Working with files in Windows can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when you need to view or edit the same file in two separate windows. Whether you’re using Microsoft Excel, Word, or any other application, there are situations where opening the same file in two windows can greatly enhance your productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore five step-by-step solutions to help you achieve this task seamlessly. So, let’s dive into the world of file management and discover how you can open the same file in two windows.
Open Same Excel File in Two Windows Using Excel
Microsoft Excel offers a straightforward method to open the same Excel file in two separate windows. This can be incredibly useful when you want to compare or work with different parts of the same spreadsheet simultaneously. Here’s how you can do it:
- Launch Microsoft Excel and open the Excel file you want to work on.
- Click on the “View” tab in the ribbon.
- Look for the “New Window” option in the “Window” group and click on it.
- A new instance of the same Excel file will open in a separate window.
- You can now arrange and size the windows as per your preference and work on different parts of the same file simultaneously.
This method is efficient and built into Excel for easy access to the same file in two windows.
Open Same Excel File in Two Windows Using File Explorer
Another way to open the same Excel file in two windows is by using the Windows File Explorer. This method is versatile and can be applied to various file types, not just Excel. Here’s how to do it:
- Open File Explorer (you can press “Windows Key + E” as a shortcut).
- Navigate to the location of the Excel file you want to open.
- Right-click on the file and select “Open in New Window.”
- A new File Explorer window will open with the same Excel file.
- You can now arrange and work with both windows independently.
This method allows you to open the same file in two windows without relying on the application itself.
Open Same Excel File in Two Windows Using Excel Shortcut
If you frequently need to open the same Excel file in two windows, you can create a shortcut that simplifies the process. Here’s how to set it up:
- Locate the Excel file you want to open.
- Right-click on the file and choose “Create Shortcut.”
- A shortcut to the file will appear in the same location.
- Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties.”
- In the “Target” field of the shortcut properties, add a space and then /x at the end of the file path.
For example: “C:\Path\to\YourFile.xlsx” /x - Click “OK” to save the changes.
- Now, double-clicking the shortcut will open the same Excel file in two separate windows.
This method provides a quick and convenient way to open the same file in two windows without navigating through menus.
Open Same Excel File in Two Windows Using Excel Options
Excel offers additional options to control how workbooks are displayed and opened. You can use these options to open the same file in two windows. Here’s how:
- Open Excel and go to the “File” tab.
- Click on “Options” at the bottom of the left-hand panel.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, select “Advanced” from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the “Display” section.
- Check the box that says “Show all windows in the taskbar.”
- Click “OK” to apply the changes.
- Now, when you open the same Excel file, it will appear as separate windows on the Windows taskbar.
- You can click on each window in the taskbar to view and work with different parts of the same file.
Enabling this option makes it more convenient to open the same Excel file in multiple windows.
Open Same Excel File in Two Windows Using Virtual Desktops
Windows 10 and later versions offer a feature called “Virtual Desktops,” which allows you to create multiple virtual desktop environments. This feature can be leveraged to open the same Excel file in two windows. Here’s how:
- Press “Windows Key + Tab” to open Task View.
- Click on “New Desktop” in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- A new virtual desktop will be created.
- Switch to the new virtual desktop by clicking on it.
- Open Excel in this new virtual desktop and open the desired Excel file.
- Return to your original desktop by pressing “Windows Key + Tab” again.
- Open Excel in your original desktop and open the same Excel file.
Now, you have the same Excel file open in two separate windows, each in a different virtual desktop. You can switch between virtual desktops to access and work on different parts of the same file.
Related Post:
DS4 Windows Not Working – 5 Effective Methods
How to Make VR Lenses without Lens?
VR Games for Android Without Controller – 5 Fun-To-Try
Whether you’re using Excel or any other application, the ability to open the same file in two windows can significantly enhance your productivity. In this blog post, we’ve explored five step-by-step solutions for achieving this task seamlessly. Whether you prefer using built-in features like Excel’s “New Window” option or more versatile methods like File Explorer, creating shortcuts, modifying Excel options, or leveraging virtual desktops, you now have a toolkit of techniques to open the same file in two windows with ease.
Next time you find yourself needing to compare or work on different sections of a file simultaneously, you’ll have the knowledge to do so efficiently. Mastering these methods empowers you to make the most of your Windows environment and your favorite applications, ultimately boosting your productivity and making your workflow smoother than ever before. So, go ahead and open that same Excel file in two windows – you’ve got the skills to handle it like a pro.