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Fix: Can’t Create New Folder in Windows [Option Unavailable]

Explore multiple ways to regain full control over your folders

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 9, 2024

updated onOctober 9, 2024

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Has theNew > Folderoption disappeared from your desktop and File Explorer context menus so you can’t create a new folder on your Windows PC? We’ll show you how to get it back.

It’s most likely due tocorrupted registry keysorsystem files. Misconfigured settings in the antivirus or permissions sector could also play a role.

What to do if you can’t create a new folder in Windows

First, trycreating a new folder with keyboard shortcuts:Ctrl+Shift+Nkeys. This worked for some users who didn’t have the New Folder option. If this won’t work, try the more advanced steps below.

1. Edit the Registry manually

Press theWindowskey +R, typeregedit,and clickOK.
Browse to the key below in the Registry Editor window:ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers.
SelectContextMenuHandlersin the left pane and right-click an empty space on the right.
Now,selectNew, thenKey.
EnterNewas the title for the key.

6.Select theNewkey and double-clickDefaulton the right to open theEdit Stringwindow.

Enter{D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}in the Value data box and clickOKto close the window.
Now, close theRegistry Editorwindow and right-click the desktop to set up a new folder.

If youcan’t access the Registry, we have an expert article that will help you fix that problem right away.

2. Uninstall problematic applications

If the problem started happening soon after you installed a new app, try uninstalling it. Some apps may interfere with File Explorer.

3. Run an SFC scan

Running the SFC tool will identify and fix file corruption. Alternatively, you can use adedicated toolto get your system files back to normal.

4. Use Command Prompt to create a directory

After doing that, you should be able to create new directories without any issues. Several users reported that they managed to fix the problem simply by using Command Prompt to create a new folder on their PC.

5. Run a System Restore

Restoring your PCto a point when the new folder option was working well can get rid of the error.

6. Remove problematic updates

Sometimes an update can cause this problem to occur, and if that’s the case, you can roll it back.

7. Reset File Explorer

8. Perform a clean boot

Third-party apps running in the background are among the major causes of this issue. Performing a cleaning boot starts your system with only the required processes.

Now, you can try creating the new folder again.

9. Disable controlled folder access

So those are our solutions to effectively fix and restore new folder options if you can’t create new folders on your Windows PC.

Feel free to let us know if you were able to fix this issue with any of our solutions in the comment below.

Fix: Can’t Create New Folder in Windows [Option Unavailable]#

What to do if you can’t create a new folder in Windows#

1. Edit the Registry manually#

2. Uninstall problematic applications#

3. Run an SFC scan#

4. Use Command Prompt to create a directory#

5. Run a System Restore#

6. Remove problematic updates#

7. Reset File Explorer#

8. Perform a clean boot#

9. Disable controlled folder access#