Explorer Tab Utility - Make Windows 11's File Explorer Tabs Work Better! 🚀
Hey Reddit! I've created a utility that enhances Windows 11's File Explorer tabs functionality. If you've ever been frustrated by new Explorer windows opening separately instead of as tabs, this tool is for you!
https://i.redd.it/0tp365wlmuhe1.gif
What does it do? 🤔
- Automatically converts new Explorer windows into tabs
- Smart tab switching – if you try to open a location that's already open, it switches to that tab instead of creating a duplicate
- Tab history – reopen closed tabs with CTRL+SHIFT+T (just like browsers!)
- Supports tab detachment/reattachment – drag tabs between windows
- Duplicate tabs – quickly duplicate your current tab with all selected files
- Customizable hotkeys for:
- Opening specific locations in new tabs
- Setting a target window (useful with multiple monitors/virtual desktops)
- Toggling features on/off
- And more!
Why did I make this? 💡
Windows 11's tab feature is great, but it doesn't automatically open new windows as tabs. This tool fixes that and adds browser-like tab features we've all grown used to.
Cool Features You Might Like 🌟
- Works with "Show in folder" from other apps
- Handles multiple tabs opening at once
- Clean Material Design UI for settings
- Lives in your system tray, staying out of your way
- Super lightweight with native integration (using Windows COM interfaces)
Technical Bits ðŸ›
- Requires Windows 11 (22H2 Build 22621 or later)
- Written in C# (.NET 9)
- Open source and MIT licensed
- No sketchy dependencies—just pure Windows API integration
Links 🔗
Give it a try and let me know what you think! I'm actively maintaining it and open to suggestions for new features.
Download via WinGet:
winget install ExplorerTabUtility
