By Lydia | Last Updated
Windows 11 introduces File Explorer Tabs since 22H2, enhancing multitasking and organization for users managing multiple folders simultaneously. Here’s a guide on how to enable, use, and disable tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11.
1. Update Windows System: Ensure your system is updated to Windows 11 22H2 or later, as this feature is specific to the new operating system.
2. Open File Explorer: Launch File Explorer by clicking on its icon in the taskbar or pressing <Win + E> on your keyboard.
Tabs File Explorer windows 11 allow for better organization and navigation:
To open a new tab, click on the "+" icon next to an existing tab or use <Ctrl + T> as a shortcut. If you want to open specific folder in the tab, right-click on the folder, and choose "Open in new tab".
Just simply clicking on them. Each tab retains its own folder view and browsing history, making it easy to switch contexts without losing your place.
Use <Ctrl + Tab> to cycle through open tabs and <Ctrl + Shift + Tab> to cycle backwards. Besides <Ctrl + num> can take you to specific tab. For example, press <Ctrl + 3> to jump to the third tab.
Note: When switching to respective tabs, ensure to use the regular number keys on the keyboard's top row, not the numeric keypad on the right side.
You can also drag the tab to reorder the tabs in the tabs bar. To move files to another tab, drag the file to the target tab, and hold the click until put it to the folder.
Press <Ctrl + W> or click the "x" on the right side of the tab. If the File Explorer window has only one tab remaining and you close it, the entire window will close.
For more options, right-click on the tab, you can choose to "Close tab", "Close other tabs", "Close tabs to the right".
By default, when you open the file explorer or a new tab, windows will open Home folder, which including Quick access, favorites, recently used projects. To change it, follow steps:
Step 1: Click on the "…" in the bar, then select Options.
Step 2: Open the "General" tab in Folder Options Windows, and click "Open File Explorer to", choose "Home", "This PC" in your need. You can also select "OneDrive" if you've logged into it.
Step 3: Click on "OK" to save changes. Reopen the File Explorer to view if it takes effects.
There isn't a built-in option to disable tabs in File Explorer through settings. However, you can access to Windows 10 File explorer in Windows 11 with Control Panel.
Steps: Firstly open the Control Panel, then press Alt key and click on up arrow at the same time.
Note: The Windows 10 File Explorer will be disabled when you close the Window.
ExplorerPatcher is user-friendly tool to help you Switch between Windows 10 and 11 work environments, including taskbar, system tray, start menu, and File Explorer.
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub, run the exe file to install it.
Step 2: Type "Properties (ExplorerPatcher)", press Enter.
Step 3: Turn to File Explorer option, click on "Control Interface", Select "Windows 10 Ribbon" from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Reopen File Explorer. The Windows 11 File Explorer tab has been disabled and reverted to the Windows 10 style.
Tips: If you wish to restore the Windows 11 style, just click on the "Settings and uninstall" option, then "Uninstall Explorer Patcher."
