A number of Windows 10 and 11 users are seeing a strange issue where the “New > Folder” option disappears, stopping fresh folders from being created. The glitch is usually fixable with a few quick steps. Below are seven practical solutions, arranged from simplest to advanced, along with a registry repair that restores the missing context‑menu handler when required. Use each step, then reboot or retry creating a folder to confirm.
Fix 1: Use the keyboard shortcut
-
Press Ctrl + Shift + N inside File Explorer or on the desktop to instantly create a new folder. It works even when the right‑click menu is flaky.
Fix 2: Restore the “New” context‑menu handler via Registry Editor
-
Open Run (Windows + R) and type regedit, then press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. Create a new key named New, open its Default value, and set Value data to {D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}. Restart Windows and try again. This CLSID re‑registers the built‑in “New” handler that powers the New > Folder option.
Fix 3: Turn off Controlled Folder Access temporarily
-
In Windows Security, search for “Controlled folder access” and toggle it off. Some users find Windows Defender’s ransomware protection blocks shell actions in certain locations. Test folder creation, then re‑enable as needed.
Fix 4: Create the folder using commands
-
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Navigate with cd to the target path (for example, cd D:$$) and run mkdir NewFolderName. This bypasses Explorer shell issues and confirms permissions are fine.
Fix 5: Restart Windows Explorer
-
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), select Windows Explorer, and click Restart. This refreshes the shell and often restores the right‑click menu and New > Folder entry.
Fix 6: Remove troublesome apps
-
Uninstall shell‑integrating utilities or “cleanup/optimizer” tools that may hijack the context menu. After removal, reboot and test. Clean‑boot diagnostics can help isolate a conflicting app or service.
Fix 7: Apply a registry repair file
-
As a last resort, use a .reg script that re‑adds the default folder shell entries and the ContextMenuHandlers\New CLSID. Always back up the registry or create a restore point before merging .reg files. After applying, restart Windows.
Why this happens
-
The issue typically arises when the “New” context‑menu handler is missing or broken, when security controls block shell actions, or when third‑party utilities interfere with Explorer. Restoring the handler, restarting Explorer, or removing the conflict usually resolves it.
Pro tips
-
Keep Windows updated, avoid aggressive “registry cleaners,” and periodically review startup apps. If none of these fixes work, try a clean boot or system restore to a point before the problem began.
With these steps, most systems regain the ability to create folders normally, either through the trusty Ctrl + Shift + N shortcut or via the right‑click New menu.