Overview
Windows 11 added tabs to File Explorer, letting you open several folders in a single window instead of juggling separate windows. Tabs shipped in the 2022 feature update and are enabled by default on updated systems. This guide shows how to make sure you have the feature, how to use it efficiently, and what to do if tabs are missing.
Key Takeaways
- File Explorer tabs are built into Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.
- Keeping Windows updated is the reliable way to get the feature.
- Ctrl + T opens a new tab and Ctrl + W closes the current one.
- You can drag files between tabs to move or copy them quickly.
Make Sure Your Windows Is Up to Date
1. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
2. Install any pending updates so you are on Windows 11 22H2 or newer.
3. Restart the PC, then open File Explorer to see the tab bar at the top.
NOTE: File Explorer tabs are a Windows 11 feature. Windows 10 does not include them natively; a third-party tool would be required there.
Using Tabs in File Explorer
1. Open File Explorer with Win + E.
2. Click the + button on the tab bar, or press Ctrl + T, to open a new tab.
3. Switch tabs by clicking them or pressing Ctrl + Tab.
4. Close a tab with the x button or Ctrl + W.
TIP: Drag a file onto another tab to move it there, or right-click a folder and choose "Open in new tab" to keep your current view.
Handy Tab Shortcuts
- Ctrl + T — open a new tab.
- Ctrl + W — close the current tab.
- Ctrl + Tab — move to the next tab.
- Ctrl + Shift + Tab — move to the previous tab.
Troubleshooting
Problem: File Explorer has no tab bar.
Solution: You are likely on an older build. Install the latest updates to reach Windows 11 22H2 or newer, then restart.
Problem: Tabs disappeared after previously working.
Solution: Restart File Explorer from Task Manager, or reboot; a pending update may also need to finish installing.
Problem: You are on Windows 10 and want tabs.
Solution: Native tabs are Windows 11 only. Upgrade to Windows 11, or use a third-party file manager that supports tabs.
Problem: Keyboard shortcuts for tabs do nothing.
Solution: Make sure the File Explorer window is focused, and confirm you are on a build that includes the tabbed interface.
Conclusion
Tabs make File Explorer far tidier once you are on Windows 11 22H2 or later. Keep Windows updated, learn the Ctrl + T and Ctrl + W shortcuts, and use drag-and-drop between tabs to manage files in a single window.
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