Microsoft continues to navigate a myriad of challenges within Windows 11, with user feedback guiding its development path. Among the ongoing issues is the cumbersome task of managing tabs in File Explorer, a feature that has yet to reach its full potential. While the tech giant has acknowledged this shortcoming and is reportedly working on a solution, a third-party application, ExplorerTabUtility, has emerged as a timely alternative, enhancing the tab management experience.
ExplorerTabUtility makes tabs in File Explorer behave more like web browsers
Initially introduced in Windows 11 22H2, tabs in File Explorer were intended to streamline file organization and navigation. However, Microsoft’s implementation fell short of replicating the intuitive behavior found in web browsers. Enter ExplorerTabUtility, which not only addresses this gap but also sets a new standard for user experience.
Unlike other alternatives, such as File Pilot, ExplorerTabUtility integrates seamlessly with the existing File Explorer, allowing users to maintain familiarity while enjoying enhanced functionality. Once installed, the application enables folders and external links to open in new tabs rather than separate windows, significantly improving workflow efficiency.
Beyond simple tab management, ExplorerTabUtility offers features reminiscent of popular web browsers. Users can open multiple folders within a single File Explorer window, a capability that is not natively supported in Windows 11. This means that instead of generating multiple windows with each Ctrl + click, users can enjoy a more organized tabbed experience.
Moreover, the app introduces tab history, allowing users to reopen closed tabs using the Ctrl + Shift + T keyboard shortcut. For those who prefer customization, the key combination can be modified within the app settings. Another notable feature is “Smart tab switching,” which prevents the creation of duplicate tabs when navigating to an already open location.
For users needing to duplicate tabs, ExplorerTabUtility simplifies the process with a straightforward Ctrl + D shortcut, eliminating the need for right-clicking and selecting the duplicate option. This streamlined approach enhances productivity, making it easier to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Running quietly in the background, ExplorerTabUtility is designed to consume minimal system resources. Users can access its settings and menus effortlessly by right-clicking the app icon in the system tray, ensuring that adjustments can be made without disrupting workflow.
What do you need to get the ExplorerTabUtility app
Installing ExplorerTabUtility is straightforward, akin to any other application on Windows 11. However, there are a few prerequisites. Users must have .Net 9 installed on their systems; if it’s missing, the installation process will prompt for its installation. Additionally, the app requires Windows 11 22H2 or later, as earlier versions are not supported. Although Windows 11 22H2 no longer receives security updates or bug fixes from Microsoft, users can still benefit from ExplorerTabUtility’s features by installing it on compatible systems. For those ready to enhance their File Explorer experience, the ExplorerTabUtility app is available for download on GitHub.