How to open two Finder windows at a time in Big Sur

Lois Cooper wrote:

I used to be able to have two Finder windows open at a time just by typing command N in Finder. No more. When I type command N, now, Finder opens a new window, but I cannot see both windows open side by side (so I can compare windows or be able to drag a file from one window to the other). I can press the < (back) button to see the previous window. Even when I choose the new window from Finder's pulldown menu, the previous window disappears. This is maddening.

Thanks for your solutions... but please, only for Big Sur. (I'm currently using OS 1.2.3, but I'm thinking that things would not have changed much in each Big Sur update.)

You can always drag & drop from the open tab to separate a new window onto the Desktop

or

Change you user preferences Finder >Preferences>General >new window

verify you have not checked "Tabs" here:

Get to know the Finder on your Mac

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201732

See and organize your files in the Finder on Mac - Apple ...

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/finder-mchlp2605/mac

Lois Cooper wrote:

I hadn't realized there was a Preference window in the Finder menu. I followed your advice and unchecked "open folders in tabs instead of new windows." Did the trick!

Thanks for keeping me from going over the edge over this! 😊

Good computing Lois Cooper ! Glad to hear this solved your issue.