OneDrive File Issues

How to Open Two OneDrive Folders at the Same Time

Rana Garcia Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to view two different OneDrive folders simultaneously in separate windows or tabs.

How to Open Two OneDrive Folders at the Same Time

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Comparing files, moving data, or referencing contents across multiple OneDrive directories at the same time.
Observed behavior: Requires a method to launch multiple folder instances side-by-side for simultaneous viewing.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are signed into your Microsoft OneDrive account in your web browser, or verify that your OneDrive desktop client is running and fully synced.

Solution 1Recommended

Opening Two OneDrive Folders in Web Browser Tabs

Use your web browser's native tab functionality to view multiple OneDrive folders side-by-side online.

This method is ideal if you are accessing OneDrive via a web browser and need to reference two directories without downloading the desktop application.

Sign into OneDrive

Open your preferred web browser, navigate to the OneDrive website, and log into your Microsoft account.

Locate the first folder

Navigate through your files until you find the first folder you wish to view.

Open in a new tab

Right-click on the target folder and select 'Open in new window' or 'Open in new tab' from the context menu.

Navigate to the second folder

Return to your original browser tab or window, and navigate to the second folder you want to view.

Opening Two OneDrive Folders in Web Browser Tabs

Side-by-side View: You can now drag one of the browser tabs to a separate window and snap them side-by-side on your screen for easier comparison.

Solution 2

Opening Multiple OneDrive Folders in Desktop File Explorer

If you have the OneDrive desktop app synced to your computer, you can use your native file manager to open multiple windows.

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While organizing your OneDrive folders, consider using WPS Office for a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office. WPS Office allows you to connect directly to third-party cloud drives like OneDrive, making it easy to access, edit, and save your documents in one unified workspace.

1. Download and launch: Install WPS Office and open the application on your computer.
2. Access Cloud Storage: Go to the 'Open' tab on the left navigation panel of the home screen.
3. Connect OneDrive: Click 'Add Cloud Storage', select OneDrive, and log in to edit your cloud files directly within WPS Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drag and drop files between two OneDrive tabs in a web browser?

No, standard web browsers do not support dragging files directly from one tab to another. To move files between folders in the web version, select the file, click 'Move to' or 'Copy to' on the top toolbar, and choose the destination folder.

How do I view two desktop file folders side-by-side on a Windows computer?

Open your two OneDrive folders in separate File Explorer windows. Click on the first window and press the Windows key + Left Arrow. Then, click on the second window and press the Windows key + Right Arrow to snap them side-by-side.

Is there a way to open a OneDrive folder in a new tab within Windows File Explorer?

Yes. If you are using Windows 11, File Explorer natively supports tabs. You can middle-click a folder with your mouse wheel, or right-click the folder and select 'Open in new tab' to view multiple folders within a single File Explorer window.

Document & File Issues