Short answer: If you are on Windows 11 you already have Chrome-style tabs built into File Explorer, no extra software needed; just press Ctrl+T. On Windows 10 or older, a free tool like QTTabBar adds tabs and a bookmark-style toolbar. The old Clover add-on is discontinued, so I no longer recommend it.
Years ago I wrote about adding Chrome-like tabs to Windows Explorer using a tool called Clover. That tool has since been abandoned and can cause instability on modern Windows, so this is the updated, safe way to get the same experience. The goal is the same as it always was: one window, many tabs, faster switching between folders.
Does Windows 11 have tabs in File Explorer?
Yes, and this is the biggest change. Microsoft added native tabbed browsing to File Explorer, so you no longer need any third-party helper on Windows 11. In my daily setup I keep four or five tabs open constantly, one for Downloads, one for my current project, one for screenshots.
- Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
- Press Ctrl+T to open a new tab, exactly like a browser.
- Press Ctrl+W to close the current tab.
- Hold Ctrl+Tab to cycle through open tabs.
- Drag a folder onto the tab strip to open it in a new tab.
You can also right-click any folder and choose Open in new tab. Make sure Windows 11 is fully updated through Settings, then Windows Update, because tabs arrived in a feature update rather than the first release.
How do I get tabs on Windows 10 or older?
Windows 10 never got native tabs, so you need a free add-on. The two I trust are QTTabBar and Files (a modern open-source file manager).
| Tool | How it works | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Explorer tabs | Built into Windows 11 | Windows 11 users | Free |
| Files app | Separate modern file manager with tabs, panes and tags | Windows 10 and 11 power users | Free / open source |
| QTTabBar | Adds a tab bar into the classic Explorer | Windows 10 and older | Free |
| Clover (old) | Discontinued Browser Helper Object | Not recommended anymore | Abandoned |
Setting up QTTabBar
- Download QTTabBar from a reputable source and install it while Explorer is closed.
- Open File Explorer, click the View menu, then Options, and enable the QTTabBar toolbar.
- Restart Explorer or sign out and back in so the toolbar loads.
- Double-click any folder to open it in a new tab, and use Ctrl+T just like a browser.
QTTabBar even supports a bookmark-style row where you can pin your most-used folders, which is the feature people originally wanted from Clover.
How do I recreate a bookmark bar for my favourite folders?
Even without add-ons, Windows has two built-in ways to keep favourite folders one click away. I use both.
- Quick access: right-click any folder and choose Pin to Quick access. It appears in the left navigation pane of every Explorer window.
- Pinned tabs and jump lists: right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar and pin frequent folders so they show in the jump list.
If you want a true horizontal bookmark bar, the Files app gives you a proper favourites sidebar plus tags, which is closer to a browser than classic Explorer ever was.
The tip most guides miss
Keyboard shortcuts in the Windows 11 tab strip mirror Chrome almost exactly, and that includes one nobody mentions: Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the last tab you closed. I close folders by reflex and this has saved me from re-navigating a deep path more times than I can count. Also try Ctrl+number to jump straight to a specific tab position.
If your workflow involves juggling lots of windows, an ultrawide or second monitor makes tabbed Explorer far more useful; you can see the whole tab strip and a wide file list at once. There are affordable options on Amazon if you are shopping.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any software for tabs on Windows 11?
No. Tabbed File Explorer is built into Windows 11. Just press Ctrl+T inside File Explorer after making sure Windows is fully updated.
Is QTTabBar safe to use?
QTTabBar is a long-standing free tool, but only download it from its official page or a trusted mirror and install it while Explorer is closed. As with any Explorer add-on, create a restore point first.
Why should I avoid Clover now?
Clover is discontinued and no longer maintained, which means it can cause instability and has known security concerns on modern Windows. Native tabs or the Files app are safer replacements.
Can I get a bookmark bar for folders?
Yes. Pin folders to Quick access in the navigation pane, use the taskbar jump list, or switch to the Files app which offers a proper favourites sidebar and tags.
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