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How to Use Tabs in Windows File Explorer

Tap each step to see how to use tabs in File Explorer.

  1. Open File Explorer

    Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.

  2. Click the "+" icon at the top (or press Ctrl+T)

    Click the "+" icon at the top of the Explorer window, or press Ctrl+T, to open a new tab.

  3. Click between tabs to switch folders

    Keep several folders open as tabs within one Explorer window and jump between them with a click.

  4. Close a tab with its X icon or Ctrl+W

    Close a tab you no longer need by clicking its X or pressing Ctrl+W.

  5. Why is this useful?

    When you're moving or organizing files across several folders, tabs let you manage them all in one window instead of juggling several separate Explorer windows, keeping your desktop far tidier.

One Window Instead of a Pile of Them

Before this feature, organizing files across several folders usually meant opening a separate Explorer window for each one, which quickly cluttered the taskbar. Tabs replace that entire pile with a single, organized window.

Drag Files Between Tabs to Move or Copy Them

Tabs are not just for switching views β€” you can select a file in one tab and drag it onto another tab to move or copy it, without needing to arrange two windows side by side first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drag files between tabs to move them?

Yes, selecting a file in one tab and dragging it onto another tab lets you move or copy it directly, without lining up two separate windows.

Which version of Windows supports this feature?

Tabs became a built-in part of File Explorer starting with a recent Windows 11 update. Windows 10 does not support this feature.