Windows 11 has introduced a host of new features, and one of the most anticipated among them is the tab mode in File Explorer. This feature allows users to open multiple folders within a single window, much like the experience on modern web browsers.
To help you make the most of this functionality and enhance your productivity, this guide will walk you through the steps to enable tab mode in File Explorer on Windows 11.
1. How to tab mode in File Explorer Windows 11?
Method 1: Update Windows?
To use tab mode in File Explorer, you need to ensure that your computer runs on Windows 11 Build 22621.675 or higher.
Step 1: You can check the Windows version by opening the RUN dialog box (Windows + R), typing ‘winver’ and pressing Enter.
Now the window appears, you can check the Windows 11 version here.
Step 2: If your PC is not running Windows 11 Build 22621.675 (or higher) then you should update by going to Settings > Windows Updates > Click the ‘Check for updates’ button.
Step 3: Restart your computer, you will now see a tab interface in File Explorer.
Method 2: Use ViVeTool
If for some reason you don’t have tab mode on Windows 11, you can use the Vivetool tool according to the instructions below to activate it:
Step 1: Download the latest version of ViVeTool ZIP file from Github HERE
Step 2: Extract the ViVeTool ZIP file into an easily accessible folder.
Step 3: Launch Command Prompt with administrator rights.
Step 4: Navigate to the folder containing the extracted ViVeTool and copy its path.
Step 5: In the Command Prompt window, type cd followed by the path of the ViVeTool folder and press Enter.
For example: cd “C:\Users\Techviral\Downloads\ViVeTool-v0.2.1”
Step 6: Enter the command vivetool addconfig 34370472 2 and press Enter to activate the feature. Number 34370472 is the code for the feature that needs to be activated, and number 2 is to enable that feature. To turn off, replace number 2 with number 1.
Step 7: If you receive the message “Successfully set feature configuration”, this means you have successfully activated the feature.
Step 8: Restart your computer to apply the changes and start using the new tab interface in File Explorer.
2. How to turn off tab mode in File Explorer
Although there are users who like the new tab interface, there are also people who are not satisfied with it due to bugs and lack of features. You can completely turn it off, by:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt in Admin mode > Paste the following command line:
vivetool delconfig 34370472 2
Step 2: Restart your PC and you will see the tab interface disappear.
3. Conclude:
Enabling tab mode in File Explorer on Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate between multiple folders without cluttering your screen with numerous windows. As you continue to explore the features of Windows 11, utilizing tools like tab mode can make your computing experience more seamless and enjoyable.
