File Explorer is getting tabs support on Windows 10

Windows 10's File Explorer is getting tabs thanks to a new updated version of Sets, and it's expected to be available later this year.

File Explorer tabs
File Explorer tabs

Tabs in File Explorer is coming to Windows 10, and it’s expected to become available with the release of the Redstone 5 update arriving in October 2018.

However, the ability to use tabs in File Explorer isn’t a standalone feature. It’s actually possible thanks to an updated version of Sets, a feature that allows you to group related content, such as web pages, documents, and apps into tabs, just like in the web browser.

In this new version, the feature introduces a slew of new improvements, including support for desktop (win32) apps, which also includes File Explorer, as well as other apps like PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Notepad.

Alongside tabs on desktop applications, Sets is available for Microsoft Store apps, such as Mail, Microsoft Edge, MSN News, OneNote, and Calendar. Microsoft is also introducing the ability to restore previous sessions, a functionality that works with Timeline and allows you to resume activities you were working on in the past.

If you’re a participant of the Windows Insider Program, tabs in File Explorer is available starting build 17618 using the Skip Ahead option, but bear in mind that this is still a work in progress, and it feels very incomplete at this time.

Although this feature is now available for testing, Microsoft still hasn’t officially announced it’ll be part of the feature set for the next big update of Windows 10. However, it would appear that Sets could arrive with the Redstone 5 update.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.