Tabs in File Explorer might be one of Microsoft’s most overdue features. After years of juggling multiple File Explorer windows, Windows 11 finally introduced File Explorer tabs, allowing you to manage folders just like you browse the web — all in one window.
But here’s the catch: depending on your Windows build or settings, tabs might be disabled or not visible at all. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enable File Explorer tabs in Windows 11 and make sure they work smoothly.
Enable File Explorer Tabs in Windows
You just need a Windows 11 PC, preferably running the latest stable update. File Explorer tabs were officially released in Windows 11 22H2, but earlier or outdated builds may not show them. Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through how to fix that.
Once you’re ready, let’s get started.
1. Make Sure Your Windows 11 Version Supports Tabs
File Explorer tabs became available starting with:
- Windows 11 22H2 (Build 22621)
- And later updates
Check Your Windows Version
- Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
- Look for the version number.
If you’re on 22H2 or higher, you should have File Explorer tabs. If not, tabs won’t appear until you update Windows.
2. Update Windows to the Latest Release
If tabs are missing, updating Windows usually fixes it.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates and restart your PC.
Sometimes I wish I were a fly on the wall in Microsoft’s labs — they quietly roll out features like File Explorer tabs without telling half the users.
After updating, open File Explorer again to check if tabs are visible.
3. How to Use File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11
Once tabs are enabled, using them becomes second nature.
Open a New Tab
- Press Ctrl + T, or
- Click the + (plus) button at the top.
Switch Between Tabs
- Use Ctrl + Tab, or
- Click any tab at the top bar.
Close a Tab
- Press Ctrl + W, or
- Hover over the tab and click the X icon.
Open a Folder in a New Tab
- Right-click the folder → Open in new tab, or
- Middle-click a folder (mouse wheel button).
Tabs help you manage multiple locations without window clutter — especially handy when copying or comparing files.
4. Enable Tabs Using ViveTool (For Older Builds / Feature Disabled)
If your PC is on a compatible build but tabs are still missing, Windows may have the feature flag turned off. You can force-enable it using ViveTool — a popular utility for enabling hidden Windows features.
Warning: ViveTool is safe, but you’re modifying experimental system flags. Proceed only if you’re comfortable with advanced tweaks.
Step 1: Download ViveTool
- Visit the official GitHub page:
https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVeTool - Download the latest ZIP file.
- Extract it anywhere — e.g., Desktop.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Win + S, type cmd.
- Select Run as administrator.
Step 3: Navigate to the ViveTool Folder
Use the cd command:
cd C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\ViVeTool
Step 4: Enable File Explorer Tabs
Run this command:
vivetool /enable /id:37634385
Step 5: Restart Your PC
After restarting, open File Explorer — tabs should now appear.
5. Reset File Explorer Settings (If Tabs Still Don’t Show Up)
Corrupted File Explorer settings can hide or break the tab UI.
Reset From Folder Options
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three dots → Options.
- In the General tab, click Restore Defaults.
- Click Apply → OK.
Restart File Explorer afterward:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it → Restart.
Open File Explorer again and check for tabs.
6. Ensure You Are Using the New File Explorer
Windows 11 has two versions of File Explorer—classic and modern. If you’re seeing the old one (with wide spacing and no tab bar), tabs won’t appear.
Switch to Modern File Explorer
- Update Windows fully.
- Sign out and sign back in.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar only (not classic shortcuts).
If you use a tool like OldNewExplorer or custom themes, disable them temporarily to restore tabs.
7. Turn Off Third-Party Explorer Mods (They Break Tabs!)
Tools like:
- Winaero Tweaker
- Files App
- Explorer Patcher
- Custom themes / shell extensions
… may disable or override File Explorer’s tab interface.
Disable Them Temporarily
- Uninstall or disable the tool.
- Restart Windows Explorer.
- Open File Explorer again.
Tabs often appear once the mods stop interfering.
8. Repair Windows System Files (If Explorer Is Bugged)
If File Explorer is buggy or missing UI components, system repair can help.
Run SFC Scan
- Open Command Prompt as admin.
- Run:
sfc /scannow
Run DISM Repair
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC after running these commands.
Wrapping Up
File Explorer tabs are one of the most useful quality-of-life improvements in Windows 11. If they’re missing on your system, updating Windows or enabling the feature manually usually solves the problem. Once enabled, tabs make multitasking and file management so much easier — no more window chaos.
If you want to customize File Explorer further, tweak the new Home view, or explore hidden Windows 11 features, feel free to ask — we’re always here to help!
