SharePoint Document Issues

How to Open SharePoint Files and Folders in New Tabs

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to open multiple files and folders in new browser tabs simultaneously, but the standard Ctrl-click browser shortcut does not work.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to efficiently navigate and manage multiple items within a SharePoint library using browser tabs.
Observed behavior: SharePoint's web interface intercepts the Ctrl-click action, preventing items from opening in new tabs.

Before you start

Ensure you have the Microsoft OneDrive sync client installed and running on your computer, as it is required to connect your SharePoint online library to your local storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Synchronize SharePoint Library to Local File Explorer

Since SharePoint online does not natively support multi-tab navigation via Ctrl-click, the most effective workaround is to sync your document library to Windows File Explorer to easily open multiple folders and files simultaneously.

Microsoft currently does not provide an out-of-the-box option in the SharePoint web interface to open files or folders in new tabs using standard keyboard shortcuts. By syncing the library locally, you bypass browser limitations entirely and can manage your files natively.

Access your SharePoint library

Open your web browser, navigate to your SharePoint site, and click on the 'Documents' library (or the specific library you want to manage).

Initiate the synchronization

Look at the command bar located at the top of the document list and click the 'Sync' button.

Confirm OneDrive prompt

If your browser prompts you to open Microsoft OneDrive, click 'Allow' or 'Open Microsoft OneDrive' to grant permission for the sync client to start.

Navigate via File Explorer

Once the sync is complete, open your local File Explorer. Look for a new folder in the left-hand navigation pane with your organization's name (represented by an office building icon). Click it to access your synced SharePoint folders.

Open multiple folders

You can now select multiple files or folders in File Explorer, right-click, and choose 'Open in new window', or simply double-click documents to open them in their respective desktop applications.

Submitting Feature Feedback: If you wish to see native tabbed browsing support in the future, you can submit feature requests directly to Microsoft through the Feedback Portal.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Synced SharePoint Documents Efficiently with WPS Office

Once you have synced your SharePoint library to your computer, use WPS Office as a lightweight, fast, and highly capable alternative to standard desktop editors. WPS Office features a built-in tabbed interface, making it incredibly easy to work with multiple synced documents in a single workspace.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your computer from the official website.
2. Open synced files: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and navigate to your synced SharePoint folder in File Explorer.
3. Work in tabs: Select multiple documents to open them instantly. They will open in neat, easy-to-manage tabs within the single WPS application window.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTXBuilt-in tabbed interface allows you to keep multiple documents open in one clean windowFree and lightweight, loading large cloud-synced files quicklySeamless editing and automatic saving back to your synced SharePoint folders

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ctrl-click not work in SharePoint Online?

SharePoint Online is built as a single-page web application. To load content faster without fully refreshing the page, it intercepts standard browser click events, which inadvertently disables default browser behaviors like Ctrl-click to open in a new tab.

Can I right-click to open a SharePoint folder in a new tab?

In some list views, you may not see the native browser 'Open in new tab' option when right-clicking. Instead, you can duplicate your current browser tab by right-clicking the tab itself at the top of your browser window, and then click into the desired folder in the duplicated tab.

Will syncing SharePoint files take up all my local storage space?

No. The OneDrive sync client uses a feature called 'Files On-Demand'. This means your files remain in the cloud and only take up local hard drive space when you actively double-click to open and download them.

How do I stop syncing a SharePoint library to File Explorer?

To stop syncing, click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, go to 'Settings', select the 'Account' tab, find the SharePoint library you no longer need, and click 'Stop sync'.

Document & File Issues