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.

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.

SeparateProcess 1: launching folder windows in their own process

Frost LIVEWindowsProUndo: YesUpdated Oct 8, 2026View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated Oct 8, 2026

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

Run Folder Windows SeparatelyPRO

Registry

HKCUSoftware\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

SeparateProcessYour previous value1

What the switch writes. Your current value may differ.

What it does

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, and when it hurts

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

Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values the switch writes.
Key and value	With the tweak	Switching it off
HKCUSoftware\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AdvancedSeparateProcess	1	Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 0.

From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked Oct 8, 2026.

The same change by hand

You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.

Make the change · CMD

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

Put it back · CMD

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

See what it is set to now · CMD

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

How to undo it

In the app: Yes

Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

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.

Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.

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.

In the app