When you first install QTTabBar, it may look like just a small tweak to Windows Explorer. But under the hood, it’s a powerhouse packed with productivity features that can completely change how you interact with your files.
In our previous guides,we explained what QTTabBar is and how to install and set it up. Now, it’s time to explore what really makes this tool shine: its features.
Also Read: How to Install and Set Up QTTabBar on Windows
From tabbed browsing to folder previews, session saving, and full customization, QTTabBar has dozens of capabilities. In this article, we’ll highlight the top features you should be using to save time, stay organized, and make Windows Explorer far more powerful than it is by default.
Tabbed Browsing in Windows Explorer
The feature QTTabBar is best known for is tabbed browsing. Just like in your web browser, you can open multiple folders in different tabs—all within a single Explorer window.
Why it matters:
Without QTTabBar, opening multiple folders means juggling separate windows, which quickly clutters your desktop. With tabs, everything stays neat and centralized.
How to use it:
- Open a folder in Explorer.
- Middle-click (or Ctrl+Click) another folder to open it in a new tab.
- Switch between tabs just like in Chrome or Edge.
Pro Tip: Enable the option to open new tabs in the background so you don’t lose your current focus.
Folder Previews on Hover
With QTTabBar, you don’t have to double-click into every folder just to see what’s inside. Hovering over a folder shows a preview of its contents.
Why it matters:
This is a massive time-saver when you’re trying to locate a specific file buried in multiple subfolders.
Example scenario:
You hover over your Downloads folder and immediately see a list of the latest files, without opening the folder itself.
Recently Used & Frequently Accessed Folders
QTTabBar tracks your navigation history and highlights your most-used folders.
Why it matters:
If you constantly bounce between a handful of folders—say, Projects, Photos, and Documents—you can reach them in one click instead of navigating through directory paths each time.
How to use it:
- Right-click the tab bar to access Recent Folders.
- Pin frequently used folders for instant access.
Pro Tip: Combine this with tab groups to speed up project-based workflows.
Tab Grouping and Session Saving
Just like browsers let you save a set of tabs, QTTabBar allows you to save groups of folders as a session.
Why it matters:
If you work on multiple projects, you don’t need to reopen the same directories every day. With a session saved, one click restores your entire workspace.
Example scenario:
For a design project, you group tabs for Assets, Drafts, and Exports. Next time you start working, reopen them all at once.
Customizable Toolbars
QTTabBar lets you create toolbars filled with buttons, shortcuts, and quick actions.
Why it matters:
Instead of digging through menus or typing paths, you can perform routine tasks instantly.
Examples of toolbar buttons you can add:
- “Up One Level” (go to parent folder)
- “Refresh”
- Quick shortcuts to cloud folders (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Scripts or automation tasks
Pro Tip: Keep your toolbar minimal—only add buttons you’ll use daily.
File and Folder Previews for Media
Beyond folders, QTTabBar can also preview individual files. Hover over an image, video, or document, and a pop-up preview appears.
Why it matters:
No more opening multiple apps just to identify the right file.
Example scenario:
You hover over a set of photo files and instantly know which one to attach to an email—without launching an image viewer.
Extra Navigation Options
QTTabBar makes navigating through folders smoother with additional controls:
- Breadcrumb navigation enhancements: Hover over any part of the file path to preview subfolders.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Assign hotkeys for opening, closing, or switching tabs.
- Forward/Back improvements: Move seamlessly between your browsing history.
Pro Tip: Learn the keyboard shortcuts early—it cuts navigation time by half.
Advanced Search and Filtering
While Windows’ built-in search is serviceable, QTTabBar enhances it with better filtering and sorting.
Why it matters:
When dealing with large folders, being able to quickly narrow results by type, date, or size can be a lifesaver.
Example scenario:
You search within a project folder but only want to see Photoshop files. With filters, you exclude irrelevant content in seconds.
Customization and Themes
Not everyone likes the same layout or visuals, and QTTabBar respects that. You can customize nearly everything:
- Tab size, color, and font
- Toolbar layout and button icons
- Hover effects and animations
Why it matters:
A personalized Explorer not only looks better but can also improve usability. For example, color-coded tabs help you differentiate between work and personal folders.
Plugins and Extensions
QTTabBar supports plug-ins and extensions that expand its functionality even further.
Examples include:
- Quick access scripts for automation
- Tools for syncing with cloud storage
- Extra preview options for file types not supported by default
Pro Tip: Start with the core features before diving into plug-ins—they’re powerful, but can feel overwhelming for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I disable features I don’t use?
Yes. QTTabBar is fully customizable. You can turn off any feature that doesn’t suit your workflow, keeping Explorer clean and simple.
2. Which features work best on Windows 11?
Tabbed browsing, previews, and toolbar customization work smoothly on most builds of Windows 11. Some advanced features may require the latest QTTabBar version for compatibility.
3. Do these features affect system performance?
No. QTTabBar is lightweight and designed to run efficiently. Unless you enable every advanced option at once, performance impact is negligible.
4. Can I create multiple sessions for different projects?
Absolutely. You can save as many tab groups (sessions) as you like—perfect for switching between personal and work setups.
5. Do I need technical skills to use advanced features?
Not at all. QTTabBar is beginner-friendly, though some advanced options (like plug-ins or scripts) may require experimentation. Start small, then explore as you grow comfortable.
Conclusion
QTTabBar is more than just a tabbed Explorer add-on. It’s a full productivity toolkit hidden inside Windows Explorer, offering previews, shortcuts, sessions, and customizations that make everyday file management easier and faster.
By mastering these features, you’ll cut down on repetitive tasks, reduce desktop clutter, and unlock a smoother workflow.