organization scheme.

For example, I created a Temp folder on my C: drive so that I can easily create and find temporary files that I create for various reasons. I also created a WindowsTips folder within my Documents folder so that I can keep my WindowsTips articles separate from my other Word documents.

There are several ways to create your own file folders in Windows. A couple of ways make use of the commands built into Windows Explorer. (In Windows 10 the Windows Explorer was renamed File Explorer. Anytime you see "Windows Explorer" in this tip, it also applies to File Explorer.)

Launch Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder in which you'd like to create a subfolder. Near the top of the Explorer window and to the right of the menu items there is a menu item called "New Folder." By clicking this item a subfolder is created under the currently selected folder. The default folder name is automatically selected so that you can immediately rename it to whatever you like. When you've typed the new name, press Enter to have it take effect. (If you don't rename the folder, it retains its default name of “New Folder,” which is not very descriptive.)

Another way to create your own folder under Windows Explorer is to again navigate to the folder in which you'd like to create a subfolder. Then, right-click on a folder name and hover the mouse pointer over the New command near the bottom of the Context menu. A fly-out menu appears, allowing you to select “Folder.” Click that and you'll create a new folder named “New Folder.” Again, the cursor is set to this subfolder so that you can immediately rename it to whatever you like.

 This tip (11937) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Disabling Automatic Updates

If you don't like that Windows automatically downloads and applies updates in the middle of the night, you can gain some ...

Discover More

Hiding and Displaying the Volume Control

Whether it's to provide you with a bit more space on the taskbar or to simply remove a bit of "clutter" from the system ...

Discover More

Using Windows with a Projector

If you want to show what's on your computer screen through a projector so that others can see it, the process is about as ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Compressed Folders

If you're running low on disk space, you may want to consider creating some compressed folders to give you a little ...

Discover More

Renaming or Deleting File Folders

Just as you can rename and delete individual files, so to can you rename and delete the folders that contain those files.

Discover More

Changing a Folder's Icon

Changing a folder's icon is one way to make Windows a bit more personal. This tip describes how to do that.

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips