How to Disable Explorer Tabs in Windows 11 25H2？

Hello Hida,

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked] "{e2bf9676-5f8f-435c-97eb-11607a5bedf7}"=""

Open Notepad. Paste the code above.

Save the file with a .reg extension, like:

DisableExplorerTabs.reg

Double-click the file to run it. Confirm the registry change when prompted.

Restart File Explorer (or reboot your PC) to apply the change.

This tweak blocks the CLSID responsible for tabs in File Explorer. If you ever want to undo it, just delete the string from the registry or create a .reg file that removes it as shown below.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Blocked]

Regards,

Hi,

Per Copilot:

🛠️ Method 1: Use ExplorerPatcher (Free Tool)

This is the most popular workaround to remove tabs while keeping the Windows 11 toolbar.

1. Download ExplorerPatcher from its official site.
2. Install it—your File Explorer will restart.
3. Right-click the Taskbar → choose Properties.
4. Go to the File Explorer tab.
5. Under Control Interface, switch from “Windows 11 Command bar” to an older

style like “Windows 10 Ribbon” or “Windows 7 Command bar.”

This will disable the tabbed interface and restore the classic look.

🧪 Method 2: Registry Tweak

If you prefer not to use third-party tools, a registry edit can also do the trick:

1. Press , type , and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
3. Create a new key or modify existing values to disable the tab UI (details vary by build—follow this guide for exact steps).

⚠️ Be cautious with registry edits—always back up your registry first

You can only disable the tabs by switching to the old Explorer (which is still built into Windows 11). The registry entry posted above hasn't worked for years, but there are newer methods that do work.

See this tutorial for details.

Alternatively, you can use my free SwitchExplorer app to switch between the old and new Explorer. It applies the same registry settings as noted in the tutorial.

Update: I see from your comment above that you do not want the old Explorer, so, unfortunately, I don't have a solution that meets your requirements.

Per Copilot:

Windows 11 introduced tabs in File Explorer starting with version 22H2—a game-changer for multitasking and organization. Here's how it works and how you can make the most of it:

🗂️ How Tabs Work in File Explorer

• Open a New Tab: Click the ➕ icon next to the current tab or press .

• Switch Tabs: Use to cycle forward, to go backward, or to jump to a specific tab.

• Drag & Drop: You can drag files between tabs or reorder tabs by dragging them.

• Close Tabs: Click the ❌ on the tab or press . Right-click for options like “Close other tabs” or “Close tabs to the right.”

Other than this I'm at a loss as to exactly

what you're looking for.