This tutorial will help show you different ways to open and close tabs in File Explorer for your account in Windows 11.
Starting with Windows 11 build 25136 and build 22621.160, the title bar of File Explorer now has tabs to help you work across multiple locations at the same time.
Starting with Windows 11 build 22622.575, middle clicking a folder in the navigation pane of File Explorer will now open it in a new tab, like clicking a folder in the body of File Explorer already does.
Tabs in File Explorer is now available to everyone in Windows 11 build 22621.675 version 22H2.
Starting with Windows 11 build 23471 (Dev), Microsoft is beginning to roll out the ability to tear out and merge tabs in File Explorer. This feature is beginning to roll out, so not all Insiders in the Dev Channel will see it right away.
Contents
- Option One: Open New Tab in File Explorer using Keyboard Shortcut
- Option Two: Open New Tab in File Explorer from Title Bar
- Option Three: Open New Tab in File Explorer by Middle Clicking
- Option Four: Open Location in New Tab in File Explorer from Context Menu
- Option Five: Close Current Tab using Keyboard Shortcut
- Option Six: Close Tab in File Explorer from Tab on Title Bar
- Option Seven: Close Tab in File Explorer from Tab menu
- Option Eight: Close All Other Tabs in File Explorer from Tab menu
- Option Nine: Close All Tabs to the Right in File Explorer from Tab menu
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, press the Ctrl + T keys to open a new tab.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, click/tap on the Add new tab (+) button on the title bar. (see screenshot below)
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, middle click on a drive, folder, or library location you want to open in a new tab.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, right click on a drive, folder, or library location you want to open in a new tab. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Open in new tab.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, press the Ctrl + W keys when you want to close the currently open tab.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, click/tap on the Close tab (X) button on the tab you want to close on the title bar. (see screenshot below)
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, right click on the tab you want to close on the title bar. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Close tab in the drop menu.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, right click on the tab you want to keep open while closing all other tabs. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Close other tabs in the drop menu to close all tabs except the tab in step 1.
1 While File Explorer (Win+E) is open, right click on the tab you want to keep open while closing all tabs to the right of this tab. (see screenshot below)
2 Click/tap on Close tabs to the right in the drop menu to close all tabs to the right of the tab in step 1.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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