Enabling Tabbed Browsing in Windows 10 File Explorer with Third-Party Tools
So, here’s the scoop: if you’ve ever felt like managing folders in Windows 10’s File Explorer is like herding cats, you’re not alone. It doesn’t have a built-in tabbed browsing feature — seriously, why not?! But there’s a bit of hope. With a bit of third-party magic, you can add it yourself. QTTabBar is one of the most popular tools out there. It gives your File Explorer a tabbed interface that feels just as smooth as your favourite web browser. Once you’ve got it set up, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Installing and Setting Up QTTabBar
Getting QTTabBar up and running is quite straightforward, but there are a few steps to keep in mind. Basically, you download the software, install it, and then enable those handy tabs. Once it’s ready, switching between folders becomes way easier — perfect if you’re juggling multiple projects or working with complex folder structures.
Download QTTabBar from the Official Source
First up, download QTTabBar from the official site at https://qttabbar.wikidot.com/. Avoid dodgy copies — get the genuine article. Just head to the Download section and grab the latest stable version compatible with Windows 10. Once downloaded, locate the file in your downloads folder (or wherever you save your downloads).
Run the Installer
Open the installer and follow the prompts on screen. You’ll need to accept some licence terms and have administrator rights. It’s pretty standard — Windows will probably ask for your credentials. Right-click the installer if you want to run it as an admin. The whole process takes just a few minutes, and soon QTTabBar will be ready to go.
Open File Explorer
After installation, open File Explorer by clicking the icon or pressing Windows + E. At first, it’ll look just the same — those tabs are still hiding. Also, make sure your Windows is up to date: go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Outdated Windows can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
Activate QTTabBar
Now for the fun part — head to the View tab at the top of File Explorer. Find Toolbars and select QTTabBar from the dropdown menu. If the tabs don’t appear straight away, don’t panic. Sometimes you need to give it a little nudge—right-click the taskbar, open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and click Restart. After that, you should see the tabs ready for action.
Start Using Tabs
With QTTabBar active, managing your folders is much easier. Just right-click a folder and choose Open in new tab or press Ctrl + T. This turns File Explorer into a tabbed workspace, making it quick to switch between folders without a mountain of open windows. It’s a real game changer for keeping things organised.
Tips for Making the Most of QTTabBar
To get the best out of QTTabBar, spend a moment exploring its settings. Head to Tools > QTTabBar Options — there’s plenty of customisation available. Want to switch tabs with a double-click or change the icons? Go for it! Also, keep the software up to date. Sometimes Windows updates can cause issues, but a quick reinstall of QTTabBar usually sorts things out.
FAQs About QTTabBar
Is QTTabBar safe?
As long as you download it from the official site, QTTabBar is generally considered safe. It’s open-source, and many users trust it without any major security concerns.
Will tabs slow down File Explorer?
QTTabBar is built to be lightweight. Most systems will handle it without a problem, but if you’re the type to open dozens of tabs at once, keep an eye on performance — older hardware might slow down a bit.
Can I customise the look of the tabs?
Absolutely! QTTabBar lets you personalise the appearance. Check out Tools > QTTabBar Options > Appearance to tweak colours, icons, and more.
Will my tabs stay after restarting Windows?
Yes, QTTabBar saves your setup, so your tabs will be there after you reboot. No need to set them up all over again.
What if QTTabBar stops working?
If things go awry, download the latest version from the official download page. Reinstalling often fixes bugs, especially after Windows updates that might cause compatibility issues.
All in all, QTTabBar can really streamline your workflow in Windows 10. Turning File Explorer into a tabbed interface helps keep things tidy and organised. Nobody likes digging through a sea of open windows — these tweaks can seriously boost productivity. So, why not give it a go?