How To Disable File Explorer Tabs In Windows 11?

Microsoft hoped to introduce the tabs functionality in the Windows 10 File Explorer app. Shortly on, though, the plan was abandoned. However, users may now test out the tabs functionality in File Explorer thanks to the Windows 11 22H2 upgrade. The feature was given early access to members of the Windows Insider Program, and tabs may soon be added to Windows Notepad by Microsoft.

What happens though if you wish to disable the File Explorer Tabs element? Uninstalling the update might be a quick solution, but that would mean you would lose all the features of the 22h2 update. Instead, ViVeTool can be used to allow or eliminate the tab’s functionality without altering the other features.

Also Read: How to Enable Tabs for File Explorer on Windows 11

Can You Trust ViVeTool?

As you all know, Microsoft developers constantly work on improving the experience of Windows users by adding new features. However, before adding these features, Microsoft runs some extensive tests by their own testing team and also with the help of Microsoft Insider fans. Once a new feature is fully tested and bug-free, it is rolled out as updates.

Now, if you want to use a Microsoft feature before its official rollout, then you can use this open-source command line tool to enable or disable the hidden OS features. This tool is malware free and can be used for no cost. Another exciting news is that this tool now has a GUI version.

Also Read: How To Fix Slow File Explorer In Windows 11

How To Disable File Explorer Tabs In Windows 11

Using either the ViVeTool or the ViVeTool GUI version will allow you to deactivate the File Explorer Tabs. The latter is considerably easier to use because it allows you to look for functionality and quickly enable or disable it. Download and install these two tools on your PC first. Make a system restore point as an extra safety measure in case this utility causes your Windows 11 PC to malfunction.

Also Read: How To Save A Windows File Explorer Search For Future Use

Method 1: Use The ViVeTool

It can be accessed from a terminal window because it is a command line utility. This is how you do it:

Step 1: In order to open the Run command box, press Win + R.

Step 2: To open the command prompt with administrator rights, type CMD in the text input field and click Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Step 3: Simply enter cd Drive Name:\path. You must indicate exactly where you extracted the utility after downloading it in this field.

Step 4: You are now in the directory where ViVeTool is located. Type ViVeTool and hit the Enter key. You can utilize the tool with a number of parameters that will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Now type the following commands one by one and press the Enter key after each command.

vivetool /disable /id:37634385

vivetool /disable /id:36354489

Step 6: If the operation is successful then you will see the message “Successfully set feature configuration(s)” on your Screen.

Step 7: Restart your PC and you will get rid of the File Explorer Tabs.

Also Read: How To Fix File Explorer Memory Leak on Windows 11

Method 2: Use The GUI Version Of ViVeTool

The ViVeTool GUI version is easier to work around than the command prompt one. However, there is not much difference between the steps when compared. It is more of mouse clicks than typing commands.

Step 1: Open the ViveTool on your PC in Admin Mode. (Right-click on the shortcut and select “ Run As Administrator”).

Step 2: Select the latest Windows build number and wait till all the features are loaded onto your screen.

Step 3: Now search for 37634385 & 36354489. Disable each ID by selecting it and then clicking on the Perform Action dropdown on the top.

Step 4: Click on the Deactivate Option and reboot your PC.

After the restart, you will not find any File Explorer tabs.

Also Read: How To Disable File Explorer Search History In Windows 11

The Final Word On How To Disable File Explorer Tabs In Windows 11

Tabs feature in File Explorer is more helpful than you might imagine. ViVeTool is a fantastic tool to enable/disable File Explorer, but if you use another File Explorer program or are able to live without it, you should. Additionally, it is totally free, and you may even activate additional Windows 11 experimental features.

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