How to Open Multiple Windows of a Software

This practical guide walks through how to open multiple Windows of a software, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

1. Just re-launch the program

The easiest method to run another version of software is to simply run it again when a window is already open. This works well on browsers, Microsoft Office apps, and Windows utilities like Paint, Calculator, WordPad, Command Prompt, and even some third-party software. Note that this method is not for all software.

There are many ways to re-launch the program. From the Start menu, you can search for and click the program to launch.

You can also enter the name of the application in the search box and decide whether to open it as administrator.

For tab-based and document-based applications like Word, you can hold Shift while double-clicking the application's icon on the taskbar. A new window will automatically open for you to work with other documents.

2. Launch with Run dialog box in Windows 10

Another way to launch a Windows program is to use the Run dialog box. First, you need to find the .exe file location of the software, right click on the application shortcut on the main screen and select Open file location.

You will be taken to the software's .exe file, right-click on it and open Properties.

Highlight location and press Ctrl + C to copy.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, where you enter:

'location of the .exe' / secondary file

Press Enter and a new window of the software will be opened immediately.

3. Use Windows + Shift + Number on the taskbar

One of the fastest ways to restart a software version is to determine its number on the taskbar. You need to specify the number from left to right.

To open the new version, use the shortcut keys including Windows + Shift + Number of the application.

4. Use the web browser version of the software

If you download an app from the Microsoft Store, you'll quickly realize that the methods above don't help open the app's windows. Try to find out if apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store have web browser versions.

Once there, your job is simply to open the browser incognito tab and go to the website of the software and use it as a second window.

Above are some ways to help you open multiple windows of a software. Of course, not all software supports that. If you cannot apply the above methods, try to use the virtual machine and open the software inside it.