Is there a shortcut to open folders up in a new window?

Hold down Ctrl and double click the file/folder to open in a new window.

You can also hold Ctrl and hit Enter on a highlighted folder to accomplish the same thing (In case you like to browse with your keyboard)

Let me know if thats what you needed!

C:\Users\USER-NAME\Downloads

in shortcut properties, the type target is 'Folder', and this open in same window, to change behavior put parameter and path in field 'Target':

before path

C:\Windows\explorer.exe /n,

like this

C:\Windows\explorer.exe /n, "C:\Users\USER-NAME\Downloads"

or

C:\Windows\explorer.exe /n, C:\Users\USER-NAME\Downloads

this change target type to application located to explorer then explorer.exe get's parameter N to open your custom path to folder in new window.

Selecting the folder on the left, ctrl + n, alt + tab, enter.

Shoutout to shaunessyqueen https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-files/is-there-a-keyboard-shortcut-to-open-a-folder-in-a/c45311d0-7948-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5?auth=1