Most of the time when I open a part file (or assembly) from Windows Explorer, a new instance of SolidWorks is created. To exonerate those who doubt the integrity of my statement, I'll provide evidence that a new instance of SolidWorks is, in fact, being created. Here's one scenario:

1. I open an assembly (or part), from Windows Explorer.
2. I then proceed to open another file from Windows Explorer.
3. This second file is opened in another instance of SolidWorks which is verified by the inability to switch between the two files from within SolidWorks' Window drop-down menu.

One thing to note though, is this doesn't happen all the time. That's the part that I've been having trouble to pinpoint is sometimes it opens within one instance, and other times it doesn't. If I can find a specific case where this does and doesn't happen, then I'm sure we can figure out a solution.

This also sometimes happens when I right-click on a part from within an assembly and click Open Part.

Of course there are workarounds to this:

• I could drag and drop these files into my SolidWorks session while I have my assembly/part, but the problem with that is I don't necessarily want the item I'm trying to open be inserted into my assembly/part (only opened).
• I could go to File->Open and find my part and open it, but the problem there is I prefer Windows Explorer's navigation system and it's less inconvenient.
• And some other obscure ways that I can't quite think of as of now.

I'm not looking for a workaround per se, but some advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.