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PhilipPark's avatar
PhilipPark
Iron Contributor
Sep 23, 2026

Why did File Explorer tabs stop working on Windows 11?

Why did the tabbed interface in File Explorer suddenly stop working on my Windows 11 PC, so that every folder I open launches in a separate window instead of a new tab? The tabs were working fine before, and now the option to open folders in a new tab is missing from the right-click menu and the top bar.

Could this be a known bug in the current build, a corrupted registry setting, or something that got changed by a recent update? And is there a way to restore tabbed browsing in File Explorer without reinstalling Windows or resetting my profile?

 

Application Management
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2 Replies

  • SamMathers's avatar
    SamMathers
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 27, 2026

    Ive got same issue, did a clean reimage and issue came back, its not only tabs but its reverting to older looking (win10ish) pane along the top and the address bar has gone, restarting dwm brings the address bar back but it doesnt stick and it only fixes that 1 thing. 

  • LauraBennett's avatar
    LauraBennett
    Brass Contributor
    Sep 24, 2026

    Opening folders in separate windows doesn’t necessarily mean tabs are broken—File Explorer doesn’t automatically send every folder you open to a new tab. But the tab bar and “Open in new tab” option disappearing are worth checking.

    Press Win + E, then Ctrl + T. If a new tab opens, tabs are still working. For folders opening in separate windows, go to … > Options > General and select Open each folder in the same window. That reuses the current window; it doesn’t automatically create tabs.

    If Ctrl + T does nothing and the tab bar is missing, check whether you have ExplorerPatcher, StartAllBack, or another Explorer customization tool installed. An older Explorer interface enabled by one of these tools can remove tabs. Disable its Explorer modifications and restart Windows to test.

    If you don’t use those tools, open Task Manager, select Windows Explorer, and choose Restart. If tabs are still missing, run these commands in Terminal (Admin), one after the other:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow

    Restart afterward. These repair Windows components without resetting your profile. There isn’t enough information to identify a particular update bug, and editing the registry isn’t a good first step here.