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

What is File Explorer?

File Explorer is the built-in Windows app that helps you manage all your files and folders. It’s where you go to find, move, copy, delete, and organize everything on your PC. In Windows 11, a new feature lets you open folders in tabs within the same File Explorer window, making it easier to switch between them.

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

This feature is tucked away in Windows 11 beta versions. To get it working, you’ll need a small utility called ViVeTool. It’s a tool that helps you activate hidden features within Windows.

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 you’ve turned on the new tab feature for File Explorer, you can choose how it works. By going into File Explorer’s Options, you can select whether desktop folders and links from outside File Explorer should open in a new tab. This setting helps you manage how your folders open.

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 advanced settings, you can use the Windows Registry to turn File Explorer tabs on or off. This involves opening the Registry Editor with administrator rights and navigating to a specific folder path. Be careful when making changes in the Registry, as incorrect edits can affect your system.

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 now lets you open folders and links in tabs within File Explorer, making file management easier. You’ll need to use ViVeTool to enable this feature, especially on beta versions. Once enabled, you can easily configure it through Folder Options or the Windows Registry to suit your workflow.