Microsoft May Introduce App Tabs in Windows, Following Apple’s Lead
Months after Apple introduced tabbed app functionality in macOS, Microsoft is reportedly testing a similar feature for Windows applications like File Explorer and Word. Dubbed Tabbed Shell, this innovation could revolutionize how users multitask across Windows apps.
What We Know About Microsoft’s Tabbed Shell Feature
According to a report by Windows Central, Microsoft is exploring a system-wide tabbed interface that would allow users to open multiple instances of an app within a single window—similar to how browser tabs work. While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the feature, internal mockups suggest seamless integration in apps like File Explorer and Word.
Why This Matters for Windows Users
- Improved Workflow: No more juggling multiple windows—tabs would streamline navigation and reduce desktop clutter.
- High User Demand: Over 22,000 Windows Insiders have upvoted the request for tabs in File Explorer, making it the fourth most popular feature request in the Feedback Hub.
- Competitive Edge: With Apple already offering tabbed apps like Finder and TextEdit, Microsoft’s move would align Windows with modern productivity trends.
How Tabs Could Transform Windows Apps
Currently, Windows users must manage separate windows for each instance of an app (e.g., multiple File Explorer windows). Tabs would eliminate this hassle by:
- Grouping related tasks in one window.
- Simplifying switching between documents or folders.
- Reducing taskbar clutter, especially for power users.
The Mac Advantage—And What Windows Lacks
Apple’s macOS has long supported tabs in native apps like Finder, Maps, and Terminal, thanks to options like View > Show Tab Bar. Windows users, however, rely on workarounds like hovering over taskbar previews to identify open windows—a less efficient solution.
When Could We See This Feature?
While no official timeline exists, speculation points to a potential release after the Creators Update. Given the strong user demand, Microsoft may prioritize rolling out tabs for File Explorer first before expanding system-wide.
The Bottom Line
If implemented, Tabbed Shell could mark a significant leap forward in Windows usability, bringing it closer to macOS’s streamlined multitasking experience. For now, users will have to wait—and hope—for Microsoft to make this long-requested feature a reality.
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