How to Open Folders in New Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer

What is File Explorer?

File Explorer is the built-in program on your Windows PC that helps you find, view, and manage all your files and folders. It’s like your digital filing cabinet, letting you move, copy, delete, and organize everything on your computer. Normally, opening a folder shows it in the same window, but Windows 11 is testing a way to open folders in new tabs.

Normally, opening a folder displays it in the same window. Sometimes, folders might open in entirely new windows. However, Windows 11 is testing a new capability that allows you to open folders and folder links within new tabs inside a single File Explorer window.

How to Turn On the New Tabs Feature

The Windows 11 beta feature for opening folders in new tabs resides within the operating system’s hidden settings. Activating this functionality requires a small utility named ViVeTool. ViVeTool is a program that helps users turn on hidden Windows features not yet available to everyone.

Steps to enable new tabs:

1. Download and install ViVeTool. Follow this guide: How to use ViVeTool.
2. 🔒 Requires admin privileges: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Click the ⊞ Start menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type this command and press Enter: vivetool /enable /id:48525682
4. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the change.

Change Folder Settings to Open in New Tabs

After enabling the new tab feature in File Explorer, you can adjust settings to control how folders open. Open File Explorer, then click the three dots in the top right corner and select ‘Options’. Under the ‘General’ tab, look for the ‘Browse folders’ section. Here, you can choose to ‘Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab’ and then click ‘OK’.

1. Open 📁 File Explorer.
2. Click the three dots (More options) at the top right, then select Options.
3. Under the General tab, find the Browse folders section.
4. Select the option: Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab.
5. Click OK to save your settings.

Alternative: Use Windows Registry to Change Folder Behavior

For those comfortable with more advanced settings, you can use the Windows Registry to manage File Explorer’s tab behavior. First, press ⊞ Win+R, type ‘regedit’, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor (a database for Windows settings). You will then need to navigate to a specific folder path: Computer\🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer.copy

1. 🔒 Requires admin privileges: Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
2. Go to this folder path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
3. 🖱️ Right-click on Explorer, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it OpenFolderInNewTab.
4. Double-click the new OpenFolderInNewTab value and set it to 1 to turn on the new tabs feature.
5. Set it to 0 if you want to turn it off later.
6. Close Registry Editor and 🔄 restart your PC.

Summary

• New feature: Open folders and links in tabs inside 📁 File Explorer.
• Requires ViVeTool: You need this tool to turn the feature on in Windows 11 beta.
• Easy to configure: Use Folder Options or the Registry to enable or disable it .
• Better file management: Keep your folders organized and switch between them faster.
• Helpful links: Check the guides above for detailed instructions.

Windows 11 is testing a new feature allowing you to open folders and links in separate tabs within a single File Explorer window. You’ll need the ViVeTool to enable this feature on Windows 11 beta versions. Once enabled, you can manage tab behavior using Folder Options or the Windows Registry for better file management and quicker switching between folders.