Windows 11 Now Allows Users to Reorder Tabs in File Explorer

Tabs are silently getting additional polishing

Before you ask, yes, tabs have returned to File Explorer, but they’re only part of the Windows Insider program and are not enabled by default for users out there.

In other words, while the tabs have made a comeback, they need to be enabled by users manually using dedicated software.

Officially, the Redmond-based software giant hasn’t confirmed tabs in File Explorer, but on the other hand, the company looks to be working very hard on getting the feature ready for prime-time.

In the latest Windows Insider build, users are allowed to even reorder tabs in File Explorer, as demonstrated by reddit user Levminer.

The feature seems to work exactly as you’d expect it to work, and if you’ve used drag and drop for tabs in a browser, for instance, the behavior is exactly the same.

At this point, nobody knows for sure when tabs are supposed to go live in Windows 11, but of course, users in the Windows Insider program will be the first to get their hands on this feature.

Tabs in File Explorer

Microsoft’s first attempt to bring tabs to File Explorer happened a few years ago in Windows 8 when the company developed Sets powered by Microsoft Edge.

However, the software giant eventually pulled Sets, promising to bring back tabs in File Explorer at a later time.

“Based on your feedback, some of the things we’re focusing on include improvements to the visual design and continuing to better integrate Office and Microsoft Edge into Sets to enhance workflow. If you have been testing Sets, you will no longer see it as of today’s build, however, Sets will return in a future WIP flight. Thanks again for your feedback,” the company said in 2018 when it removed Sets.

A new Windows 11 preview build is expected next week, though we have no clue if tabs are supposed to be included or not.