Tabbing Features

[vexvoltage]

With the release of the new command line system for W10 I think this kind of feature is a no brainier. Here is another solution for reference: TidyTabs

[The-MAZZTer]

Sets would be an interesting candidate for a PowerToy but it might require OS-level integration (not sure how it worked) so it would have to be baked in and thus not really an optional PowerToy.

However it seems like Sets is dead. Edge tabs were a big part of Sets but since Edge is being killed in favor of a Chromium-derived browser which already has its own tab solution it probably didn't make sense to continue. Plus, it would not be easy if even possible to get them working 100% with third-party apps that were not designed with them in mind.

Given Windows Terminal has its own tab solution and Explorer sounds like it will get its own I would guess Sets is completely dead. Office may also gets its own tabs is a prediction I would make. But we won't see a unified tab solution from MS.

I recommend Stardock's Groupy if you want Sets. It works very well for me, though it is a paid app.

[jaimecbernardo]

Hi @vexvoltage , Thank you for the suggestion. Could you please elaborate on this idea? From the link, it seems like you are suggesting a powertoy that could group different windows into a "Container Window" that would have the origin Windows as tabs. Is that it?

[vexvoltage]

@jaimecbernardo You are pretty close with what you are saying is the intention but as it is more for the same application. So if I have 3 instances of word open instead of three full independent windows they simply got tabbed together.

Automatically group instances of the same application together. That is the dream integration.

If I had to expand it more Look at the Stardock groupy app. They have examples of allowing apps within the same ecosystem to be tabbed. (Look below. The is Stardocks App)

Thanks @The-MAZZTer for showing me their solution.

[AnuthaDev]

Hey @crutkas

This project might help in implementing this feature: https://github.com/FloatingShuYin/WindowTabs

[Omega2k3]

Just noticed that there was a clarification requested on the tabbed explorer suggestion. I don't like Groupy due to how it groups unrelated apps often even with filters set up (like when opening task manager) and tabs windows intended to be viewed in a smaller formats, like when installing a game on Steam for example. I just want a clean solution for tabbed file explorer and have switched back to using Clover for this until hopefully the functionality is integrated into Powertoys, which is a must-have for me because of fancyzones.

[pdec]

This would be a great feature to have! I have used Clover for a few years although it keeps on hanging/crashing from time to time and, to be honest, it's not well optimized. I would appreciate just a simple tabbing option within the Explorer with shortcuts for a new tab, window, and history (open-closed tab/window). Having an option to group/dock the same apps' windows is a nice extra option but having multiple different apps in a single tabbed window does not seem to increase the clarity of opened apps and windows on the desktop/task bar.

Tabbing feature is really convenient and increases productivity so it would be a great addition to PowerToys!

[yaira2]

This is something I would find useful, one of the features I like about Windows Sets was the option to create tab groups and restore them later on, this was really helpful for productivity and getting back into my workflow after restarting Windows.

[appauldev]

Hi! What's the latest update about this? Thank you!

[Chaython]

Sets was a thing, MS incompetency cancelled it, good though, because they don't know how to deprecate broken legacy components. Other examples of this is Groupy by Stardock QTtabbar is the only foss one I know, died long ago. I personally don't like "Sets" concept, we have virtual desktops to mix windows to a single context. But I wish the file manager, CMD [but now we have terminal], and notepad had tabs... But MS likes doing everything the worst they can to inspire others to make a good alternative. Basically every app should have tabs. But if you want context seperate instances, then use virtual desktops.

[bonzibudd]

QTTabBar seems to be the best solution as of right now, it just got an update last month. However, it is far from an elegant solution and requires a lot of configuration for a good experience. It also doesn’t look like it’s going open-source anytime soon. Also, I may be wrong, but I don’t think that actually integrating with Windows would be much of a problem, can anyone confirm this? As long as the functionality is there, and it’s not too intrusive, I don’t see much of a problem. There have been other similar title-bar modifying programs over the years.

[Chaython]

Hi Bonzibudd, older revision of QTTabBar are open source Source codes and Plugin Lib (2015-10-26) http://qttabbar.wdfiles.com/local--files/qttabbar/QTPluginLib_SourceFiles.zip The previous repo https://sourceforge.net/projects/qttabbar/files/ though I believe the maintainer died[?], as the maintainer seemed happy[content with ongoing development] and last blog post was saying "update soon" sad.

[bonzibudd]

Interesting, I didn't realize that.

[xan2622]

Hi. You might want to have a look at Better Explorer (coded in C#).

It's an open-source software but unfortunately, it has been published under a special license: CDDL + a custom license.

https://gainedge.org/better-explorer/ https://github.com/Gainedge/BetterExplorer

[panpansh]

https://github.com/files-community/Files

[jschof]

Q-Dir is a very powerful alternative but I prefer to use Clover because of how nicely it integrates with Windows Explorer.

The two (2) features that I love about the app are:

1. Customizable favorites / bookmarks that are always available

   • The existing Quick Access are in Windows Explorer is virtually useless as you can't rename items (without affecting the original filenames) and can't nest items
   • For the rename issue I've resorted to using Links but it is a cumbersome workaround

2. Tabs & favorites are at the top of the application window

   • This leaves the existing Windows Explorer interface 100% intact

I don't understand why this type of feature is not already in Windows?!? It is a must-have for anyone who works frequently with files located in disparate folders. If it is not going to be added to the base application please at least consider adding it as a PowerToy!

[cesarvarela]

I think some people are talking about adding tabs to any application and others only to Windows Explorer, I personally prefer adding tabs to any app as the issue creator suggested.

[jschof]

While that would be wonderful it does not make sense in the context of my suggestion because it lacks the bookmarking feature which is what is grossly lacking in Windows Explorer and makes this feature request so useful.

[CavalloneChen]

This project aims to implement tabs for any apps. And it's very visually pleasing. https://github.com/sentialx/multrin

[Jay-o-Way]

Check out https://thewincentral.com/microsoft-planning-to-bring-windows-10-sets-feature-back-from-grave/, maybe that'll help?

[Mario-Hofstaetter]

Check out https://thewincentral.com/microsoft-planning-to-bring-windows-10-sets-feature-back-from-grave/, maybe that'll help?

@Jay-o-Way That article is from March 11, 2020 ...

[damien122]

Hi, is there something new? I see a lot of suggestions but now decision. This would be the best feature of power Toys, but nobody cares about it. Even Windows 11 has no tabs in explorer. This can't be so complicated to implement.

[yaira2]

For reference, this is how we handle tabs in Files.

[jschof]

@yaichenbaum Looks nice, assume this is in Windows 11? Have you also sorted out how to customize favorites so they can be nested within folders and renamed w/o affecting the base file name (I.e. similar to how browser favorites work)?

[yaira2]

@yaichenbaum Looks nice, assume this is in Windows 11? Have you also sorted out how to customize favorites so they can be nested within folders and renamed w/o affecting the base file name (I.e. similar to how browser favorites work)?

We haven't worked on that yet.

[Omega2k3]

I said the opposite, I only want explorer tabbed. I mentioned an app that tabs every app if you want but I did not like that functionality.

On Fri, Mar 19, 2021, 9:32 AM Cesar Varela @.***> wrote:

I think some people are talking about adding tabs to any application and others only to Windows Explorer, I personally prefer adding tabs to any app as the issue creator suggested.

— You are receiving this because you commented. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/10#issuecomment-802996643, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AB6D5JXIX5MKC3Z6ESPS3H3TEODD3ANCNFSM4HLGGV2Q .

[damien122]

@yaichenbaum Looks nice, assume this is in Windows 11? Have you also sorted out how to customize favorites so they can be nested within folders and renamed w/o affecting the base file name (I.e. similar to how browser favorites work)?

We haven't worked on that yet.

This would be the best feature for windows 11. Would it be in the release?

[damien122]

But back to topic, is it possible to implement tabs for explorer in power toys? So we could use it now.

[Aaron-Junker]

But back to topic, is it possible to implement tabs for explorer in power toys? So we could use it now.

In theory it should be possible. But there's currently no one who wants to work on it.

[jliu666]

What .net APIs can we use to do this?

[jschof]

For reference, this is how we handle tabs in Files.

Now that I have Windows 11 installed I see that "Files" is actually an application that needs to be installed and used as a replacement for Windows Explorer. Perhaps this was clear to others but I missed the reference.

[franky920920]

For reference, this is how we handle tabs in Files.

Now that I have Windows 11 installed I see that "Files" is actually an application that needs to be installed and used as a replacement for Windows Explorer. Perhaps this was clear to others but I missed the reference.

Link: https://www.microsoft.com/store/productId/9NGHP3DX8HDX

[Chaython]

For reference, this is how we handle tabs in Files.

Now that I have Windows 11 installed I see that "Files" is actually an application that needs to be installed and used as a replacement for Windows Explorer. Perhaps this was clear to others but I missed the reference.

https://github.com/files-community/Files Ya it looks nice, and things like multipane/multitab/cmd is better for functionality... The long animations, lack of sidepanel data[can't view tree in side] and slower overall experience, makes it much worse than windows explorer.

[Barthy727]

Hello. Are there any update for this? :)

[Aaron-Junker]

Hello. Are there any update for this? :)

@Barthy727 Currently no one from the PowerToys team is working on this.

[goyalyashpal]

(near) duplicates:

• https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/15921
• https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/issues/11562

[vexvoltage]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11?

The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

[Aaron-Junker]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11?

The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

They were officially presented today. This issue is also about a common tabbing feature so I think it can stay open.

[NathanaelMangold]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11? The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

They were officially presented today. This issue is also about a common tabbing feature so I think it can stay open.

I also think a common tabbing feature for all programs and not just the explorer would benefit a lot of people

[God-damnit-all]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11?

The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

Problem is, you have to use Windows 11. The taskbar is completely ruined, and in the days of ultrawide monitors, you can't pin the taskbar to the left side of the screen anymore. I don't know what they're thinking.

[crutkas]

@ImportTaste lets stay on the issue here, would love to directly do is open individual items for your pain. Lists of issues is hard as categorizing them is not possible, single items can be grouped when you see them and quantified very much more easier.

Some items PowerToys itself may be able to focus on, others we can't. But what i can promise you is i do do my best to raise these data points internally as well as help make sure feedback for certain things go through the appropriate routes so they can be adjusted.

[Aaron-Junker]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11?

The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

Problem is, you have to use Windows 11. The taskbar is completely ruined, and in the days of ultrawide monitors, you can't pin the taskbar to the left side of the screen anymore. I don't know what they're thinking.

@ImportTaste you can pin the taskbar items to the left in Windows 11. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-taskbar-in-windows-0657a50f-0cc7-dbfd-ae6b-05020b195b07

[God-damnit-all]

@Aaron-Junker because this is in W11 is this going to just closed out if it is baked into w11? The highly requested tabs feature was first spotted in Windows 11 test builds last month

Problem is, you have to use Windows 11. The taskbar is completely ruined, and in the days of ultrawide monitors, you can't pin the taskbar to the left side of the screen anymore. I don't know what they're thinking.

@ImportTaste you can pin the taskbar items to the left in Windows 11. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-taskbar-in-windows-0657a50f-0cc7-dbfd-ae6b-05020b195b07

You misunderstood. I mean putting the entire taskbar on the left side of the screen, not just the items on it. That's something you can do in Windows 10, but not Windows 11.

[Jay-o-Way]

FYI

Microsoft has updated a number of in-box apps and experiences with version 22H2. Starting with File Explorer, which now features a new tabbed interface that runs along the top of the app. Just like a web browser, you can now have multiple File Explorer directories open under one window, which should help keep your desktop tidy.

https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-version-22h2

[God-damnit-all]

FYI

Microsoft has updated a number of in-box apps and experiences with version 22H2. Starting with File Explorer, which now features a new tabbed interface that runs along the top of the app. Just like a web browser, you can now have multiple File Explorer directories open under one window, which should help keep your desktop tidy.

https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-version-22h2

Windows 11 adds explorer tabs, but the tradeoff is it cripples the taskbar. I want to keep my left-aligned taskbar location and button labels on my ultrawide monitor.

If they ever go back on their stubborn refusal to re-add those features, I'll upgrade.

[crutkas]

@ImportTaste Totally hear you, but you can left align taskbar and has been there since Win11 was shipped via Settings.

[God-damnit-all]

@crutkas @Jay-o-Way I don't mean left aligning the buttons, I mean left aligning the entire taskbar. Vertical tabs for windows, basically.

[goyalyashpal]

Really i cant comprehend that 3 ppl ( @Aaron-Junker @crutkas @jay-o-way ) misundertod what u said - to the point it seems intentional :(

lemme try to put it in other verbose words:

• he is not talking about the intra alignment of the contents of taskbar - left, center, right - which is what you are talking about
• he is saying that the taskbar on windows 11 lays horizontally ( — ) at bottom ( ↓ ) i.e. like this: ( __ )
• in old age i.e. in windows 10 and prior, there was actually option to CHOOSE if the taskbar lays horizontally ( — ) or if it stands vertically ( | )
• Obviously, there was further CHOICE: whether it lays at bottom or top, or if it stands on left or right
• so, total of 4 options:
  • horizontal and bottom ( __ ↓ ),
  • horizontal and top ( ‾‾‾ ↑),
  • vertical and left ( | ← ),
  • vertical and right ( → | ).
• Reiterating, do not drag out of context - the "left" and "right" in above list. It is not standalone, it is in "and" combination with "vertical". Refer the symbols given alongwith.

ImportTaste wrote:

you can't pin the taskbar to the left side of the screen anymore

[SeriousM]

On the tabbing feature: https://github.com/FancyWM/ has such a functionality where they create layouts (dynamic ones vs. static from FanzyZones) and if a panel is stacked, they show a tab-bar for the stacked ones for easy interaction. For my taste I like the static layout from FanzyZones, but all it offers is the less-optimal "Focus" layout that reassembles the "restore feature" from windows 3.11 (stack everything without any usefulness).

[nil-ref]

Groupy is injected into each process, and the crash problem is inevitable. In contrast, the tidytabs solution is much more stable.

[jeffrey-ghinn]

Add file explorer tabs for windows 10 users