Microsoft is working on bringing a duplicate tab feature to the File Explorer of its Windows 11 operating system.
The company rolled out tabs support in Windows 11’s File Explorer in 2022. The initial implementation lacked several features. Notably, support for dragging tabs and reopening closed ones was missing.
Updates introduced some of these features. You can now drag and drop tabs around to create new File Explorer instances or merge instances.
Soon, you will also be able to duplicate an open tab.
Windows 11 File Explorer: duplicate tab
Microsoft announced the option some time ago. It is now available in Beta insider builds of Windows 11.
To use it, all you have to do is right-click on any open tab and select the new duplicate tab option. This spawns a new tab in the same File Explorer instance that displays the same path as the source tab.
Microsoft writes:
We’re rolling out the ability to duplicate a tab by right-clicking on a tab in File Explorer.
When is this landing in stable? Microsoft does not say. A likely candidate is the Windows 22 2024 Update, which is expected in September / October of 2024.
Workaround to duplicate tabs
Here is a quick workaround to duplicate tabs right now. It has flaws and it is not as quick, but it should work in many cases.
The one requirement is that the source tab should have at least one folder listing.
- Middle-click on the folder in the source tab. This opens the selected folder in a new tab in File Expxlorer.
- Use the path to navigate back to the source folder by clicking on its name.
Closing Words
Duplicating tabs is just a small feature, but some Windows 11 users will certainly find it handy. I have to admit that I do not use tabs at all. I prefer to use two File Explorer instances whenever I need access to multiple folders, e.g., for copying files.
What about you? Do you use File Explorer tabs or use a third-party file manager with tabs support?