[Tip] Enable Hidden Secret Tab Preview Bar at Top in Google Chrome

In this article, we are going to share an interesting trick which will reveal and activate a hidden secret tab preview bar at the top in Google Chrome web browser.

Following screenshot shows the secret tab preview bar enabled and working in Google Chrome browser in Windows 10 operating system:

Once activated, the new tab preview bar replaces the traditional tab bar. In place of the tab bar, it adds a tab button (similar to Chrome app in mobile phones) to Chrome toolbar. You can click on the tab button and it’ll reveal the tab preview bar. Chrome will show thumbnail previews of all running tabs. Click on a thumbnail to go to the associated tab.

NOTE: When you activate this feature, it’ll disable the Maximize/Restore button present in the titlebar of Chrome. You’ll need to double-click on the titlebar to maximize or restore the window.

This secret tab preview bar is actually called “WebUI Tab Strip” by Google Chrome team and is a part of Chrome OS.

It’s really fun to use this secret tab preview bar in Chrome browser. Chrome team has not provided any built-in option or setting to activate this secret tab preview bar. Interested users need to modify a secret preference/flag to activate it.

If you also want to enable and test the hidden secret tab preview bar in Chrome, following steps will help you:

1. Open Google Chrome web browser and type chrome://flags/ in addressbar and press Enter. It’ll open the advanced configuration page.

2. Now type webui in the “Search flags” box.

It’ll directly go to following option:

3. To enable the secret tab preview bar feature, select Enabled from the drop-down box.

4. Again type touch ui in the “Search flags” box.

It’ll directly go to following option:

Again select Enabled from the drop-down box given next to the option.

5. Google Chrome will ask you to restart the browser. Click on “Relaunch now” button to restart Google Chrome.

That’s it. You have successfully activated and enabled the hidden secret tab preview bar in Google Chrome.

PS: If you decide to disable the tab preview bar and restore classic tab bar in future, select “Default” option from the drop-down box for both options and restart the browser.

Also Check:

[Tip] How to Disable Tab Groups Feature in Google Chrome

[Tip] Remove “Extensions” Menu Button from Google Chrome Toolbar