- There are several methods to open multiple instances of an app in Windows 11, from native settings to specialized programs.
- Sandboxie and similar tools allow applications to run in isolated environments, making it easier to use multiple accounts or configurations.
- The integration of apps Android and virtual desktops further expand the possibilities of multitasking in Windows 11.
Starting to work in Windows 11 and realizing that you need to open the same app multiple times is more common than it seems. Many users manage multiple accounts or need to try different configurations, but are frustrated that the operating system doesn't intuitively allow this in all programs. Have you ever encountered the classic error message because the app is already in use? You're not alone, and yes, there are both simple and advanced solutions that can get you out of trouble, even for cases you thought were impossible.
In this article we explain all the practical and Tricks detailed instructions for opening multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11. If you're looking for how-tos for desktop software, web apps, or even Android apps, you've come to the right place! We've reviewed the best sources available and added some extra tips to help you work faster, stay more organized, and take full advantage of Windows 11 without wasting time or complicating your life.
Why can opening multiple instances of an application be useful?
The ability to run more than one window or session of the same program simultaneously is not a mere whim. In practice, it is a feature that increases productivity and flexibility in everyday life:
- Managing multiple accounts in messaging apps or social networks. For example, using two accounts on Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp or Gmail at the same time.
- Perform testing or configuration tasks with different profilesThis is essential for developers, technicians, or users who want to compare settings without waiting or rebooting.
- Compare data or work with different documents in parallel within the same application, like the databases in the same software or several browsers with independent sessions.
- Avoid logging out and losing informationSwitching between accounts or settings without logging out or restarting each time saves a lot of time.
Windows 11, although very advanced in window management and multitasking, Having multiple independent copies of the same program isn't always easy. Therefore, it's worth knowing the most effective methods and tools available.
Native Windows 11 methods: organization and multitasking
Before getting into more technical solutions, it's worth reviewing the built-in tools Windows 11 offers for managing windows and tasks. While these options don't always allow you to duplicate processes (due to limitations in some applications), they do make organization much easier if you want to work with multiple open windows of the same software, such as File Explorer, some editors, or browsers.
- Snap Layouts: Windows 11 has significantly improved the window snapping feature. You can drag any window to an edge or corner to fit it in half, third, or square of the screen, and quickly arrange other apps in the remaining gaps.
- Space Assistant: When you snap a window, thumbnails of other open windows are displayed, allowing you to easily choose which one to share the workspace with. This is an almost indispensable visual aid.
- Task View and Virtual Desktops: Using the 'Windows + Tab' shortcut, you can view all open windows, move applications to different virtual desktops, and even open an application on different desktops if the application allows it. This is especially useful for separating work contexts.
- Alt+Tab: The classic quick switcher to jump between open applications quickly.
However, these functions depend on the application supporting multiple windows open simultaneously. For tools such as Word, Excel, web browsers, calculators, etc., it works perfectly. But in more limited apps, like some messaging programs or older tools, you'll only be able to open one session. This is where advanced tricks and methods come into play.
Opening multiple instances of the same application: specialized methods
If the software you're using doesn't support running multiple windows or sessions out of the box, you have several options for "cloning" applications or isolating processes and running multiple independent sessions. These are the most effective and well-known today:
1. Sandboxie: Run apps in isolated spaces and multiple copies
Sandboxie is a popular solution for running multiple instances of an application that normally only allows one. The sandbox concept creates a secure, isolated environment within your system, allowing you to launch any program as if it were a separate installation, without affecting the rest of your PC.
- Download and installation: You can get Sandboxie Plus (this is the version that keeps getting updated). Once installed, you'll see the option to "Run in Sandboxie" when you right-click any executable or shortcut. More details about sandbox applications.
- How to use: Find the program you want to duplicate (for example, your messaging app), right-click it, and select the option to run in sandbox. For convenience, if you don't see the shortcut, go to the Start menu, select "Open file location," and repeat the process.
- What happens inside the sandbox? In the taskbar, the window will appear like any other, although it usually displays a yellow border if you hover over it with the mouse. Within the sandbox, any files created or modified exist only there; when you close the sandbox, everything is deleted (unless you manually save the files outside of it).
- Run multiple instances: You can create more than one sandbox to launch as many copies of an app as you need. You can even install software from scratch within a new sandbox, which is perfect for emulating different configurations or accounts.
This method is very powerful, although it requires a little learning. It's ideal for both advanced users and those who just need to duplicate an app occasionally. It also keeps your system safe from compromise if you're testing files from dubious sources.
2. Use the web version of an app and different accounts
Many of today's most widely used apps have web versions that are just as functional as the desktop versions. This allows you to open one session in the software installed on your PC and a different session in your browser, or even multiple sessions in different browsers.
- Practical example: For apps like Discord, you can log in to the installed app for one account and log in to the browser with another. The same goes for WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Gmail, etc.
- Incognito or private windows: If you need more different sessions, you can open an incognito window (in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) and log in with a different account, without mixing cookies or session data.
- Advanced management with browser profiles: Chrome and other browsers allow you to create user profiles, making it easy to open multiple, completely independent windows with different settings and logins. This also allows you to manage different accounts on websites and apps.
This method is quick, easy and does not require installing anything extra. It's especially useful for online services and cloud or messaging apps, although it doesn't work for all traditional desktop software.
3. External utilities to clone and manage multiple accounts
There are specific tools designed to centralize the management of multiple accounts or instances of productivity apps. These programs act as "app boxes" allowing you to add multiple apps and accounts and use them simultaneously from a single interface:
- Franz, Stack, Rambox: These platforms allow you to add services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and Gmail, and easily switch between different accounts for each. They're very useful if you manage work and personal life or multiple businesses from a single computer.
- Payment and functionality: Most offer free plans with basic features and paid plans for unlimited and advanced use. If you use many accounts daily, the investment may be worth it.
In addition to making life easier for those who work with multiple services, these utilities help avoid the classic problem of logging out and losing notifications or information.
4. Methods integrated into certain apps
Some productivity or messaging programs already include the option to manage multiple accounts from the same interface in their latest versions. For example:
- Slack: It allows you to switch between different workspaces from a side switcher, without having to open multiple versions.
- Telegram Desktop: Includes the option to add multiple accounts and switch between them from user settings.
- Microsoft Teams and Outlook: They have also implemented multi-account management to avoid opening a new instance each time.
Don't forget to check if your app already has this feature. Sometimes, a simple update can give you that extra bit of convenience you've been looking for.
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