How to open multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11: Complete guide

¿How to open multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11? have you ever needed Open the same app multiple times on your Windows 11 PC And you haven't figured out how to do it? If you manage multiple accounts, need to compare information between two profiles, or simply want to get the most out of your device, you've probably experienced the limitations imposed by the operating system on many apps that only allow one active instance.

Luckily they exist Simple and advanced ways to run multiple instances of the same program in Windows 11, both using external tools and taking advantage of the system's own features and certain applications. We explain in a detailed and easy-to-follow manner. All the options to clone apps, open different accounts and manage your multitasking without restrictionsGet ready to revolutionize your productivity!

Why open multiple instances of an application?

In everyday life, it is common to find yourself in situations where you have to multiple windows or sessions of the same program makes a difference. You might want to:

• Using two different accounts in messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord…)
• Test settings or profiles without closing your main session
• Compare data between files opened in the same application (editing two Word documents, two spreadsheets, etc.)
• Separate work or study environments

Windows 11 It doesn't always make this task easier, but there are very effective alternatives that will allow you to achieve it without breaking your head.

Method 1: Use Sandboxie to clone and isolate applications

One of the star tools for these cases is Sandboxie plus, a utility that allows you create isolated environments or “sandboxes” where you can run any program as if it were installed for the first time.

This means that you can open a new instance of the app you need within a space separate from the rest of the system, as if you were running the same program twice on different computers.

Main advantages of Sandboxie

• Running multiple copies of the same application without affecting your main installation or personal files.
• Testing software safely before installing it permanently, since everything that happens in the “sandbox” disappears when you close it.
• Each instance is completely independent, ideal for logging in with different accounts or performing tests.

How to use Sandboxie on Windows 11?

1. Download Sandboxie Plus from its official website and complete the installation. It's recommended to leave File Explorer context menu integration enabled.
2. Find the program you want to run in dual instance (you can use the Start menu search, right-click, and select “Open file location” to find the executable).
3. Right click on the executable and choose “Run Sandboxed”A new window for that application will open, isolated from the rest.
4. Repeat the process as many times as you need to open more sessions.

Applications launched in a sandbox will display a yellow outline when you hover over the window edges, indicating that the instance is “sandboxed.” Remember that files you generate inside the sandbox can be deleted when you close the environment., so keep the important stuff out if you don't want to lose it.

Can different sandboxes be created?

YesSandboxie allows you to create as many sandboxes as you like, allowing you to run multiple instances of the same application, each in its own isolated environment. You can even install entire programs within a sandbox separate from the one on your main system.

Take advantage of web versions and browser profiles

Many applications have made the jump to the browser and offer web versions practically identical to the desktop versions. This is the case of Discord, WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, Facebook, Skype, Slack…

What does this mean? That You can open your desktop app with one account and another session in the browser., without interference between them.

• Open the desktop version of your app and log in with your primary account.
• In your browser, go to the app's website and log in with your secondary account.

Incognito windows and Chrome profiles

To go further, you can use the incognito (or private) windows from your browser to open a new session, without mixing cookies or logins. For example, you can have:

• A normal tab with your usual session.
• Another incognito window with a different account.
• Add a new Chrome “profile” to keep multiple sessions always ready without closing or opening anything.

This technique is perfect for work, studies or managing multiple accounts on a daily basis., as it allows you to switch between profiles with a couple of clicks, without compromising your privacy or interrupting your normal use.

Use tools to manage multiple accounts in apps

Some modern applications already integrate the option to switch accounts or manage multiple sessions at once.. For example: uterine

• Slack: Allows you to switch between multiple workspaces from the side menu.
• Telegram Desktop: You can add different accounts and switch between them directly from the app.

If the application does not integrate this function, there are multi-productivity utilities such as Franz, Stack or Rambox that allow you to have multiple separate applications and accounts open, organized in tabs, without session conflicts between them.

Advantages of using container applications

• Access multiple accounts of the same app at the same time.
• All web apps organized in one place.
• Greater convenience if you work with numerous chat, email, or management services.

Some of these tools require a fee if you want to take advantage of advanced features (such as notifications, synchronization, or more than 3-4 accounts), but for regular use, they can be an ideal complement.

Native Windows 11 features for advanced multitasking

We can't forget that Windows 11 integrates powerful tools to manage multitasking And while they don't allow you to clone apps, they do facilitate the workflow between multiple windows and applications.

Snap Layouts and Window Organization

The “Adjust” feature or snap layouts it allows you place multiple windows on the screen dragging them to the edges. This way, you can work with two, three, or even four windows automatically arranged, maximizing space and visual efficiency.

When you dock a window, the system will show you thumbnails of the other open windows so you can select which one to place in the remaining space. This helps you keep track of your activity without wasting time manually reorganizing.

Hotkeys to switch between windows

The mythical Alt + Tab It's still in effect. This shortcut allows you to quickly switch between all your open apps, avoiding having to go through them one by one from the taskbar.

Task view and multiple desktops

The task view (accessible from the button next to the search bar) shows you all currently active apps and windows, and allows you to create virtual desktopsThis way, you can separate your work, personal, and leisure activities, and avoid mixing windows and sessions.

You can customize these desktops, and even choose a different background for each one, so identifying what context you're in is faster than ever.

Installing two different versions of the same program

In some cases, if the application allows it, you can install different versions of the same software (for example, portable and normal versions) and run them at the same time without interference.

Not all apps support this, but if you work with browsers, text editors, or open-source tools, you can have the portable and standard installer versions running side-by-side, with separate sessions. This is another great solution for how to open multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11.

Other important options and considerations

• Many programs do not accept multiple instances. due to internal limitations, and forcing it with “tricks” can lead to errors or data corruption.
• If the app manages local databases or critical files, be careful and make backup copies if you are going to open it several times.
• Always give them clear names and separate the environments well. to distinguish your active windows and avoid confusion.
• Check if the app integrates multi-account management as standard.; it is the most comfortable and safe.

If you want more information, we leave you this guide about How do you configure the multitasking system in Windows 11?

How to open multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11: Who finds opening multiple instances of an app useful?

• Advanced users working with development, testing, and various software configurations.
• People who need simultaneous access to multiple accounts (work/personal/client) on services like Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, Gmail, Outlook, etc.
• Students, teachers, professionals and any user who wants organize your workflow more efficiently.

Applying these methods and tricks will help you get the most out of your PC, bypassing the standard limitations of Windows 11 and adapting the system to your way of working, communicating, or studying. We hope you've learned how to open multiple instances of the same app in Windows 11.