How to Use New+ in Windows 11 PowerToys to Create Custom File and Folder Templates in File Explorer

Starting a new software project, financial audit, or client dossier in Windows 11 typically requires repeatedly creating empty folders, setting up standard boilerplate text files, copying template spreadsheets, and configuring directory hierarchies. While File Explorer has a native “New” context menu, it is notoriously difficult to customise with complex multi-file or folder templates. The New+ utility inside Microsoft PowerToys transforms File Explorer by allowing users to spawn customized file and folder templates with a single right-click.

Enabling New+ in PowerToys Settings

To begin creating templates, verify that PowerToys is updated to a version supporting New+:

1. Open the PowerToys Settings application from the Start menu.
2. In the left sidebar, click on New+.
3. Toggle the switch next to Enable New+ to On.
4. Review the Template location path (by default, PowerToys creates a dedicated folder at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\PowerToys\NewPlus\Templates).

Building Your Custom Template Library

Creating a template requires only placing your desired layout inside the template folder:

• Click the Open templates folder button inside PowerToys settings.
• Create a folder with your desired template name (for example, Client Project Scaffold or Monthly Budget Kit).
• Inside this folder, place the exact starter files, boilerplate markdown documents, nested subfolders, and template spreadsheets you need.
• Any file or folder hierarchy saved here instantly becomes an active template in Windows 11.

Using New+ Directly in File Explorer

Whenever you need to initialize a project anywhere on your drive:

1. Navigate to any destination folder in File Explorer.
2. Right-click an empty area and select New+ from the context menu.
3. A clean flyout menu displays your saved template structures. Click on your desired template.
4. PowerToys immediately clones the complete folder hierarchy and template assets into your current working directory.

Using New+ in Windows 11 PowerToys eliminates repetitive directory scaffolding, saving valuable setup time across daily personal and professional projects.