Open Apps and Websites in Tabs or Windows in Windows 10

Sets is the implementation of the tabbed shell for Windows 10 which allows app grouping exactly like tabs in a browser. When enabled, Sets will allow combining windows from different apps in a tabbed view. You can configure Sets (Tabs) to open apps and web sites in a new tab, next to your current document tab, or make them appear in a new window. Here is how it can be done.

When enabled, Sets allows combining windows from different apps in a tabbed view. They look like regular web pages with each open tab in Microsoft Edge representing an app. See the following screenshot:

The user can add a new "app tab" by pressing the Ctrl key while launching the app. It is possible to have multiple "app tabs" along with "web tabs" in a single window.

Here's the official announcement of the feature:

Sets: With all the elements that go into a task, sometimes convincing yourself to get started is the hardest part. Sets help you keep webpages, documents, files, and apps connected, while remaining just one click away. When you close a file that includes a group of tabs, we’ll help you bring those tabs back to life the next time you open it. Whether it’s something you pick up later in the day or in a couple weeks, Sets is being designed to help you keep the important things together.

Add tabs to apps: To help fuel Sets, most apps will be able to add app and web tabs. When you select a link in something like an e-mail, it’ll open in a new tab next to the app you were using. Selecting the plus (+) in an app will take you to a new tab page, which will help you jump to your next location. You might already know where you want to go, or just need a little bit of inspiration. From here, you’ll be able to search your PC and the internet, access customized feeds, open frequently used websites and apps, and get suggestions based on your recent activity.

Recent Windows 10 builds support a number of options that you can use to change the behavior of Sets of tabs. Let's see what we can configure. Note: These options are new to Windows 10 Build 17666.

Open Apps and Websites in Tabs in Windows 10

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to System -> Multitasking.
3. On the right, go to the Sets section.
4. Set the option Apps and websites automatically open in a new to Tab.

The OS will group apps and websites in tabs as shown below.

Now, let's see how to change this behavior.

Open Apps and Websites in Separate Windows

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to System -> Multitasking.
3. On the right, go to the Sets section.
4. Set the option Apps and websites automatically open in a new to Window.

The result will be as follows.

If you need, you can change the behavior of Sets with a Registry tweak.

Open Apps and Websites in Tabs or Windows with a Registry Tweak

To change the option with a Registry tweak, you need to modify a DWORD value under the key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TabShellAppSettings

See how to go to a Registry key with one click.
Here, modify or create a new 32-bit DWORD value ForceNewTabGroup and set its value data to

• 0 - Open new windows in Tabs
• 1 - Open new windows

Even if you are running 64-bit Windows you must still create a 32-bit DWORD value.

To save your time, you can download the following ready-to-use Registry files.

Download Registry Files

You are done.