Windows 10: When opening a new tab in File Explorer, how do I keep the original tab displayed?

On Windows 11 File Explorer has tabs which, much like a browser's tabs, can be opened through various means, including middle-mouse-click. When this happens, the focus of the window switches to the new tab. Most browsers allow this as an option, but the default setting is generally to keep the focus on the original tab. How can I keep the focus on the original tab instead, at least when using middle-mouse-click to open new tabs? I have been told by support that there is no standard setting to change this, but I am willing to use other methods if they exist.Additionally, if support is correct,

:)

 

Win 11 File Explorer tabs not opening

Hello. I'm Douglas, here to help you with this.

For this situation, I recommend that you test the steps in the order they are listed below:

1. Install Windows Updates

File Explorer tabs are only available on computers running Windows 11 22H2 or later. So your first step is to determine which version of Windows your computer is running. If your system is running an older version, use the following steps to update to the latest version.

Step 1: Click the Windows button on the taskbar to open the Start menu and click the gear icon to launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Click on the Windows Update option on the left sidebar and click on the Check for Updates button on the top right corner.

After updating Windows to the latest version, File Explorer tabs will appear.

2. Restart the Windows Explorer process

Windows Explorer is a system process that manages the graphical user interface (GUI) for File Explorer. If this process is not running correctly, File Explorer may not display the tabs on your computer. Most of the time, you can fix problems with the Windows Explorer process simply by restarting it. Here are the steps for the same.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open Task Manager.

Step 2: On the Processes tab, find the Windows Explorer process. Right-click and select Restart.

Your taskbar will disappear for a few seconds and reappear. After that, open File Explorer on your PC and check if you can access the tabs.

3. Clear File Explorer history

Windows File Explorer keeps a record of your previous activities and searches to better serve you. If Windows is having trouble accessing this data for some reason, File Explorer may malfunction. You can try clearing the existing File Explorer history and see if that helps.

Step 1: Click the Windows Search icon on the taskbar, type file explorer options and press Enter.

Step 2: On the General tab, click on the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer History.

4. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

Your Windows computer runs the System Maintenance Troubleshooter regularly to clean up unused files, desktop shortcuts, and perform other maintenance tasks. This tool can help fix any irregularities with File Explorer and restore missing tabs. See how to run it.

Step 1: Press Windows keys + S to open Windows Search, type control panel and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Control Panel window, use the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner to select Large Icons. Then click on the Troubleshooting menu in the list of icons.

Step 3: In the System and Security section, select the Perform maintenance tasks option.

Step 4: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter. After that, check if the problem persists.

5. Check for corrupted system files

Another reason File Explorer may not show tabs is if some of the system files on your PC are corrupt or missing. SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) are two Windows tools that can help detect and repair any damaged system files. See how to run them.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon to open the Power User menu and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

Step 3: In the console, type the following command and press Enter.

SFC/scannow

After the scan completes, you will see a message indicating whether or not you found any errors. You will also receive instructions for correcting the error if there is a problem.

Then run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each one:

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/CheckHealth

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth

DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth

Note that DISM can connect to Windows servers to download system files if needed. So make sure you have an active internet connection.

Restart your PC after the scan completes and check if File Explorer shows tabs.

I hope this information helps you, post the results again, I'm available.

Thanks.

 

Multiple tabs in File Explorer

Win 11 22H2 build 22621.675

Love the new option in File Explorer for multiple tabs.

I have been unable to find a way to re-open all tabs in a single instance of File Explorer. When I select the Option to "Restore previous folder windows at logon", File Explorer opens a new instance for each of the tabs that I previously had open. I would certainly prefer for a single instance to open with the previous tabs in one instance, the same as what I can do in Windows Internet Explorer.

All suggestions appreciated

 

How to open file explorer folders as new tabs by default (instead of as new file explorer windows)

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