If you've ever wished you had tabs in Windows Explorer As in your browser, you're not alone: this idea has been around for years and was even tested with Sets in Insider builds, but it disappeared without explanation. With Windows 11 Microsoft has modernized Explorer, and many users already enjoy native tabs, but there are those who need to go a step further, or work in Windows 10. This is where QTTabBar comes in, a veteran extension that multiplies what Explorer can do out of the box.
QTTabBar is a free tool that adds tabs and advanced features Windows File Explorer, along with additional views, command bars, and shortcuts that streamline file management. It was born long before Microsoft flirted with tabs, and today it remains a powerful solution for anyone who wants to centralize everything in a single window, open two folders at once, or customize their workflow in detail.
What is QTTabBar and why is it still so useful?
QTTabBar is a Shell extension that injects tabbed browsing directly in Explorer folder windows. In addition to tabs, it offers a list of productivity-oriented improvements: dual view to open two locations within the same window, customizable command bars, mouse-over previews, keyboard shortcuts and mouse, and the option to place the tabs at the bottom if you prefer to maintain the classic aesthetic.
The idea is not new: in Linux eyelashes have been around for a long time, and in Windows, there were attempts like Sets or third-party solutions. Groupy, for example, offers a very faithful approach to browser tabs, but it's paid. QTTabBar, on the other hand, focuses on Windows Explorer, is free, and adds a range of extras not available out of the box in Windows 10, but which in Windows 11 are still a plus if you want more control.
Works on all modern versions of Windows, from 7 onwards, and is available in several languages, including Spanish. Although official support for Windows 11 wasn't announced for a while, the tool works correctly on the system because it relies on .NET 4.0; the activation process may require opening the classic Explorer to enable it, but once done, the tabs integrate naturally.
Beyond tabs, QTTabBar changes how you navigate your folders: You can view the contents of a folder without entering it by simply placing the cursor, open new tabs with a middle click, go back with a double-click on an empty space, or preview images and text using pop-up information, saving considerable time when searching for something specific.
Key features that make the difference
- Tabbed browsing in the same window. You can have multiple folders open as if they were browser tabs, move between them, reorder them and group them so you don't lose control when working with many directories at once.
- Customizable interface from top to bottom. Change tab colors, positions, and behavior, adjust tab sizes, define actions performed with each click, and decide where to place tab bars (including whether to display tabs at the bottom).
- Folder grouping and favoritesCreate groups to quickly open your usual routes and mark frequently used locations so you always have them handy. For repetitive jobs, this feature is pure gold.
- QT Command Bar(s)The QT Command Bar 1/2 are panels that add buttons for functions, including those provided by plugins. Place them next to the tab bar and activate actions without going through deep menus.
- Extra views within the same windowWith Extra View, you can split Explorer and open two folders simultaneously, each with its own tabs and independent navigation. Ideal for copying or moving files between locations.
- Previews and on-the-fly informationWhen you hover over images, text, or videos, tooltips with previews appear. You can also view the contents of a folder by hovering over it and tapping an arrow icon to instantly access it.
- Very practical keyboard shortcuts and mouse gesturesOpen tabs with the middle button, launch new tabs with shortcuts like Ctrl and double-click, go back with a double-click in empty space, or define shortcut keys for common tasks.
- Extensive customization from your Options menuThe tool includes a huge number of settings to customize every detail: from the appearance to the behavior of views, from shortcuts to the way content is previewed.
Step-by-step installation and activation
Installation is straightforwardDownload the installer from its official website or from known software repositories, run it, and follow the wizard. Once complete, restart your computer to ensure the Shell changes are applied correctly.
Activate the bars in the ExplorerOpen any Explorer window and, on the ribbon ("View" tab), expand the toolbar options and select "QTTabBar." This will display the tab bar integrated into the window.
Open folders in new tabs instantly. Use Ctrl and double-click a folder to open it in a new tab. You can also middle-click a folder icon to achieve the same effect.
Do you prefer to maintain the classic aesthetic? You can place tabs at the bottom of the window. If you like the Explorer's appearance as it always does, this option is very useful for keeping your visual memory intact.
Windows 11 and activationIn Windows 11, activation may require using the classic Explorer to enable the bar for the first time. During the early stages of the system, the option was hidden, and a community-shared method (e.g., a Reddit thread) was required to activate it. Once activated, it works reliably.
Open two folders in a single window with Extra View
The double view is one of the great attractions QTTabBar. Allows you to display two panels within the same Explorer window, each with its own set of tabs and controls, as if they were two separate windows, but without losing focus.
How to enable it. Go to the Explorer options and activate "Extra View." You can choose left or bottom, whichever is more convenient for you. The extra panel immediately appears divided like a parallel explorer.
Working in parallel is very convenient. Copy and move files between panels It's as simple as drag and drop. With separate tabs in each area, you can navigate multiple origin and destination routes independently.
Each panel retains its own state, shortcuts, and tabs, so you won't interfere with each other while preparing transfers or comparing content. If you manage a lot of material between discs or projects, you'll notice the improvement within a minute.
More tricks and gestures that speed up your daily life
- Go back with a gesture. In any empty space in any folder, double-click and you'll return to the previous location, just like pressing the Back button. It's a small detail that ends up saving a lot of clicks.
- Preview without openingWhen you hover over images, text, or videos, tooltips with a preview are displayed. This feature is perfect when you're browsing a folder with dozens of files and don't want to open them one by one.
- Colorize names to highlight filesIf you need to mark important files, you can change the color of their names and instantly distinguish them. This visual mark is useful for review or delivery processes.
- Express access to subfoldersIf you hover over a folder, you'll see a small box with a blue arrow: clicking it will take you to the contents immediately without having to open the folder in a new window.
- Context menu on the tab barRight-clicking on the bar displays a menu with specific functions and settings for controlling the tool, from tab behavior to accessing advanced options.
Advanced customization and safe mode
The QTTabBar Options panel is very completeYou can adjust the interface's aesthetics, decide how tabs open, which shortcuts are active, how previews are displayed, or configure the behavior of Extra Views and the QT Command Bars.
Is something out of order? The app adds an entry to the Start menu that allows you to open Explorer in "safe mode" (without add-ons). If any customization is giving you trouble, this option allows you to regain control and correct conflicting settings.
Compatibility, requirements and internal operation
- Wide compatibility. QTTabBar works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, both 32- and 64-bit. Because they rely on .NET 4.0, running on Windows 11 is possible and stable once the initial activation is complete.
- Guiding requirements. On modern computers you won't have any problems, but as a reference: 1 GHz processor or higher, 1 GB of RAM in 32-bit (2 GB in 64-bit) and the disk space required by the system itself (approx. 16 GB in 32-bit and 20 GB in 64-bit).
- Integration with the ExplorerBy enabling QTTabBar in a folder window, the tool "hooks" certain Explorer components to enhance its functionality. You won't see any separate processes; everything happens within the same system window.
- Familiar controls and no learning curveThe interface is clear and intuitive: tabs at the top (or bottom if you prefer), buttons in the command bar, and options in context menus. If you're using a browser, you'll feel right at home.
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