Recent versions of Windows 10 include an implementation of the Tabbed Shell, known as Sets. It allows app grouping exactly like tabs in a browser. When Sets are enabled, the user can combine windows from different apps in a tabbed view. Here's how you can open a folder in File Explorer in a new tab.
The main idea behind Sets is to provide the user a way to organize your workspace efficiently: your opened web sites in a browser, documents in a word processor - every app connected with a single task can be grouped together 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.
There are a number of ways to open a folder in a new tab in File Explorer in Windows 10.
To open a folder in a new tab in File Explorer, do the following.
- Simple press the Ctrl + T keys. See Sets Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows 10.
- Or, right-click on a folder and select Open in a new tab from the context menu.
- Finally, you can click on the File command in the Ribbon UI, and choose Open new window > Open new tab.
You will get something like this:
Note: The final version of the Sets feature may come with Windows 10 Redstone 5. This could change if Microsoft prioritizes the Sets feature to ship with Redstone 4 but as of this writing, that does not seem to be the case. Also, the name for Sets may change in the final release.
You might be interested in reading How to Enable or Disable Sets in Windows 10.
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This is for RS5, isn’t it Sergey? I got confused and was trying on RS4.
Indeed, it is for RS5.
My w10 pro 1909 doesn’t allow me to create tabs with CTRL+T and there is no plus sign to the right of the existing tab. Is there some way to enable or add this functionality? Thanks.
Nope, Microsoft has ‘postponed’ tabs in Windows 10.