3 Ways to Fix File Explorer Tabs Not Showing in Windows 11

Try Basic Fixes

• Install Windows updates: File Explorer tabs are only available on computers running Windows 11 22H2 or later. If your system is running an older version, head to Settings > Windows Update to install pending updates.
• Restart the Windows Explorer process: Windows Explorer is a system process that manages the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for File Explorer. If this process is not running correctly, File Explorer may fail to display tabs on your computer. You can try restarting the Windows Explorer process to fix any issues with it.
• Run a malware scan: It’s a good idea to run a full system scan with Windows Defender to check if your PC is infected by malware. You can also use a reliable third-party antivirus program for this.

Fix 1: Clear File Explorer History

Windows File Explorer keeps a record of your previous activities and searches in order to serve you better. If Windows is having trouble accessing this data for some reason, File Explorer might malfunction. You can try clearing the existing File Explorer history and see if that helps.

Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type in file explorer options, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the General tab, click the Clear button next to Clear File Explorer History.

Fix 2: Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

Your Windows computer runs the System Maintenance Troubleshooter on a regular basis to clean up unused files, desktop shortcuts, and perform other maintenance tasks. This tool can help fix any irregularities with File Explorer and restore the missing tabs. Here’s how to run it.

Step 1: Press the Windows + S keys to open the search menu, type in control panel and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Control Panel window, use the drop-down menu at the top-right corner to select Large icons. Then, select Troubleshooting.

Step 3: Under the System and Security section, select the Run maintenance tasks option.

Step 4: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter. After that, check if the issue is still there.

Fix 3: Check for Corrupt System Files

Another reason File Explorer might not show tabs is if some of the system files on your PC are corrupt or missing. SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) are two Windows tools that can help detect and repair any damaged system files. Here’s how to run them.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: In the console, type the following command and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

After the scan is complete, you’ll see a message indicating whether or not it found any errors. You’ll also get instructions to fix the error if there is a problem.

Next, run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan by typing the following commands, and pressing Enter after each of them:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after the scan is complete and check if File Explorer shows tabs.