Windows 11 File Explorer: Open New Tabs and Disable OneDrive (2024)

According to Windows Latest, Windows 11 File Explorer gets smarter tabs and new option to disable annoying OneDrive auto backup and sync. What are the important details to keep in mind? MiniTool will tell you with this comprehensive guide.

In previous reports, you already knew that in the new preview, Windows 11 File Explorer has many new improvements, such as support for multi-device handoff editing of OneDrive files and improvements to the password-less feature, among others.

Today, in light of the latest news posted on Windows Latest, Microsoft has rolled out a new feature for File Explorer in the Windows 11 Build 22635.4515 (KB5046756) preview update for users in the Beta channel.

There are mainly two functions as follows:

Feature 1. Open New Tabs by Default to a Folder

In the past, you usually had to open multiple folders, but this would result in a cluttered desktop filled with File Explorer windows.

Now with the new update, you can set up folders to open directly in a new tab, just like using a browser, which effectively reduces the number of windows and enhances efficiency.

Let’s open this new optional feature in Windows 11 File Explorer.

Step 1. Open your File Explorer and click on the three-dot icon to choose Options.

Step 2. In the popup Folder Options window, you will see that Open each folder in the same window has an additional option Open desktop folders and external folder links in new tab below it. Tick the new option.

By default, when selecting the option to open a folder in a new tab, users can open a new window by holding down the Ctrl key and right-clicking or double-clicking the folder, which will open the folder in a new window.

Feature 2. Use File Explorer to Disable OneDrive Backup Windows 11

There is always a reminder Start OneDrive remind you to back up your folder to your OneDrive when opening File Explorer in Windows 11. In reality, it is somewhat irksome. I believe that you should feel the same way as I do.

But now, Windows 11 gets a new option to disable OneDrive and you can finally customize the annoying OneDrive backup reminders in the address bar of your File Explorer.

Below are the steps to manage them.

Step 1. Right-click on Start OneDrive and two options will show up: Remind me in 1 month and Turn off reminder.

Step 2. Choose one of the two. After that, with Windows File Explorer to disable OneDrive backup, you no longer need to enter the system settings for complicated operations, allowing you to control the frequency of notifications more flexibly.

Also read: HowtoFixWindowsFileExplorerSlow?

If you’re struggling with data loss after disabling OneDrive, I highly suggest you try the free backup software MiniTool ShadowMaker. With it, you can sync and back up files, back up disk, partition, and system without worrying about unstable internet, or limited storage space.

Most importantly, it allows you to set up scheduled backups without frequently interrupting you. Follow these instructions to create a backup using MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 1. Launch this software and click on Keep Trial to enter its homepage.

Step 2. Navigate to Backup and click SOURCE and DESTINATION to select the items that you want to back up and the storage path.

Step 3. Click Options > toggle on Schedule Settings and customize scheduled backup. Then click Back Up Now.

Wrapping Things Up

All these new features and improvements in Windows 11 File Explorer will arrive on Windows 24H2 and 23H2. And you can look forward to them with enthusiasm. In addition, please feel free to try MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up data. Thanks for your reading and support.