w10 Cant create a folder

Tried all the following methods, still cant create a folder.

Do I have to do a fresh install of W10?

Can’t Create a New Folder in Windows 10? Here's How to Fix It
By
Matthew Wallaker
Published Nov 27, 2021

Sometimes Windows 10 refuses to create new folders when you ask it to do so, but don't worry; it's an east fix.

If you're struggling to create a new folder in Windows 10, it can be down to several reasons. It could be that you're using an outdated Windows version, the option to create a new folder is missing, or something has damaged your system's files.

Regardless of what is causing the problem, our guide will help walk you through the steps.

1. Update Your Windows

If you also notice other issues on your computer besides not being able to create a new folder, there is a chance you are running an outdated Windows version. If you paused your Windows updates some time ago, you should give your system a chance to update.

Go to Settings > Update & Security and from the left pane select Windows Update. Then, click the Check for updates button.
Check for updates

Install the available update, restart your computer and check if you can create a new folder. If this didn’t fix the issue, move on to the other solutions.

2. Try the Keyboard Shortcut to Create a New Folder

If you can’t create a new folder using your mouse, try using the Ctrl + Shift + N keyboard shortcut. While this will not fix your problem, it is a quick workaround for your issues if you don’t want to restart or update your computer.
3. Create a New Folder via Command Prompt

Another workaround for your problem is to use Command Prompt to create a new folder. Launch Comand Prompt with administrative rights and type cd / to access the root directory. Then, type mkdir FolderName and press Enter. This will create a new folder on the (C:) drive.

4. Restart Windows Explorer

If Windows Explorer is still running some process in the background, it could stop you from creating a new folder. To fix it, you should restart it. Here is how you can do it through Task Manager:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager.  
Open the Processes tab.  
Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.  
Go to File > New task.  
Type explorer.exe.  
Click OK.  

Restart Windows Explorer

5. Run an SFC Scan

If the previous solutions didn’t help you fix the problem, there is a chance corrupted or damaged system files stop your system from working as usual. Fortunately, the System File Checker will automatically identify and replace any problematic system files.

Open Command Prompt with administrative rights, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. The scan might take a while so don’t close the Command Prompt window until you get a message that notifies you about the completed scan.
6. Check Windows Security Settings

You may have the folder creation problem because Windows Security is preventing changes to your files and folders. Follow these steps to change its settings:

Right-click Start > Settings.  
Head to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.  
Below Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.  
Click Manage Controlled folder access.  
Turn off the toggle below Controlled folder access.  

Security settings

7. Check Your Antivirus

In some cases, the antivirus might create folder-related issues on your computer. If this happens, you should disable the features regarding directory protection. As such, try disabling the antivirus and check if you can create a new folder.

Related:
How to Reconfigure Windows Defender to Better Secure Your Computer

8. Edit the Windows Registry

If none of the mentioned solutions helped you fix the issue, try editing the Windows Registry. While this isn’t the easiest fix as you have to add a new key to the registry, you should give it a try.

Press Win + R to bring up a Run dialog.  
Type regedit and click OK.  
In the Registry Editor window, navigate to Computer > HKEY\_CLASSSES\_ROOT > Directory > Background > shellex > ContextMenuHandlers.  
Right-click anywhere on the empty space on the right pane and select New > Key.  
Name it the newly created key New Key  
Select the new key, right-click Default and select Modify.  
In the Value data field, enter {D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719} and press OK.  
Restart your computer and check if you can create a new folder.  

Registry Editor
Create a New Folder Any Time

With these solutions, you can fix the folder creation issue and keep your files well organized. If you have tried anything and you still can’t create a new folder, you may go all in and reset or reinstall Window