Windows 11 is a newly released operating system by Microsoft, and it comes with several new features and improvements. One of the notable changes in Windows 11 is the redesigned File Explorer. However, some users may find it difficult to navigate through multiple folders and files in File Explorer, especially without the tabs feature. Tabs in File Explorer allow users to open multiple folders in a single window, making it easier to switch between different locations without cluttering the desktop with multiple windows.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of enabling tabs in File Explorer and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Whether you are a casual user looking to streamline your file management or a power user juggling multiple projects, enabling tabs in File Explorer can greatly improve your productivity.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Enable Tabs on File Explorer Windows 11
Enabling tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11 offers several benefits to users. Here are a few reasons why you should consider enabling tabs in File Explorer:
1. Enhanced Organization: Tabs allow you to keep multiple folders open in a single window. This enables you to easily switch between different locations without cluttering your desktop with numerous open windows.
2. Increased Productivity: With tabs, you can quickly access different folders without wasting time locating and opening multiple File Explorer windows. This can streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
3. Simplified File Management: Tabs make it easier to drag and drop files between different folders within File Explorer. You can simply drag a file from one tab to another, making file organization and management more efficient.
4. Reduced Desktop Clutter: Having multiple File Explorer windows open can clutter your desktop, making it difficult to find the window you need. With tabs, you can keep everything organized in a single window, avoiding desktop clutter.
Enabling tabs in File Explorer can greatly improve your file management experience on Windows 11. Let’s now explore the methods to enable tabs in File Explorer.
Method 1: How to Enable Tabs on File Explorer via Folder Options
Before we proceed with the steps to enable tabs on File Explorer, let’s first understand the method in detail.
To enable tabs on File Explorer via Folder Options, we need to access the File Explorer Options window, locate the appropriate setting, and enable it. Once enabled, you will be able to use tabs in File Explorer.
Follow the steps below to enable tabs on File Explorer via Folder Options:
Step 1: Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Win + E keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: Click on the "View" tab in the File Explorer ribbon at the top.
Step 3: In the "View" tab, click on the "Options" button located on the right side.
Step 4: This will open the "Folder Options" window. In the "Folder Options" window, navigate to the "View" tab.
Step 5: Scroll down the list of options and locate the "Launch folder windows in a separate process" setting.
Step 6: Check the box next to "Launch folder windows in a separate process" to enable the setting.
Step 7: Click on the "Apply" button and then click on "OK" to save the changes.
Congratulations! You have successfully enabled tabs on File Explorer via Folder Options. You can now open multiple folders in a single window using tabs.
Pros:
1. Provides an easy and straightforward method to enable tabs in File Explorer.
2. Allows for better organization and productivity by keeping folders in a single window.
3. Simplifies file management and improves drag-and-drop functionality.
4. Reduces desktop clutter by eliminating the need for multiple open windows.
Cons:
1. May require some adjustment to the File Explorer settings.
2. Enabling this setting may have a slight impact on system resources.
Method 2: How to Enable Tabs on File Explorer via Registry Editor
Now, let’s explore another method to enable tabs on File Explorer using the Registry Editor. This method involves modifying a registry key to enable tabs.
Before we proceed with the steps, it’s important to note that the registry editor is a powerful tool, and modifying the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. It is recommended to create a backup of your registry before making any changes.
Step 1: Press the Win + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:
"`
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
"`
Step 4: Right-click on the "Advanced" key in the left pane and select "New" and then "DWORD (32-bit) Value" from the context menu.
Step 5: Rename the newly created value as "TabbedBrowsing" and press Enter.
Step 6: Double-click on the "TabbedBrowsing" value and set its data to 1.
Step 7: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Once your computer restarts, you should be able to see the tabs feature in File Explorer. You can now open multiple folders in a single window and enjoy the benefits of tabbed file management.
Pros:
1. Provides an alternative method to enable tabs in File Explorer.
2. No need to access the Folder Options window.
3. Allows for better organization and productivity by keeping folders in a single window.
4. Simplifies file management and improves drag-and-drop functionality.
Cons:
1. Involves modifying the registry, which can be potentially risky if not done correctly.
2. Modifying the registry without proper knowledge can cause system issues.
Method 3: How to Enable Tabs on File Explorer Using Third-Party Software
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach or if the previous methods didn’t work for you, there are third-party software options available that can enable tabs in File Explorer.
One popular third-party software that adds the tabbed functionality to File Explorer is Clover. Clover is a free software that adds a Google Chrome-like tabbed interface to File Explorer. Here’s how you can use Clover to enable tabs in File Explorer:
Step 1: Download and install Clover from the official website (https://ejie.me/).
Step 2: Once installed, launch Clover from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Step 3: Clover will automatically add the tabbed interface to File Explorer.
Pros:
1. Easy to install and use.
2. Provides a user-friendly and visually appealing tabbed interface.
3. Offers additional customization options for tabbed browsing.
4. Can be used on multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 11.
Cons:
1. Relies on third-party software, which may have its own limitations or compatibility issues.
2. Additional software installation may consume system resources.
Method 4: How to Enable Tabs on File Explorer Using PowerToys
PowerToys is a set of utilities for power users to customize and enhance their Windows experience. PowerToys includes a utility called "FancyZones," which can be used to enable tabs in File Explorer. Here’s how you can use PowerToys to enable tabs in File Explorer:
Step 1: Download and install PowerToys from the official website (https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases/latest).
Step 2: Once installed, launch PowerToys from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Step 3: In the PowerToys settings window, navigate to the "FancyZones" tab.
Step 4: Enable the "FancyZones" utility by toggling the switch to ON.
Step 5: With FancyZones enabled, you can now drag File Explorer windows to the highlighted zones to create tabbed instances.
Pros:
1. Provides a flexible and customizable tabbed interface using FancyZones.
2. Offers additional utilities and features for power users.
3. Can be used on multiple versions of Windows, including Windows 11.
Cons:
1. Requires installing and configuring PowerToys.
2. May not be as intuitive or visually appealing as built-in tabbed functionality.
What to Do If You Can’t Enable Tabs on File Explorer
If you encounter any issues or are unable to enable tabs on File Explorer using the methods mentioned above, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Update Windows 11: Make sure you are using the latest version of Windows 11, as certain features and improvements may be introduced in updates.
2. Check for Updates: Check for updates for other software and drivers, as outdated software or drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
3. Restart File Explorer: Try restarting the File Explorer process by following these steps:
a. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
b. Locate the "Windows Explorer" process.
c. Right-click on the "Windows Explorer" process and select "Restart."
4. Disable Third-Party Software: If you have any third-party software installed that may be conflicting with File Explorer, try disabling or uninstalling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
5. Reset File Explorer Settings: Resetting File Explorer settings to their default values can sometimes fix issues. You can do this by following these steps:
a. Open the "Folder Options" window as mentioned in Method 1.
b. Navigate to the "View" tab.
c. Click on the "Reset Folders" button.
d. Click on the "Apply" button and then click on "OK" to save the changes.
If all else fails, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or seeking assistance from online forums and communities for further troubleshooting.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your tabbed browsing experience in File Explorer:
1. Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use keyboard shortcuts to navigate through tabs more efficiently. For example, press Ctrl + Tab to switch to the next tab and Ctrl + Shift + Tab to switch to the previous tab.
2. Pin Tabs: If you frequently access specific folders, you can pin them to the tab bar for quick and easy access. Right-click on a tab and select "Pin" to pin it.
3. Customize Tab Appearance: Some third-party tools like Clover allow you to customize the appearance of tabs. Explore the customization options to make your tabbed browsing experience more personalized.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I enable tabs on File Explorer on older versions of Windows?
A: The built-in tabbed interface is available on Windows 11. However, there are third-party tools like Clover and PowerToys that can enable tabs on older versions of Windows.
Q2: Can I have multiple tabs open with different locations in File Explorer?
A: Yes, with tabs, you can have multiple folders open in a single window, each in a separate tab. This allows you to switch between different locations quickly and easily.
Q3: Does enabling tabs in File Explorer use additional system resources?
A: Enabling tabs in File Explorer does use some system resources, but the impact is minimal. The overall performance will largely depend on the number of tabs open and the resources required for the content within each folder.
Q4: Can I rearrange the order of tabs in File Explorer?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the order of tabs in File Explorer by dragging and dropping them left or right. This allows you to prioritize and organize tabs according to your preference.
Q5: Can I customize the appearance of tabs in File Explorer?
A: The appearance of tabs in File Explorer is limited to the default options provided by the operating system. However, certain third-party tools like Clover offer customization options for tabbed browsing.
Final Thoughts
Enabling tabs on File Explorer in Windows 11 can greatly improve your file management experience. Whether you prefer the built-in options via Folder Options or third-party tools, having tabs in File Explorer offers enhanced organization, increased productivity, and simplified file management.
We explored four different methods to enable tabs on File Explorer. While the built-in options offer simplicity and reliability, third-party tools provide additional customization and flexibility. Choose the method that suits your requirements and preferences.
Remember to exercise caution when modifying the registry or installing third-party software. Always create backups and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential issues.
With tabs enabled, you can navigate through different folders effortlessly, keep your desktop clutter-free, and boost your productivity when managing files on Windows 11.