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
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Next tab:
Ctrl + Tab
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Previous tab:
Ctrl + Shift + Tab
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Direct tab access:
Ctrl + [1-9]jumps to specific tab positions
Managing tabs
Closing tabs
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Click the
Xon any tab to close it
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Right-click options:
Close tab- closes current tabClose other tabs- keeps only active tabClose 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
