How to Use File Explorer Tabs in Windows 11

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Open a new tab

   Launch File Explorer from the taskbar or via the Start menu. Click the plus (+) icon located in the top tab bar to instantiate a new, blank instance of File Explorer.

   Note: The new tab defaults to your designated Home view.
2. 30 sec

   Switch between active tabs

   Click on any visible tab header in the File Explorer title bar to switch your active view. Use keyboard shortcuts to cycle through your open tabs in sequence.

   Note: Ctrl + Tab
3. 45 sec

   Rearrange tab order

   Click and hold the left mouse button on a tab header. Drag the tab to the left or right along the bar to reposition it relative to your other open tabs.

   Note: Rearranging tabs helps maintain a logical flow for complex file operations.
4. 30 sec

   Close current tabs

   Click the small 'x' button on the right side of the active tab header to close it. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut to close the currently focused tab immediately.

   Note: Ctrl + W
5. 30 sec

   Duplicate existing tabs

   Right-click any tab header to open the context menu. Select 'Duplicate tab' to spawn a new tab that mirrors the current directory and view settings of your active window.

   Note: This is ideal for performing copy/paste operations between identical source and destination folders.