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What software can I use to add tabs to Windows 10/11?

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Every browser has tabs with which you can open multiple website pages. However, Windows doesn’t include tabs to open software and folders with. Microsoft could integrate tabs into Windows in a various ways.

There are, however, a few third-party software packages that add tabs toFile Explorer, software windows and the desktop. This is how you can add tabs toWindows 10with TidyTabs, Stick and Clover.

How to enable Tabs in File Explorer using third-party tools

How to enable Tabs in File Explorer using third-party tools

1. TidyTabs

TidyTabsis a freeware package (with a Pro version) that adds tabs to software windows. The freeware version of TidyTabs adds up to three tabs to windows with which you can switch between running software packages.

They’re like software taskbar buttons included at the top of windows. Instead of opening program windows with the taskbar buttons, you can switch between them with the tabs.

2. Clover

FileExplorerdoesn’t have any tabs to open multiple folders in a single window with. It really should do, but Microsoft hasn’t addressed this obvious shortcoming yet. However, EJIE Soft Studio’s Clover software adds tabs toFile Explorercomparable to those in Google Chrome.

3. Add Tabs to the Windows Desktop

Tabs would also be a handy addition to the Windows desktop. Stick is a program that adds notepad, folder explorer and Web browser tabs to the sides of the desktop.

Then you can browse websites, save some notes and open folders with the tabs.

Update: It seems that the initialdownloadlink is no longer available on the tool’s official website. But you can use third-partydownloadplatforms to get the tool.

TinyTabs, Stick and Clover are just three of the software packages that bring tabs to Windows. WindowTabs, QTTabBar and TabExplorer are a few other programs that add tabs toFile Explorerand application windows.

Hopefully Microsoft will consider adding tabs to future Windows platforms, but for now you can add them to the OS with third-partysoftware.

As you all know Microsoft has already announced a similarfeaturecalledSets. Basically, thisfeaturegroupsFile Explorerwindows together. However, it seems that the tech giant hasn’t had the time to fully implement Sets into its newWindows 10OS versions.

Since Microsoft is taking so long to actually bring Tabs toWindows 10, many users are wonderingwhether this is still a valid ideafor the company or not.

Well, recent report suggest that Microsoft will focus heavily on bringing Tabs toFile Explorerafter it has completed theChromium on Edgetransition. And this may take a few more months.

Who knows, if everything goes according to plan, Tabs onWindows 10might be available as a fully-fledgedfeaturein 2020.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.