The fastest way to open a new window depends on what you're using
On Windows, press Windows key + N to open a new File Explorer window. On Mac, press Command + N to open a new Finder window. In most web browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — press Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac) to open a new browser window. These keyboard shortcuts work the same way across almost every program on your computer.
If you prefer using your mouse, you can also right-click on the program icon in your taskbar (Windows) or dock (Mac) and select "New Window" from the menu. On a browser, look for the menu button (three horizontal lines or dots) in the top corner and choose "New Window" from the dropdown.
The difference between a new window and a new tab matters for how you work. A new window is a separate instance of the program that sits on its own in your taskbar or dock. A new tab stays within the same window and is useful when you want to keep related pages together. Most people use tabs for browsing, but windows are helpful when you want to compare two websites side by side or keep work organized by project.
Key Takeaways
- Press Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac) in your browser or file manager to open a new window instantly.
- A new window is separate from your current one and appears as its own item in your taskbar or dock, while a new tab stays within the same window.
- Right-clicking the program icon in your taskbar or dock gives you a menu option to open a new window if you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts.
- New windows are useful for comparing two websites side by side or keeping different projects visually separate on your screen.
Opening a new browser window
In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N (Windows) or Command + N (Mac) opens a new browser window instantly. The new window will show your home page or a blank page, depending on your browser settings. Each window maintains its own set of tabs, bookmarks bar, and browsing history.
If you want to open a new window with your current tabs, most browsers let you right-click a tab and select "Move to New Window." This is useful when you realize you want to separate your work into two different windows after you've already started browsing.
You can also use the menu: click the three-line menu icon (hamburger menu) in the top right corner of your browser, then select "New Window." This method works the same way across all major browsers, though the exact menu location may vary slightly.
Opening a new file manager or folder window
On Windows, press Windows key + N to open a new File Explorer window. On Mac, press Command + N to open a new Finder window. Both shortcuts work whether you already have a file manager window open or not.
You can also open a new window by right-clicking the File Explorer icon (Windows) or Finder icon (Mac) in your taskbar or dock and selecting "New Window." This is especially useful if you want to navigate to two different folders at the same time without closing the first one.
Having two file manager windows open side by side lets you drag and drop files between folders more easily. You can resize each window to take up half your screen, making it simple to move or copy files from one location to another.
When to use a new window instead of a new tab
Use a new window when you want to keep work visually separate or compare two things at the same time. For example, if you're researching two different topics, opening each in its own window lets you arrange them side by side on your screen. If you're copying files between folders, two file manager windows make the process faster than switching back and forth between tabs.
Use a new tab when the pages or folders are related and you want to keep them grouped together. Tabs stay organized within one window, so you can close the entire window and all its tabs at once. Tabs also use less memory than multiple windows, which matters if your computer is running slowly.
Most people use tabs for everyday browsing because they're easier to manage — you can see all your open pages in one place and switch between them with a single click. Windows are better for specific tasks like comparing prices on two websites or working on two projects at once.
Troubleshooting when the keyboard shortcut doesn't work
If Ctrl + N or Command + N doesn't open a new window, the program may not be in focus. Click on the program window first to make sure it's active, then try the shortcut again. Some programs reassign keyboard shortcuts, so the shortcut might not work in that specific application.
If you're using a browser and the shortcut still doesn't work, try using the menu instead. Click the three-line menu button in the top right corner and select "New Window." If that doesn't appear, the browser may have a different menu structure — check the browser's help documentation or settings.
On Windows, if Windows key + N doesn't open File Explorer, another program may have claimed that shortcut. Try using Windows key + E instead, which is the standard shortcut for File Explorer on most Windows versions. You can also right-click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar and select "New Window" from the menu.
Opening windows on different monitors
If you have two monitors connected to your computer, you can open a new window and drag it to the second monitor. Press Ctrl + N or Command + N to open the window, then click and drag the title bar to move it to your other screen. This is useful for multitasking — you can keep one window on each monitor and work on both at the same time.
Some programs remember which monitor you last used and will open new windows on that monitor automatically. If a window opens on the wrong monitor, you can drag it to the correct one. On Windows, you can also use Windows key + Shift + Right Arrow to move the active window to the next monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a new window and a new tab?
A new tab opens within your current window and appears as a clickable tab at the top. A new window is completely separate and shows up as its own item in your taskbar or dock. Tabs are better for related pages; windows are better for keeping unrelated work separate or comparing two things side by side.
Can I open a new window with my current tabs already in it?
Yes. Right-click any tab in your browser and select "Move to New Window." The tab will move to a new window, leaving your other tabs in the original window. This is useful if you realize mid-browsing that you want to separate your work.
Why does my new window open in the wrong location on my screen?
Windows often remember where you last positioned them and open new windows in that same spot. If a window opens off-screen or in an inconvenient place, drag it by the title bar to reposition it. The next new window should open in the same location.
Does opening multiple windows slow down my computer?
Each window uses some memory, so many open windows can slow your computer if you're low on RAM. If your computer feels slow, close windows you're not using. Tabs use slightly less memory than windows, so using tabs instead can help if you're running out of space.
Can I set a program to always open in a new window instead of a tab?
This depends on the program. Most browsers don't have a setting for this, but some applications do. Check the program's settings or preferences menu. In some cases, holding Shift while clicking a link will force it to open in a new window instead of a tab.