Prevent New Windows Opening in QT Tab Bar for Windows Explorer

The User Interface (UI) of Windows Explorer can be customized with various third-party applications, such as QtTabBar. QtTabBar is a popular add-on that allows users to open multiple instances of Windows Explorer in tabs, similar to how a web browser functions. However, this feature might not be desired by all users, especially when using specific applications or working on complex tasks. In this article, we will discuss how to prevent new windows from opening in the QtTabBar of Windows Explorer.

Understanding QtTabBar

QtTabBar is a free, open-source add-on for Windows Explorer that enhances the user experience by allowing users to open multiple instances of Windows Explorer in tabs. This add-on is developed by the Qt Project, which is known for its cross-platform application framework. QtTabBar is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10.

Disabling New Windows in QtTabBar

To prevent new windows from opening in QtTabBar, you need to modify the settings of the application. Here are the steps to do so:

Method 1: Using the Registry

This method involves editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly. Therefore, it is recommended that you create a backup of your registry before making any changes. Here's how to disable new windows in QtTabBar using the registry:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. Right-click on an empty area in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value "DisableTabBar".
6. Double-click on the new value and set its value data to "1".
7. Click OK to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.

Restart Windows Explorer or log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using Group Policy

If you are using a corporate network or a domain environment, you can disable new windows in QtTabBar using Group Policy. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path:
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Explorer
4. Double-click on the "Prevent opening new windows as tabs" policy.
5. Set the policy to "Enabled" and click OK to save the changes.

Restart Windows Explorer or log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

In this article, we discussed how to prevent new windows from opening in the QtTabBar of Windows Explorer using two methods: editing the Windows Registry and using Group Policy. Both methods are effective, but it is important to note that modifying the registry can be risky and should only be done by experienced users. We hope this article has been helpful in managing your Windows Explorer settings.