Concept Envisions Tabs in Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11 is bringing a small visual refresh to File Explorer, but on the other hand, the feature that everybody is waiting for doesn’t seem to be ready just yet.

So yes, File Explorer will look better once the new OS version gets the go-ahead, but support for tabs is still missing, and nobody knows for sure if Microsoft actually plans to bring it by the time Windows 11 gets the go-ahead.

If anything, Microsoft is making it a little bit easier to work with multiple windows at the same time by introducing additional snap options, all of which will be available by simply hovering the maximize button in a specific window.

“Windows has always been about helping you work how you want, by offering flexibility of multiple windows and the ability to snap apps side by side. New in Windows 11, we’re introducing Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops to provide an even more powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done,” Microsoft explains.

“These are new features designed to help you organize your windows and optimize your screen real estate so you can see what you need just the way you want in a layout that’s visually clean. You can also create separate Desktops for each part of your life and customize them to your liking – imagine having a Desktop for work, gaming or school.”

Tabs in File Explorer

A reddit user has come with a proposal that’s as simple as it gets, bringing tabs to File Explorer while keeping the UI pretty clean.

The design idea is inspired by Microsoft Edge, and it appears to be based on the concept that Microsoft itself embraced with Sets back in the days when Edge legacy was still a thing.

Needless to say, such an implementation could really work, though it remains to be seen if Microsoft really wants to make tabs happen in File Explorer or not.