Windows Terminal brings Command Prompt, PowerShell, and WSL into one command-line app, with tabs, panes, and custom themes.
Free
24 alternativesExplorer Tab Utility
Explorer Tab Utility adds tab-management functions to Windows 11 File Explorer, including opening windows as tabs and restoring closed tabs.
About Explorer Tab Utility
Explorer Tab Utility is an open source utility for Windows 11 File Explorer. It is distributed through its GitHub repository and requires Windows 11 (22H2 Build 22621 or later) with the File Explorer Tabs feature. It can be installed from the Releases page or using winget or Chocolatey.
It automatically converts new Explorer windows into tabs and can switch to an existing tab if the path is already open. Users can duplicate the current tab, reopen closed tabs and windows with location and selected items restored, and restore previous windows after an Explorer restart or system reboot. It also supports detaching tabs to new windows, keyboard shortcuts for navigation and favorite paths, and a search tool to find and switch between open tabs.
It suits Windows 11 users who regularly work with multiple File Explorer windows and want tab-based file management. Users should be comfortable downloading software from GitHub and configuring hotkeys and settings.
Key features
- Converts new File Explorer windows into tabs automatically
- Duplicates current tab while keeping location and selection
- Reopens closed tabs with location and selected items
- Restores previous windows after restart or crash
- Detaches tabs and snaps windows to screen edges
- Search open tabs by folder name or path
Best for: Windows 11 users who want to manage multiple File Explorer locations with tabs instead of separate windows.
Good for
- Open source repository on GitHub
- Installable via Releases page, winget, or Chocolatey
- Closed-tab history can be saved across restarts
- Hotkeys available for navigation and custom paths
Watch out for
- Requires Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621 or later
- Requires File Explorer Tabs feature
- Windows only
Explorer Tab Utility at a glance
- Category
- Software & Utilities › System Utilities
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Windows
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Explorer Tab Utility FAQ
What is Explorer Tab Utility?
It is an open source utility that adds tab-management functions to Windows 11 File Explorer, including opening windows as tabs and restoring closed tabs.
What are the system requirements?
It requires Windows 11 22H2 Build 22621 or later with the File Explorer Tabs feature.
How do I install Explorer Tab Utility?
You can download it from the Releases page on GitHub or install it with winget or Chocolatey.
Can it reopen closed tabs?
Yes, it can reopen closed tabs and windows with location and selected items restored. History can be saved across restarts when the setting is enabled.
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