How to Switch Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer

File Explorer 📁 tabs in Windows 11 let you open multiple folders inside a single window so you can organize your screen and find files faster. Microsoft introduced this tabbed layout in late 2022 to replace the old method of opening dozens of separate windows.

Switching between open tabs takes a simple click on the tab at the top of the window, or a quick press of the Ctrl+Tab keys. You can keep several directories open at the same time to copy files or check documents without cluttering your desktop.

Switch between multiple tabs with File Explorer in 🪟 Windows 11

You can quickly switch tabs File Explorer 📁 windows by clicking directly on the tab you want at the top of the window, or by pressing Ctrl plus Tab on your keyboard to cycle through open folders one by one. This lets you jump between different folders without opening multiple separate windows on your screen.

Here’s how to switch between tabs when multiple are open in File Explorer 📁.

First, open File Explorer 📁 or use the shortcut key combination: Windows key + E.

While File Explorer 📁 is open, press CTRL + T to open a new tab.

You can also click the Add new tab (+) button on the title bar. Alternatively, right-click on a folder and select Open in new tab, as shown below.

Switching between open tabs takes a click of the mouse, or a quick keystroke. Clicking the target tab with the mouse brings it into view immediately.

For keyboard shortcuts, press CTRL + 1 through 9 to jump directly to one of the first nine tabs from left to right.

Cycling through adjacent tabs works best with CTRL + Tab to move right.

Using CTRL + SHIFT + Tab shifts focus to the previous tab on the left.

That should cover it!

Conclusion:

• To switch between tabs in File Explorer, you can use keyboard shortcuts like CTRL + 1 through 9 to access the first nine tabs, or use the CTRL + Tab and CTRL + SHIFT + Tab combination to navigate between tabs.
• The introduction of tabs in File Explorer in Windows 11 enhances productivity and enables simultaneous work across multiple folder locations.
• We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into efficiently navigating and utilizing the tab feature within File Explorer.