How to Fix File Explorer Tabs Not Showing in Windows

If you are already using the 22H2 build of Windows 11, you are already familiar with the incredibly helpful “File Explorer Tabs.” Indeed, the File Explorer tab support in the Windows 11 22H2 release is a really helpful multitasking tool.

The issue is that even after updating to build 22621.675, many Windows 11 users are unable to locate the new File Explorer tabs.

In order to experience the new tabs in File Explorer, many Windows 11 users installed the most recent upgrades; however, some users were let down. Numerous people have complained that Windows 11 File Explorer lacks tabs. Here’s what to do if you’ve been having the same issue.

1. Make sure you are using the correct Windows 11 build
Not every build of Windows 11 has file explorer tabs. To experience the new file explorer tabs, ensure your PC runs on Windows 11 Build 22621.675 or later.

If you have installed the update delivered on October 18 – KB5019509, you should see the tabs in the file explorer. Here’s how to ensure your PC runs on Windows 11 Build 22621.675 or above.

1. Press the Windows + R button on your keyboard to open the RUN Dialog box.

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1. When the RUN dialog box opens, type in winver and press the Enter button.

2. This will open the Above Windows app. Here, you need to check the Windows 11 version.

2. Update your Windows 11
If your PC is not running Windows 11 Build 22621.675 or above, you should update its operating system. Installing the Windows 11 22H2 update is easy. Here’s what you need to do.

1. First, click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.

2. On the Settings app, switch to Windows Updates.

3. On the right side, click the Check for updates button.

4. Now you need to download & install all pending updates. If your PC is compatible with Windows 11 22H2, the version update will appear on the Windows update screen.

3. Restart your Windows Explorer
If you don’t restart your PC often, it’s best to restart only the Windows Explorer process from the Task Manager.

New file explorer features may fail to appear due to processes running in the background. When you restart your computer or Windows Explorer, all background processes likely preventing the File Explorer tabs from appearing will be terminated.

It’s easy to restart Windows Explorer on Windows 11. Follow the simple steps we have shared below.

1. First, click on Windows 11 search and type in Task Manager. Next, open the Task Manager app from the list.

2. When the Task Manager opens, switch to the Processes tab.

3. Find and select the Windows Explorer process on the right side. On the top-right corner, click on Restart. Or else, right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.

This will restart File Explorer on your Windows 11 computer. Once restarted, open File Explorer and check whether tabs are appearing.

4. Enable Tabs in File Explorer via ViveTool
Well, a method enables tabs in Windows 11 File explorer forcefully. But that requires using the ViveTool.

We have already shared a detailed guide on enabling tabs in File Explorer using ViveTool. The method requires joining Windows Insider, downloading the ViveTool ZIP file, and executing a few commands on the Command Prompt.

Follow that guide to force enable tabs in the Windows 11 File Explorer using Vivetool.

5. Clear the File Explorer Cache
If everything is right on your end, but if File Explorer tabs are still not showing in Windows 11, you must clear the File Explorer Cache.

Windows 11 22H2 file explorer tabs not showing problem may be because of a corrupted file explorer cache. Hence, you can enable Windows 11 Explorer tabs by clearing the cache file of File Explorer. Here’s what you need to do.

1. First, open File Explorer on your Windows 11. You can press the Windows + E button to open it.

2. On the top menu, click the three dots

3. Select ‘Options‘ from the list of options that appear.

4. On the Folder options, switch to the General tab. Next, click on the Clear button in the Privacy section.

6. Run the SFC command
SFC or System File Checker is a utility that scans and repairs corrupted system files. If the system files that handle the functionality of File Explorer are corrupted, the tabs won’t show up.

Also, you will need help with using the features of Windows 11 File Explorer. Hence, you can run the SFC command to fix File Explorer tabs not appearing on Windows 11.

1. Click on Windows 11 search and type in Command Prompt. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, type in the given command and press the Enter button.

SFC /scannow

1. Now, you need to wait patiently until the scan completes.

7. Reinstall the Windows 11 22H2 Update
If you have followed every method exactly as they are described, chances are that the missing File Explorer tabs on the Windows 11 issue might be fixed. If nothing worked for you, the remaining option is to reinstall the Windows 11 22H2 update. Here’s what you need to do.

1. To begin, click the Start button for Windows 11 and choose Settings.

2. Select Windows Update from the Settings menu.

3. Next, select Update history from the menu on the right.

4. Select Uninstall updates from the Update history screen.

5. Next, look for the 22H2 build and locate the most current updates. Next to it, click the Uninstall button.

6. Restart your computer after uninstalling it, then look for updates once more. Install the Windows 11 22H2 update once again this time.

These are quick fixes for Windows 11’s missing file explorer tabs. Please let us know in the comments if you require any additional assistance resolving the Windows 11 issue of no file explorer tabs. Additionally, if the material was helpful to you, tell your friends about it.