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When is the Tabs feature coming to File Explorer?

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Published onMarch 4, 2019

published onMarch 4, 2019

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Last year, Microsoft revealed its plans to bringTabs in File ExplorerinWindows 10. Thefeaturewas initially expected to be available in October 2018.

Microsoft planned to make use of theSets featurefor further projects. Sets basically work by grouping related content into tabs. It works similarly to the way a web browser works by grouping documents, web pages, and apps whenever needed.

The Setsfeatureis already available in a couple of Microsoft Store apps including Microsoft Edge, OneNote, Mail, and Calendar application. It is a pretty handyfeatureif you want to manage your work by opening a tab for the documents folder, a tab for your email app and the pictures folder.

It makes it easier for you to switch between all of them.

https://youtu.be/3lEjuU-XFHg

You might not remember that apart from introducing the Tabs inFile ExplorerMicrosoft planned to launch a newfeatureallows the users to restore previous sessions. It has been a core part of the web browsers for decades, so it is going to work just like it has done in the web browsers.

Is Microsoft still working on Tabs in File Explorer?

Thefeatureis one of the most demandedfeaturesand it was voted by around 22 thousand+ insiders at the time of its announcement.

In fact, thefeaturewas available to the Insiders runningbuild 17618for testing purposes. Additionally, the company planned to offer support for Notepad, Powershell,File Explorer, and Command Prompt.

Microsoft has not shared any release date information yet about Tabs inFile Explorer. Most of the usersare now wonderingwhether Microsoft is still working to develop thefeatureor it dropped the idea completely. If you are one of them here is the answer.

First Edge on Chromium, then File Explorer Tabs

According to the reports, Microsoft wants to first complete the development ofChromium-based Edge browserbefore moving to the File Manager Tabsfeature.

The company is still working on thefeaturebut it might have been slowed down due to the fact that Microsoft Sets depends on Edge. As a matter of fact, Sets are also an important part of theWindows Lite(Santorini) UI that will be released during the first half of 2020.

Furthermore, Microsoft wants to implant all the Edgefeaturesin the in Chromium project and the implementation of thefeaturesis currently work in progress. Therefore, Microsoft is waiting so that the shift to Chromium takes place successfully to speed up the development of the forthcomingfeature.

It’s surprising that Microsoft has not thought about thisfeaturefor years. This is an important usabilityfeaturethat needs to be developed to facilitate the life ofWindowsusers.

The tech giant is doing pretty well as far as other products including Azure, Surface, TypeScript,HoloLens 2,Visual Studio, and Office are concerned. Even Skype is performing pretty well after the recent restructuring.

Get Tabs in File Explorer today with these third party tools

You might not be interested in waiting for Microsoft to finish the development of thisfeature. There are many third party tools that offer the samefeatureand are already available for download.

Some of these tools allow users to add tab functionality to the existingWindowsFile Explorer. While others have tabsfeatureand can be considered as an alternative to theWindowsFile Explorer.

1. Groupy

You might be surprised to know that the Groupy app actually offers a lot more features as compared to the Setsfeatureof Microsoft.

It manages the apps in a similar way just like you use a web browser to manage webpages in separate tabs. Another advantage is that it supports Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 operating systems.

You can use it to tab all of your openGoogle Docs, AdWords, Office docs into neat sections.

Another uniquefeaturethat might be appealing for the users that the software remains tabbed groups in its memory and you can easily reopen them when required.

Keyfeaturesinclude:

However, email activation is required for using the software. It allows the users to switch between the tabs using Alt + Tab.

If you are interested in the software its license is available at a price of $9.99. At the time of writing this article, the Groupy is at a sale for $4.99 so it is the best time for purchasing the license.

2. QTTabBar

Most of the users have recommended usingQTTabBar. It is a freeware that adds quick access tools for enhancingExplorer‘s experience. QTTabBar offers a couple of uniquefeatures. It helps the users in tracing folders and files in a better way. You can save a lot of time as you will no longer have to use the manual method anymore. All of its options are user-friendly and easy to understand.

Some of the keyfeaturesprovided by QTTabBar are:

3. XYplorer

Many users recommend XYplorer as an alternative. It is basically a tabbed file manager me that meets the needs of Windows users.

Furthermore, it also includes a highly customizable interface, helps to automate frequently recurring tasks in an efficient way, and optional dual pane. It is preferred by users just because it is portable, lightweight, fast, and innovative.

Some of the majorfeaturesthat are offered by XYplorer are:

It’s a paid program and you can either buy a Standard License at $ 39.95 per user or enjoy a Lifetime License for $79.95.

It’s up to you if you want to use any of these third-party programs to enjoy thefeaturesthat will be offered by the built-in Microsoft’s Tabs inFile Explorerfeature that is currently in the development stages.

Let us know in the comments section below if you are using any other third party tool.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

When is the Tabs feature coming to File Explorer?#

Is Microsoft still working on Tabs in File Explorer?#

First Edge on Chromium, then File Explorer Tabs#

Get Tabs in File Explorer today with these third party tools#

1. Groupy#

2. QTTabBar#

3. XYplorer#