Do you have a frustrating number of File Explorer windows open on your Windows 11 computer? Lucky for you, Microsoft has added a tabs feature to Windows 11 File Explorer. With this feature, you can use tabs to organize several drives and folders, similar to a web browser, with different open websites accessible under one window.
If you have Windows 11 22H2 or higher, you can utilize tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer. Read this blog to learn more.
Does Windows 11 Have Tabs?
Yes, it does have tabs as long as the version is right. The File Explorer tabs feature is automatically present in Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher. If you don’t see them, make sure that you have version 22H2. If you don’t, update your computer. This can be checked by using the Run dialog box.
Using File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11
After installing version 22H2 or above, you can utilize tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11. It is a simple feature and saves time. What’s more, it’s as simple as disabling file and folder check boxes.
How to Utilize Tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11
- Open File Explorer by tapping on the folder icon.
- Press the “+” button or Add new tab to launch a new tab. For this purpose, the keyboard shortcut is Ctrl + T.
- Users can go to another drive or folder when the new tab launches. Keep launching tabs and go to the locations you want to access.
- Closing a tab is the same as closing them on a web browser. For this purpose, go to the tab you want to close and tap on the X icon. Alternatively, click on Ctrl + W.
- Users can also right-click on a tab and pick Close tab.
How to Launch Folders in a New Tab in File Explorer on Windows 11
Another useful feature is launching a folder in a new tab. This enables you to open the folder’s content in a new tab rather than a different explorer.
- Open a New Folder:
- Right-click on a folder and choose Open in a new tab from the context menu.
- The folder will open. You can see its contents in a new tab for you to access.
- Moreover, you can open folders in a new tab from the quick access panel.
Navigating Tabs in File Explorer
If you have some tabs open in File Explorer, navigating it is simple, much like managing tabs in a browser.
- Press a tab and drag it to the desired position.
- Drop the tab in the new position. Alternatively, hit Ctrl + Tab and cycle through the open tabs.
- If you have some tabs open, use the Left and Right buttons to scroll through the tabs to find the one you need.
Check Your Version of Windows 11 Through These Steps
- Hit the keyboard shortcut Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter winver and press Enter or confirm OK.
- The About Windows screen will pop up. Now, you can view the currently installed Windows version.
- If you don’t have 22H2, check Windows Update and install the most recent updates.
Quicker File Management with Tabs
This feature is the same as using tabs in a web browser and is crucial for File Explorer users. If you want to copy a file between folders, drag it to the new tab and drop it in. If you right-click and drag the file, the context menu will come up with the Copy or Move option.
Keep in mind that while using Windows 11 File Explorer tabs, you can drag them, but they cannot be dragged outside the File Explorer. Plus, Windows 11 doesn’t restrict the number of tabs you can open. Cycling through them is simple using Ctrl + Tab.
