So you go to create a new folder in Windows 7, usually in Windows Explorer by clicking on the New Folder button. Nothing happens. So you right-click on the screen, and New Folder isn’t there anymore. What?

This can happen after installing and uninstalling specific applications that affect creating folders. Sometimes an application will install other apps (this is called shovelware) and these other apps can remove the create new folder functionality, inadvertently or purposely.

This might a registry edit to fix. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it.

Easy Method

Before that, let’s see if a simpler solution will work.

1. Open a Windows Explorer window by clicking on a folder
2. Click Organize
3. Click Folder and Search Options
4. Click View
5. Under Advanced Settings, select Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process
6. Click OK

Sometimes, this issue can be solved through Folder Options.

Now, click on an empty area, then click New, and see if Folder appears again. If not, we’ll have to apply a more technical solution.

First Registry Method

Open the registry editor. We have an article for more info on the Windows Registry, if this seems daunting. Remember to be very careful with what you do here.

1. Click Start
2. Click Run
3. Type regedit and press Enter
4. Click the little arrow next to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
5. Scroll down until you find Folder and click on it
6. Right click on each of the entries under Name and click Modify…
7. Here’s what each of them should have under Value Data.

   (Default) should contain Folder

   EditFlags should contain d2 03 00 00

   FullDetails should contain:

   prop:System.PropGroup.Description;System.ItemNameDisplay;System.ItemType;System.Size

   ThumbnailCutoff should contain dword:00000000

   TileInfo should contain prop:System.Title;System.PropGroup.Description;System.ItemType

8. After you’re done, click View, then Refresh to verify your changes. This should bring back the Folder menu when you right click or click New Folder.

This is the part of the Registry Editor you’re looking for.

Another Registry Method

If this doesn’t work, try clicking through the registry to the following folder:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\New\

Under (Default), look for the following:

D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719

If the above value is not present:

1. Right click (Default)
2. Click Modify…
3. enter the above text under Value Data

Modify the value with the text provided.

One or both of these approaches should work for restoring proper folder functionality to Windows 7. Good luck!

Remember, future registry issues can always be worked out with a good registry clean from Registry Reviver. Good luck!