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Create a folder you can find again

A folder groups related files. These steps use Windows 11 File Explorer. Creating a folder does not move existing documents or automatically back them up.

2 min read·Windows 11· 5 steps
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Before you start

  • A signed-in Windows computer
  • A name and a place for your new folder

Step 1 of 5: Open File Explorer

Press Windows key + E, or select the folder icon on the taskbar. In the left-hand list, choose Documents or Pictures. Read the address area so you know which location you are using.

Step 2 of 5: Create the folder

Select New > Folder in File Explorer. If you use the context menu instead, right-click an empty area and choose New > Folder. Avoid clicking an existing file when opening this menu.

Step 3 of 5: Give it a useful name

Type a short, descriptive name such as Household letters and press Enter. Use ordinary words and spaces. A clear name is easier to recognise than a number or New folder.

Step 4 of 5: Open and inspect it

Double-click the new folder to open it. An empty folder should contain no files. Use the Back arrow to return, then find the folder again; this checks that you understand where it lives.

Step 5 of 5: Save a practice document there

In a writing app, choose Save As or Save a Copy and browse to the folder. Save a harmless practice file, close the app and reopen the folder to confirm the file is present.

Try it for yourself

Your small practice task.

Create a Practice folder in Documents and open it twice.

Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.

A common question.

Is this folder on my computer or in the cloud?

Look at its location. A folder inside OneDrive may synchronise online; a folder elsewhere may be local only. Creating it is not a backup.

Official help, if you need it.

These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.