---
title: "SeparateProcess 1: launching folder windows in their own process"
description: "By default the taskbar, the desktop and every folder window run in one explorer.exe process. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/separate-process-for-folder-windows
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Windows"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# SeparateProcess 1: launching folder windows in their own process

**Short answer:** By default the taskbar, the desktop and every folder window run in one explorer.exe process. SeparateProcess set to 1 gives folder windows their own process, so a crash in one does not restart the taskbar. In the registry it sets SeparateProcess to 1 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

## In the app

- Switch: Run Folder Windows Separately (Windows, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1165

## What it does

By default the taskbar, the desktop and every folder window run in one explorer.exe process. SeparateProcess set to 1 gives folder windows their own process, so a crash in one does not restart the taskbar.

In the app the switch is called "Run Folder Windows Separately", described there as: Opens folder windows in their own process, so a crashed folder window does not take the taskbar with it. Uses a little more memory.

## When it helps

- Stability when a folder window hangs, for example on a slow network drive or a broken thumbnail.

## When it hurts

- Slightly more memory use, and folder windows open a fraction more slowly.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values:

| Key | Value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced` | `SeparateProcess` | `1` | Your previous value (saved before the change, or deleted if there was none). Windows default: 0 |

Source: Tweaks/pack_extra.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "SeparateProcess" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
```

Put it back:

```bat
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "SeparateProcess" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
```

See what it is set to now:

```bat
reg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "SeparateProcess"
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.

## Verdict

A stability option. It is not a performance tweak.

## Questions

### What does the "Run Folder Windows Separately" tweak change in Windows?

In the registry it sets SeparateProcess to 1 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

### What is the default value of SeparateProcess?

The Windows default of SeparateProcess is 0. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 1, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.

### Is "Run Folder Windows Separately" safe to switch on?

A stability option. It is not a performance tweak. The main cost: Slightly more memory use, and folder windows open a fraction more slowly.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

### Is "Run Folder Windows Separately" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/windows-11-gaming-optimization)
- [How to Increase FPS on PC: The Complete 2026 Guide](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/how-to-increase-fps-on-pc)

## More tweak explainers

- [Shutdown timeouts](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/faster-shutdown)
- [Keyboard repeat rate and delay](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/keyboard-repeat-rate-and-delay)
- [Game DVR and Game Bar](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-game-dvr)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/separate-process-for-folder-windows