1
Also covers tabs · free
Windows Terminal brings Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL into one command-line app, with tabs, panes, and custom themes.
Alternatives
The Best Explorer Tab Utility Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives2 free · 22 open source
Looking for something like Explorer Tab Utility? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 2 are free or have a free plan and 22 are open source.
About Explorer Tab Utilitygithub.com/w4po/ExplorerTabUtility
VisitExplorer Tab Utility adds tab-management functions to Windows 11 File Explorer, including opening windows as tabs and restoring closed tabs.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionWindows TerminalWindows Terminal brings Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL…Open source optionShellShell manages Windows File Explorer context-menu items…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windows Terminal | Free | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 2 | Shell | — | Yes | Windows |
| 3 | Everything for PowerToys Run | — | Yes | — |
| 4 | Organize | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 5 | Clink | — | Yes | — |
| 6 | GUI | — | Yes | — |
| 7 | Auto Hotkey | — | Yes | Windows |
| 8 | LenovoLegionToolkit | — | Yes | Windows |
| 9 | RBTray | — | Yes | Windows |
| 10 | winfetch | — | Yes | Windows |
All Explorer Tab Utility alternatives
2
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Shell manages Windows File Explorer context-menu items, letting users choose which entries to add.
3
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
EverythingPowerToys adds Everything-powered file and folder search to the PowerToys Run launcher.
4
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Organize automates file management through rules, with documentation and a version 3 release noted on its project page.
5
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Clink adds Bash-style command-line editing features to cmd.exe, according to its repository description.
6
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
ChocolateyGUI provides a graphical interface for Chocolatey package management.
7
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
AutoHotkey is a Windows scripting utility for creating macros and automating tasks.
8
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Lenovo Legion Toolkit is a Windows desktop utility for Lenovo gaming laptops that replaces Lenovo Vantage, Legion Zone, and Legion Space.
9
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
RBTray offers a small Windows utility as a maintained fork of the original project; its repository says it is in maintenance mode.
10
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Winfetch displays system information from the command line using a PowerShell utility.
11
StartAllBack
startallback.comStartAllBack restores and adjusts Windows 11 taskbar, Start menu, context menu, and File Explorer interface elements.
12
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Rufus formats USB drives and creates bootable USB flash drives, with support for multiple file systems.
13
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
The Fido PowerShell script downloads Windows or UEFI Shell ISO files and is designed primarily for Rufus.
14
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
This wrapper script supports Windows 10 and 11 media creation, with deployment automation features described in its project summary.
15
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Wox provides an open-source launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux, according to its project page.
16
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Total Registry is an enhanced Windows Registry editor and viewer intended as a replacement for Regedit.
17
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project · free
WhyNotWin11 detects why a PC may not meet Windows 11 release requirements and includes update checks.
18
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of Windows utilities for productivity and customization, according to its repository description.
19
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
dwm-win32 is a port of the X11 dwm window manager to Microsoft Windows.
20
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
7+ Taskbar Tweaker lets users configure Windows taskbar behavior on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
21
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
SmartSystemMenu extends the system menu of Windows windows with custom items, including an information view.
22
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Volumey controls Windows audio through a volume mixer with configurable global hotkeys.
23
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
QuickLook brings the macOS Quick Look feature to Windows, according to its repository description.
24
Also covers open source · same kind of open-source project
Clover is a bootloader for macOS, Windows, and Linux in UEFI and legacy modes.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
SmartSystemMenu24 alternativesWindows Terminal24 alternativesGUI24 alternativesMediaCreationTool24 alternativesRegExp24 alternativesWhyNotWin1124 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Explorer Tab Utility?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Explorer Tab Utility are Windows Terminal, Shell, and Everything for PowerToys Run.
Is there a free alternative to Explorer Tab Utility?
Yes. Windows Terminal and WhyNotWin11 are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Explorer Tab Utility?
Yes: Shell, Everything for PowerToys Run, Organize, and Clink.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative