Feature: Let tabs reach the top edge + add an address bar in pane mode

[SullieLore]

What feature or improvement do you think would benefit Files?

There are two small but meaningful tweaks that would make Files feel smoother to use:

Tabs all the way to the top
Right now, the tabs sit a little below the very top edge of the window, with a thin strip above them (probably for dragging the window). This means you can’t just throw your mouse to the top of the screen and click a tab; you have to aim for the smaller tab area.

Address bar in pane mode
When using split panes, there’s no visible address bar for each pane. That makes it harder to see exactly where you are in the file system or to quickly jump to a new location. Having an address bar in each pane would make navigation faster and more transparent.

Requirements

• Remove (or make optional) the empty strip above tabs so the clickable area reaches the top edge.
• Keep the right side of UI available/empty for dragging the window (as it currently exists).
• Ensure the behavior is consistent whether the window is maximized, snapped, or floating.
• Add an address bar above each pane in split‑pane mode.
• Make the per‑pane address bar editable and clickable, with the same features as the main one.
• Ensure theming, accessibility, and keyboard shortcuts work with the new layout.

Files Version

3.9.83.0

Windows Version

10.0.26100.5074

Comments

Thank you for the great app. I hope these ideas help make Files even better.

[Josh65-2201]

Thanks for the feedback, please make separate issues for different feedback in the future

Tabs all the way to the top

Please see #16424 (comment)

Address bar in pane mode

We're tracking this in #14377 . You can check there or click subscribe in the right sidebar for updates.