Add Mac OS X’s 'New Folder With Selection' Feature to Windows

If you’ve ever used Mac OS X, you might be familiar with its handy feature that allows you to create a new folder containing selected files with just a click. This feature streamlines organizing files and saves time, especially when managing large sets of data. Windows doesn’t have this feature built-in, but with a few simple steps, you can add similar functionality to your context menu. This guide walks you through how to achieve this, enabling you to right-click and instantly create a folder with your selected files, mimicking the Mac experience. Before starting, ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows PC, as you’ll need to edit system registry entries. No additional software is necessary, just a text editor like Notepad and a bit of patience.

What You’ll Need

Windows PC with administrative access
Basic knowledge of editing the Windows Registry
Notepad or any plain text editor
Optional: Backup your registry before proceeding

Step-by-Step

Backup Your Registry (Recommended): Before making any changes, it’s wise to back up your registry. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. In Registry Editor, click File > Export, choose a location, name your backup, and click Save.
Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Confirm any prompts to allow administrative access.
Navigate to Context Menu Keys: In Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\, then expand * (the key for all files). Right-click on *, select New > Key, and name it shell if it doesn’t exist.
Create a New Command Entry: Right-click on shell, select New > Key, and name it CreateFolderWithSelection (or any descriptive name). Inside this key, double-click the default value and set its data to something like New Folder with Selection.
Add Command Details: Right-click on CreateFolderWithSelection, select New > Key, and name it command. In the right pane, double-click the default value and set its data to the following command:

cmd /c "powershell -NoProfile -Command "& {New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path '%V\New Folder'}; Copy-Item -Path '%V\*' -Destination '%V\New Folder'""

Adjust the Command (Optional): The above command creates a new folder named “New Folder” and copies selected files into it. You can customize the folder name or behavior by editing the PowerShell script accordingly.
Apply and Test: Close Registry Editor. Now, select multiple files in File Explorer, right-click, and look for the new context menu item (e.g., “New Folder with Selection”). Click it, and a new folder should be created containing your selected files.
Verify Functionality: Confirm that the folder appears with the selected files inside. If it doesn’t work as expected, revisit your registry entries for typos or permission issues.

Common Mistakes

Editing the registry without backing up can cause system issues. Always back up first.
Incorrect path or syntax errors in the command can prevent the feature from working properly.
Not running Registry Editor with administrator privileges may restrict changes.
Assuming the command will work on all file types; some files may require specific handling.
Forgetting to refresh or restart Explorer after registry edits can prevent changes from appearing immediately.

Tips

Test your registry changes on a non-critical folder to avoid potential data loss.
Use descriptive names for your registry keys to keep track of customizations.
Consider creating a script or batch file if you plan to do this frequently across multiple computers.
If you want to include subfolders or more complex behavior, extend your PowerShell script accordingly.
Regularly update your backup before making further registry modifications.

Troubleshooting

New menu item does not appear: Ensure you correctly added the registry keys under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\* ext. Restart Windows Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding Windows Explorer, and clicking Restart.
The command runs but does not create the folder: Check the syntax of your PowerShell command. Run it separately in PowerShell to test.
Files are not copied into the new folder: Verify the paths and permissions. Make sure the selected files are accessible and not in use.
Permission issues: Run Registry Editor as administrator and ensure your user account has necessary rights.
If problems persist, revert the registry changes by importing your backup and try again step-by-step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the folder name created? Yes, modify the PowerShell script in the registry command to set your preferred folder name.
Will this work for folders, or only files? The method is primarily for files; creating folders with multiple subfolders requires a more complex script.
Is this safe to do on my system? When done carefully and with a registry backup, it is safe. Always backup before editing.
Can I revert this change later? Yes, delete the registry keys you added or restore your backup.
Does this work on all Windows versions? It should work on Windows 10 and later versions, but some registry paths may vary slightly.

By following this guide, you can bring the convenient ‘New Folder With Selection’ feature from Mac OS X to your Windows environment, making file management faster and more intuitive. Remember to proceed carefully with registry edits, and enjoy a more streamlined workflow.

Add Mac OS X’s ‘New Folder With Selection’ Feature to Windows