Windows 11 file explorer tabs complete guide

The latest Windows 11 update brings a game-changing feature to File Explorer - tabbed browsing. This functionality transforms how you manage files and folders by eliminating the need for multiple windows. The new tabbed interface works just like your web browser, making file management more efficient and organized.

Working with tabs in file explorer

The tab system offers multiple ways to create, manage, and navigate between different folder locations. Here are the most efficient methods to work with tabs:

Creating new tabs

Quick tab creation with keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl + T to instantly open a new tab - the fastest way to add tabs to your File Explorer.

Using the plus button

Click the Plus (+) button next to existing tabs to open a new tab showing the Home screen.

Opening specific folders in new tabs

Right-click any folder and select Open in new tab to directly open that location in a fresh tab.

This creates a new tab labeled with the folder name.


Tab navigation techniques

Mouse navigation

Simply click any tab in the title bar to switch to it.

Keyboard shortcuts

Managing tabs

Closing tabs

  • Click the X on any tab to close it

  • Right-click options:

    • Close tab - closes current tab
    • Close other tabs - keeps only active tab
    • Close tabs to the right - closes all tabs after current one

Quick close with keyboard

Press Ctrl + W to close the current tab

Advanced tab features

Opening new windows

Right-click a folder and select Open in new window or use Ctrl + N

Tab organization

Drag and drop tabs to reorder them

Managing many tabs

Use arrow buttons to scroll through tabs when they extend beyond the window

File operations between tabs

Drag files between tabs by hovering over the destination tab until it activates