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Quick Answer

Open File Explorer (Win + E) and click the + (plus) button at the top of the window, just like a web browser. You can drag and drop files directly into different tabs to move them.

How to Use File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11 ​

Applies to: Windows 11 (version 22H2 and later)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

File Explorer in Windows 11 supports tabbed browsing — similar to browser tabs. Open multiple folders in a single window to reduce desktop clutter and move files between locations without juggling separate windows. This article shows how to open, manage, and use tabs effectively.

Prerequisites ​

  • Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
  • No admin rights required.

Instructions ​

1. Open a New Tab ​

Add tabs to browse multiple folders in one window.

  1. Open File Explorer (press Win+E).
  2. Click the + (plus) button next to the existing tab at the top of the window.
  3. A new tab opens showing your default folder (usually Home or Quick Access).
  4. Navigate to the folder you need in the new tab.

Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl+T to open a new tab instantly.

2. Switch Between Tabs ​

Navigate between your open tabs.

  1. Click any tab at the top of File Explorer to switch to it.
  2. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Tab to cycle forward through tabs, or Ctrl+Shift+Tab to cycle backward.

3. Close a Tab ​

Remove tabs you no longer need.

  1. Hover over the tab you want to close.
  2. Click the X button that appears on the tab.
  3. Alternatively, middle-click the tab to close it instantly.

Keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl+W to close the current tab.

4. Move or Reorder Tabs ​

Rearrange tabs to suit your workflow.

  1. Click and hold a tab at the top of File Explorer.
  2. Drag it left or right to reorder it among your open tabs.
  3. Release the mouse button to drop the tab in its new position.

5. Drag Files Between Tabs ​

Use tabs to move or copy files between folders.

  1. In one tab, select the file(s) you want to move.
  2. Drag the selected file(s) onto another tab label at the top of the window.
  3. Hold for a moment — File Explorer switches to that tab.
  4. Drop the file(s) into the desired location in the folder.

Tip: Hold Ctrl while dragging to copy instead of move.

Tip: Once the files you gathered are together in one folder, you can rename the whole set in a single action — select them, press F2, and type one name. See How to Rename Multiple Files at Once on Windows.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

File Explorer tabs are available starting with Windows 11 version 22H2. If you do not see the tab bar, check for Windows updates to ensure you are running the latest version.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
No tab bar visible in File ExplorerWindows version is too oldGo to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates.
Cannot drag a tab out to a new windowFeature not yet supportedUse Ctrl+N to open a separate File Explorer window, then navigate to the folder manually.
New tab opens to wrong folderDefault folder settingGo to File Explorer > ⋯ (three dots) > Options > General and change Open File Explorer to your preferred location.