How to Switch Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer

File Explorer 📁 tabs in Windows 11 let you open multiple folders inside one single window, just like tabs in a web browser. Microsoft added this tabbed layout to File Explorer 📁 in late 2022 to help you organize open folders without cluttering your screen.

Switching between these tabs takes just a single click on the folder tab at the top of the window, or a quick press of the Ctrl+Tab keys on your keyboard. You can keep several folders open at once to copy files or check documents much faster.

Switch between multiple tabs with File Explorer in 🪟 Windows 11

Tabs sit right on the title bar of Windows 11 File Explorer 📁 to help manage several folder locations at once.

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.