Let's be truthful about this, the support for tabs in File Explorer is among the biggest updates for the file manager in an exceedingly very long time.

This selection is definitely a high request, especially around the modern versions of Windows, and Microsoft's first make an effort to respond to user feedback took place in 2018 with the introduction of Sets.

Powered by Microsoft Edge, Sets was essentially a concept that brought tabs all over the operating-system, not only to Windows. However, this method was eventually abandoned, with Microsoft promising to explore the ways to introduce tabs in File Explorer at another time.

Earlier this year, Microsoft brought tabs in File Explorer included in the Windows Insider program, but given this is really a major update, the company is actually taking it is time to make sure things are working exactly as expected.

Available these days for those Dev insiders

File Explorer tabs have therefore been rolling out exclusively towards the Dev channel, with Microsoft staying with a gentle release. In other words, only some users have been provided with access to tabs, with everyone else told to hang about until more feedback is collected in the first testers.

The release of Windows 11 build 25179 marks another milestone in this rollout, with Microsoft explaining that users in the Dev channel are now able to check out the File Explorer tabs.

"File Explorer tabs and navigation updates (which began rolling to the Dev Channel with Build 25136) are now rolling to everyone in the Dev Channel. If you don't see these features immediately, please try rebooting. In the event that doesn't work, please file feedback in Feedback Hub," Microsoft explains in the changelog of the latest build.

Nevertheless, there's no ETA as to when the tabs could go live for all users, as features in the Dev channel don't have a specific release date.