Tab support is one of the most requested feature which Microsoft added in File Explorer of Windows 10, but later canceled it for unknown reason. When Microsoft announced Windows 11, users were expecting tab support in file explorer. However, Microsoft did not added this feature in Windows 11.
The huge request from users forced Microsoft to change their mind and as a result they bring File Explorer tabs back in Windows 11 build 22572. It seems like feature is not ready yet and due to this reason its disabled for all insiders in dev channel.
Enable or Add File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11 22572 – (Right now)
In case, you’re running the same Windows 11 build and want to try File Explorer Tabs right now, then you can enable it manually. Learn how to enable hidden features in Windows 11 using ViveTool GUI or follow instructions shared below:
Here’s how you can do that:
Download ViveTool GUI tool from Github and extract the zip file to obtain the required files.
Run ViveTool_GUI file and when UAC dialog box appear, click Yes to continue.
Select build 22572 from upper left corner.
Once all features available in the same build are loaded. In Search box available, type this 34370472 feature ID.
When File Explorer Tabs feature appear in search results, select it and then using Perform action drop-down select Activate feature.
Once dialog appear with message that Successfully set the feature confirms that feature is enabled.
Now, relaunch File Explorer and you will start seeing the Tabs in File Explorer.
As of now, this is the only way to activate File Explorer Tabs features in Windows 11. It is highly possible that, the company will roll out same feature to all users soon.
For Windows 11 users running the stable build, then users can easily customize file explorer and enable tab support in Windows 11 using a third-party tool from the Microsoft store. For that, you will need to download and install the Files app from the Microsoft Store.
Files is a 3rd party app that allows you to customize your file explorer in Windows 11. The app is not developed by Microsoft, but you can use it as it is safe to use.
Enable File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11 & Windows 11 using Files Apps
Note – The method discussed below also helps in enabling Tab Support in Windows 1 as well.
Open Microsoft Store app from the taskbar or setting app.
Search for Files app in the Microsoft Store and when it appears in search results, click to open it.
Click on the Get button to download and install the app on your PC.
Once finished, click on Open button. Instantly a new file explorer will open on your screen with tab support.
Basically this application actually won’t add Tab Support to native File Explorer, but you get a modern file explorer with amazing feature and Tab support is one out of them.
To launch New Tab in File Explorer, all you need to do is to click on the (+). You can launch as many tabs you want depending on your requirements.
Apart from that, you can manage various settings for Files apps as well. For that, click on the Gear icon available on the right side. Like shown in the following screenshot:
You can change settings like theme, apply custom themes and edit sidebar in your file explorer.
After adding Tab supports in File Explorer, it will become easier for you can manage various directories of folders right from the single File Explorer window.
With the help of this application, you can not only use File Explorer with Tab support, but also use native File Explorer in Windows 11 as well.
At any point, you want to stop using Files, then go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Locate Files and Uninstall it.
Apart from that, if you don’t like the new file explore in Windows 11, you can restore Windows 10 file explorer in Windows 11.
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