After thoroughly investigating this issue, we realized several underlying causes might trigger this error on Windows 11. Here’s a list of potential culprits that you should be aware of: Now that we went over every potential reason why you might be experiencing this problem, let’s visit every confirmed fix that other affected users have successfully used to get to the bottom of this issue:
1. Create a new folder via CMD
If you’re in a rush and you don’t have the time to spend troubleshooting the root cause that prevents you from creating new folders on Windows 11, one quick workaround is to create the folder from an elevated CMD prompt. IMPORTANT: This will not allow you to fix the root cause of the issue. Only use this fix if you’re in a hurry. If you want to fix the issue permanently, try the other methods below. If you want to use this workaround, follow the instructions below: If this terminal workaround didn’t fix the issue in your case, move down to the following method below.
2. Run the File & Folder Troubleshooter
You are likely dealing with a permission problem if none of the techniques mentioned in the guide above have enabled you to create a new folder on your Windows 11 computer. You should try running the File & Folder troubleshooter (if you’re using Windows 11) if this scenario seems like it could be relevant. Note: This troubleshooting tool has several automatic repair techniques that may be able to resolve the strange problem that prevents you from creating new folders on your Windows system. The utility will automatically try to fix any issues already addressed by a repair plan if they are discovered. Follow the steps outlined below to give this strategy a try: If the problem is still not fixed, move to the following method below.
3. Make sure that you have Full Control over the parent folder
As it turns out, another scenario that might cause this type of issue is when the main folder where you try to create the sub-folder doesn’t have enough permissions. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem by right-clicking on the main folder and modifying the permissions from the Properties screen so that you have Full Control and Read permissions. Note: This method will be practical ins situations where you only experience this issue with specific locations, and you can create folders generally in the remaining directories. Follow the instructions below to make sure you have complete control over the parent folder: If the same problem is still occurring, move to the following method below.
4. Reset the current folder view
If modifying the permissions didn’t fix the issue in your case, the next thing you should do is see if this problem is related to a Folder setting that you previously established for your OS. Several affected users that we’re dealing with the same kind of issue have confirmed that they managed to fix the issue by accessing the File Explorer Options section and resetting every folder setting via the associated button. For step-by-step instruction on how to do this, follow the steps below: If you cannot create new folders on Windows 11, try the following fix below.
5. Create a New User Account
The corruption in your Windows profile might also be the root of this problem. Users who were having trouble creating new folders on Windows 11 have reported that the issue has been resolved after switching to a local Microsoft account. It should be noted that applying this strategy will ultimately lead to the deletion of any contaminated dependencies connected to your active user profile. As soon as you open a native Windows application, sign in using the newly created local user account for your Windows installation by following the steps below: If the same issue is still occurring, move down to the following method below.
6. Deploy SFC and DISM scan
System file corruption is also confirmed to cause this type of folder creation problem on Windows 11. Most of the time, Windows 11 users with low-end PCs and limited system resources experience issues with folder creation. System file checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can be used to find the damaged files at the root of the problem and replace them with functioning copies. Even though these two tools have many traits, they approach corruption removal in distinct ways. SFC utilizes a locally stored archive, while DISM needs to use a Windows Update sub-component. Our recommendation is to start with an SFC scan. Restart your machine when the initial SFC scan is complete, then do a DISM scan. Note: Ensure your Internet connection is consistent before starting the DISM procedure. If any of these tools effectively identify and resolve an underlying corrupt issue, replace corrupted files by following the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer after completing the DISM scan to see if the issue has been resolved. Continue to the suggested solution below if the same issue is still present.
7. Fix the Registry Inconsistency
If you’ve come this far without a viable fix, you should consider enforcing a registry fix that many affected users have successfully used to fix the folder creation on Windows 11. This method involves creating a new key under ContextMenuHandlers named New Key and modifying the Default value with custom Value data that effectively resets the folder creation functionality. Note: Our recommendation is to back up your registry in advance before following the instructions below. This will allow you to revert back to the previous state in case you make a mistake during this procedure. Follow the instructions below to apply the registry fix: If you cannot create new folders, move down to the following method below.
8. Disable Controlled Folder Access
As it turns out, you can also have trouble creating new folders due to an AV setting (Controlled folder access) preventing you from creating folders in specific locations. Note: Your data is safeguarded by controlled folder access, which compares programs to a database of well-known, dependable apps. While this setting is good in theory, it sometimes hinders Windows 11 users from creating folders in specific ‘sensitive’ locations. If you only have problems creating new folders in specific locations and you’re using Windows Defender (Windows Security), follow the instructions below to disable Controlled Folder Access in your AV settings: If the same problem is still occurring, move down to the following method below.
9. Perform a Clean Boot
Whether third-party programs and services are configured to run at every startup on your Windows 11 PC, your inability to create new folders may be indirectly caused by software you previously installed. To check whether this notion is correct, reach a clean boot state and see if the problem goes away. It’s conceivable that a third party is tampering with your computer and generating this behavior if you only sometimes experience this problem. The best course of action is to conduct a clean boot and then gradually activate each service, initial item, or process until you locate the perpetrator – it’s virtually impossible to compile an exhaustive list of all likely offenders. In this situation, starting in clean boot mode and going through a series of steps to look for a software conflict and locate the problematic service or process should be able to resolve the problem. Note: Your computer will launch without any third-party services, processes, or starting items to offer a clean boot state and perhaps prevent the formation of this issue. To achieve this clean boot condition, follow the step-by-step directions in this article. If obtaining a clean boot state didn’t improve your situation, go to the technique afterward.
10. Perform a repair install or clean install
If none of the above-mentioned potential fixes were successful for you, it’s almost certain that the folder creation problem may result from system file corruption. If you find yourself in this circumstance, you have two alternatives for going forward:
Repair install – If you have the means, we suggest beginning here. You may update your system files using this method without harming your individual files or installations.Clean install – Complete a clean install is the best choice if you wish to start again. However, keep in mind that if you take this action, you should be prepared to lose any private information on the OS disk (including media, games, documents, and applications)
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