Enhance Windows 11 File Explorer with This Small App That Restores Missing Features

Enhancing Windows 11 File Explorer with Explorer Tab Utility

Windows 11 introduced numerous enhancements to its built-in File Explorer; however, it still lacks several functionalities that can hinder the overall user experience. To address these gaps, third-party developers have stepped in, offering alternative solutions with an abundance of advanced features. Among them, Explorer Tab Utility aims to bolster the existing File Explorer with crucial upgrades.

Key Features of Explorer Tab Utility

This efficient and lightweight application operates seamlessly in the background, enabling features that are notably absent in the stock File Explorer. Some of its key offerings include:

Opening links in new tabs instead of new windows.
Switching to an existing tab when the path is already open.
Utilizing keyboard shortcuts for virtual desktop switching.
Enhanced tab management capabilities.
Options to reopen closed tabs and duplicate tabs.
Quick navigation for frequently accessed folders.

Optimized Performance and Customization

One of the standout features of Explorer Tab Utility is its minimal resource consumption, ensuring that it does not disrupt your workflow. Additionally, users can customize the application’s behaviors and assign hotkeys for rapid access to frequently used functions.

Limitations and Developer Insight

Despite the substantial improvements made by this utility, it is important to recognize some limitations, particularly concerning performance. The developer has provided insights regarding potential delays:

While this utility is optimized for best performance, some operations might experience delays due to limitations in Windows File Explorer itself:

The File Explorer’s tab interface lacks proper APIs for programmatic control.

Some operations in File Explorer are inherently laggy, especially with multiple simultaneous window operations.

Windows Shell doesn’t expose all the necessary functionality for seamless tab management.

Despite these Windows limitations, the utility implements the best possible solutions using available Windows APIs and COM interfaces.

Availability and Compatibility

Explorer Tab Utility is free to download on GitHub. It is compatible with Windows 11 version 22H2 build 22621 and newer, allowing users to leverage its features alongside the updated tabbed File Explorer.

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