File Explorer is not showing tabs

Question

I'm on Windows Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524 and File Explorer doesn't have tabs.

I've restarted Explorer, restarted Windows, Cleared Explorers caches and run sfc -scannow and they're still missing.

What's next?

Answer 1

Hi Gordon Bentley,

Since you’re already on Windows 11 25H2 and have completed the usual checks (restart Explorer, clear cache, run SFC), this behavior is less likely related to system corruption.

Here are some quick checks that you can try at this point:

1, Verify Explorer isn’t falling back to legacy mode

• Check registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Remove/undo any custom Explorer tweaks

2, Check for Explorer UI modifications or Insider tweaks:

• Uninstall apps like ExplorerPatcher / StartAllBack / Windhawk
• If you’ve used ViveTool or Insider tweaks: vivetool /fullreset
• Then run shutdown /r /t 0

If all checks above are clean, it’s most likely due to feature rollout behavior in Insider builds, where some UI features are enabled gradually per device.

Let me know if you need any further help. Feel free to ask by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Reply" if you are unable to add a comment, so that your reply is visible. I appreciate your effort.

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Answer 2

Tabs in File Explorer are a feature of recent Windows 11 builds, but behavior and availability can change between Insider preview builds. The provided information only documents general File Explorer behavior and new features for Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 25H2, not how to enable or troubleshoot missing tabs specifically in Windows Pro 25H2 Insider builds.

The next supported steps from the available material are the generic File Explorer repair paths:

1. Check for and install all available Windows Updates, then restart:
   • Windows 11: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install anything offered, and restart.
2. If File Explorer itself is malfunctioning beyond just missing tabs (not opening, crashing, or behaving inconsistently), follow the basic repair guidance:
   • Restart the device.
   • If issues persist, use System File Checker as already done (sfc /scannow).
   • If Explorer is still not behaving as expected, use System Restore to roll back to a point before the issue started, or as a last resort use “Reset this PC” while keeping files, as described under Windows recovery options.

Because the context does not include a supported method to force-enable or configure tabs specifically, only these general File Explorer and system repair steps are covered.

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References:

• Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start
• Error: Windows Explorer has stopped working
• What's new in Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, version 25H2
• File Explorer in Windows