How to Open Folders in New Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer
Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer let you open multiple folders inside one single window instead of cluttering your screen with separate pop-ups. This feature works just like tabs in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, helping you move files between folders much faster.
Microsoft added tab support to File Explorer in version 22H2, replacing the old method of opening a brand-new window for every single folder. You can drag tabs around, close them with a middle mouse click, or right-click a folder to open it in a brand-new tab right away.
Right-click a folder and select “Open in new tab.” You can also hold Ctrl while double-clicking a folder. This allows you to manage multiple locations within a single File Explorer window.
What is File Explorer?
File Explorer acts as the built-in program on your Windows PC to find, view, and manage files and folders. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet for organizing everything on your drive. Windows 11 tests alternative methods for viewing directories, introducing tabs alongside traditional window behavior.
Standard folder launching displays content within the active window, though certain shortcuts occasionally spawn separate instances. Preview builds introduce the option to render folders and directory shortcuts inside tabs housed within a single master window.
How to Turn On the New Tabs Feature
Testing unreleased features requires access to experimental operating system parameters. Activating this hidden capability requires ViVeTool, a small utility designed to unlock unreleased Windows features.
Steps to enable new tabs:
Obtaining the tabbed interface requires downloading the free ViVeTool utility. Launching Command Prompt with elevated privileges follows the download, requiring a Start menu search for cmd, followed by a right-click and selection of Run as administrator.- Download and install ViVeTool. Follow this guide: How to use ViVeTool.
- 🔒 Requires admin privileges: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Click the Start menu , type
cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. - In the Command Prompt window, type this command and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:48525682 - Restart your computer to apply the change.
Change Folder Settings to Open in New Tabs
Tab functionality unlocks configuration choices controlling folder behavior. Accessing the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of File Explorer reveals the Options panel. Navigating to the General tab exposes the Browse folders section, where selecting Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab establishes the workflow before clicking OK.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three dots (More options) at the top right, then select Options.
- Under the General tab, find the Browse folders section.
- Select the option: Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab.
- Click OK to save your settings.
Alternative: Use Windows Registry to Change Folder Behavior
Manual registry modification provides an alternative configuration route for advanced users. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor (a hierarchical database storing low-level operating system settings). Locating the target requires traversing to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer.
- 🔒 Requires admin privileges: Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor. - Go to this folder path:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer - Right-click on Explorer, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it
OpenFolderInNewTab. - Double-click the new
OpenFolderInNewTabvalue and set it to 1 to turn on the new tabs feature. - Set it to 0 if you want to turn it off later.
- 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.
Preview builds of Windows 11 incorporate experimental tab support inside File Explorer. Deploying ViVeTool unlocks these dormant capabilities on supported test machines. Final configuration occurs through graphical folder settings or direct registry tweaks to streamline navigation workflows.
How to get tabs back in File Explorer?
Launch the Start menu, locate File Explorer, open the application, and select a target directory.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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