14 DAY TRIAL // The most recent Windows 11 preview build comes with a highly anticipated feature, as it enables tabs in File Explorer.
Integrated into the title bar, the tab support makes it possible for users to work with multiple folders in the same window.
If you’ve been part of the Windows userbase for some time, you probably know already that support for tabs in File Explorer has long been one of the top feature requests.
Microsoft previously tried to make it happen many years ago with a feature called Sets and powered by Microsoft Edge. At that point, however, Microsoft’s intention was to bring tabs everywhere across the operating system, including in apps, but the strategy failed when it decided to give up on the EdgeHTML-powered Edge and switch to Chromium.
At that point, the company suggested that tabs could return at a later time in a new form.
“We’re taking Sets offline to continue making it great. Based on your feedback, some of the things we’re focusing on include improvements to the visual design and continuing to better integrate Office and Microsoft Edge into Sets to enhance workflow. If you have been testing Sets, you will no longer see it as of today’s build, however, Sets will return in a future WIP flight. Thanks again for your feedback,” the company said approximately four years ago. Now tabs are finally going live in Windows 11 preview build 25136, though Microsoft says the rollout is taking place gradually and not all insiders see it today.
“To help you work across multiple locations at the same time, the title bar of File Explorer now has tabs. We’d love your feedback on which tabs features you’d like to see next,” the company explained.
For now, there’s no ETA as to when this highly anticipated feature could go live for non-insider devices.