How to open folder in new vs code instance by right clicking on the folder in the existing vs code instance?

less than a minute read 06-10-2024
How to open folder in new vs code instance by right clicking on the folder in the existing vs code instance?


Open Folder in a New VS Code Instance with a Right Click

Want to open a new folder in a fresh VS Code instance without needing to manually open a new window? This simple trick will save you time and improve your workflow.

The Problem:

You're working on a project in VS Code but need to open another folder in a separate instance. Currently, the only way to do this is to manually open a new VS Code window. This can be tedious, especially if you frequently switch between projects.

Solution:

You can easily open a folder in a new VS Code instance by right-clicking the folder in your existing VS Code window and utilizing a simple command.

Here's how:

  1. Open your desired folder in VS Code: Navigate to the folder you want to open in a new instance using the "File" -> "Open Folder" menu option.
  2. Right-click the folder: In the Explorer pane, right-click the folder you want to open in a new instance.
  3. Select "Open in New Window": You'll find a menu item called "Open in New Window". Select this option.

That's it! VS Code will launch a brand new instance with the selected folder open, allowing you to work on both projects simultaneously without any interference.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Customizing the Command: You can customize this command to suit your preferences by using the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P) and searching for "Open Folder in New Window". This allows you to assign a keyboard shortcut for quicker access.
  • Using the Terminal: If you're comfortable with the command line, you can use the "code" command in the Terminal to open folders in new VS Code windows. Simply type code <folder path> in your Terminal to open the specified folder in a new instance.

Why This Matters:

Opening folders in new instances offers several benefits:

  • Improved Organization: Keep separate projects organized and independent of each other.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Work on multiple projects simultaneously without the clutter of a single window.
  • Resource Management: Limit the impact of resource-intensive projects on other open projects.

By adopting this simple technique, you can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity in VS Code.