How to Enable Tabs on File Explorer in Windows 11

With Windows 11, Microsoft has changed the way one would use Windows. There are tons of new features and improvement performances that Microsoft has brought in and continues to bring in for the new OS. The File Explorer in Windows11 itself has undergone a lot of changes in terms of performance and visual designs. Now, the File Explorer is expected to get tabs. But there’s a workaround already available by which you can enable tabs on File Explorer, check it out here.

Because Windows 11 is designed with touch screens in mind, it needs to cater to a few features that make it easy for such users to navigate around in Windows 11. Being able to switch different tabs within the File Explorer helps faster shifting or changing of a number of File Explorer windows. Now, you need to understand that these features can be experimented with only if you are someone that is on the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider program. So, if you are someone already in the Dev Channel or plan to join the dev channel to try this new feature, then this guide is for you.

Enable Tabs in File Explorer in Windows 11

Before we begin, make sure that your Windows 11 is running on Windows 11 22581 version or newer. At the time of writing, the 22581 update is available in both dev and beta channels. Now let’s take a look at the steps.

  1. Firstly, you will need to download the ViveTool, a third-party program.
  2. This free-to-use third-party program can be found on GitHub. Head here to download the program.
  3. The zip file will begin its download. The file weighs in at 11 KB.
  4. Once the zip file has been downloaded, extract its contents.
  5. Make sure to copy and paste these contents in the System 32 folder that is present inside the parent Windows folder on the drive that you have Windows installed to.
  6. Now, open up the Command Prompt on your PC.
  7. You can do this by searching it from the Start Menu.
  8. Make sure that you run Command Prompt as an Administrator.
  9. Now, you will need to type in the following commands
    vivetool addconfig 34370472 2
  10. Once done, simply hit the enter key. The command will now be executed.
    how to enable tabs in file explorer on windows 11
  11. To see the effect work, you will need to restart your PC.
  12. Once restarted, simply press the Windows and E keys to launch the File Explorer.
  13. You will now be able to see the tabs on your File Explorer.
  14. That’s it.
how to enable tabs in file explorer on windows 11

Do note that this is a feature that’s in testing and inst stable not officially announced by Microsoft yet. So you might experience your File Explorer crashing. To disable the tabs on your File Explorer, fire up Command Prompt and simply type the following command
vivetool delconfig 34370472 1

Conclusion

And this is how you can experience the new tabs feature on your File Explorer in Windows 11. Note that this will work only and only for those users who are Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel. If you are someone that has enabled the tabs, what do you think of the feature? Do you think it’s a step taken in the right direction by Microsoft? Do let us know about your views in the comments below.

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Joshua D'souza

Enjoy games, 90's hip-hop, and tech. Loves exploring the infinite world of laptops and food. Every ready to provide assistance in anything that rocks his boat. Will gladly enjoy capturing memories through various lenses. Worked previously at PiunikaWeb as an author and researcher.

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