When Microsoft released Windows 11 22H2 in the Release Preview Channels, there were plenty of things to get excited about. The all-new update brought all the much-awaited features like drag and drop support for the Taskbar, the ability to display the clock on multiple monitors, and Tabs in File Explorer. The feature supports dark mode and horizontal scrolling when you juggle plenty of tabs.
Fortunately, you can enable tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11 in the latest Insider Preview to build releases to the Dev Channels. Using it, you can open different folders in individual tabs inside one Explorer window.
Are Tabs A Great Idea For The Users Of Windows 11?
The goal is straightforward: to decrease desktop clutter and make it simpler to work across multiple file locations. This can be done by reducing number of windows on screen at one particular time.
The announcement was well-received by Windows enthusiasts, who had been requesting the capability for years, almost since it was introduced to macOS in 2013. Users have previously had to rely on third-party solutions to experience the tabbed UI functionality of Windows 11, but this is no longer the case.
The new tab mechanism was made available to early-access program members earlier this month with the launch of Windows 11 preview build 25136. It’s unknown when the all-new File Explorer will be released as a full public build, but users may know that the testing has begun. Meanwhile, users will be relieved to learn that the new method may provide a speed improvement that scales with the amount of File Explorer tabs active at any given moment.
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Prerequisites You Need To Fulfil To Enable Tabs For File Explorer
To enable tabs for File Explorer on Windows 11, you must first join the Windows Insider Program.
Note: The Insider Program is a beta program that allows users to try new features at first. However, the tech giant ensures that the participants are aware that a released build might cause trouble on desktops. Since the code is available to the public for testing and feedback, it might make their PC less stable. This isn’t a general issue because Microsoft doesn’t release all the builds with major bugs or flaws.
Let’s see how you can get started with the Windows Insider program:
- Go to Settings.From the new window, click on the Windows Update option from the left panel and then go to the Windows Insider Program from the right panel.
- To join the Dev channel, click the Get started button and the Link an account button.
- Next, choose the Microsoft account you wish to sign in for the Insider program.
- Then, read the instructions carefullyon the on-screen wizard and hit the Restart now button.
- To check for new updates that the Windows Insider Program releases, go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Check for updates.
- When requested, reboot once the build has been installed.
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How to enable Tabs for File Explorer on Windows 11?
You may enable the new experience on your computer using ViVeTool, a third-party program written by Lucas Rivera and Rafael Rivera on GitHub. To get started with the new functionality on your PC, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: First and foremost, you must have ViveTool’s recent version on your desktop. It is available on GitHub. Click here to download the tool:
Step 2: Extract the ZIP file to a location that is easy to remember and right-click on the extracted folder to choose the Copy as path option from the context menu.
Step 3: You need to launch the Command Prompt utility and run it in the Administrator Mode.
You might want to read: How To Fix Run as Administrator Option not Showing up on Windows 11
Step 4: Simply type cd and paste the path you’ve copied above. It should look something like the below:
cd C:\FOLDER\PATH\ViveTool-v0.3.1
Note: Remember to replace the path to the folder with your location in the command.
Step 5: To activate File Explorer tabs in Windows 11, type the command below and press enter.
vivetool /enable /id:37634385
Step 6: To enable tabs in the File Explorer and its new navigation pane, type the command mentioned below and press enter.
vivetool /enable /id:36354489
Step 7: Restart your computer to implement the changes.
When you open File Explorer, you’ll notice two key changes: tabs are now enabled by default, and a new sidebar offers a better navigation experience.
However, keep in mind that the File Explorer tab structure is still developing, and Microsoft is aware of several concerns. For example, a glitch in the File Explorer tab might cause the up arrow to be misplaced. The issue will be addressed in a future update for Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
Furthermore, File Explorer’s window may be rendered in light mode regardless of the OS’s light mode setting.
If you change your mind, follow the same steps as before, but in step 6, use the following sets of commands and then execute them.
vivetool /disable /id:34370472
vivetool /disable /id:36354489
After this, you can restart your computer, and you’ll have Tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11 successfully disabled.
Must Read:
Frequently Asked Questions | More About Tabs In File Explorer On Windows 11 (2023)
Q.1. Does Windows 11 File Explorer have tabs?
The File Explorer tabs feature is currently available in Windows Insiders Beta Channel and will soon be available for everyone on Windows 11. The tabs’ functionality has been updated to make it easier to access directories and identify preferred files.
Q.2. How do I enable tabs in Windows Explorer?
The capability to enable tabs in File Explorer is currently only accessible in Windows 11 Insider Preview version 25136 and later releases. If it is not accessible in your most recent insider preview of Windows 11, it will be activated automatically in future releases. If you wish to use the tabbed File Explorer immediately, you may do so with the aid of a third-party program called ViveTool. To get comprehensive steps, read the complete details.
That’s how you can easily enable Tabs and the new Navigation pane in Windows 11 File Explorer. If you have any queries, please leave them in the comments section below.
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