Revamped File Explorer in Windows 11: What You Need to Know
Windows 11's File Explorer is receiving exciting new updates from Microsoft Following years of neglect, the initial release saw some changes, and more have been rolled out since then Get ready for even more exciting updates!
The File Explorer in Windows 11 has undergone a significant revamp with updates that were long overdue. And the good news is, there's more to come. Microsoft has announced some exciting changes that are on the way, promising to make the File Explorer experience even better.
Windows 11 has brought about significant changes to the File Explorer, unlike its predecessors. The Ribbon toolbar has been replaced with a new row of buttons, and there are revamped menus, including the context menu. Tabs were also added to the File Explorer in 2022, which was a much-awaited addition for users. Additionally, Microsoft has been working on updating the File Explorer's outdated codebase to use the modern Windows App SDK. Although the updated version has been available to Windows Insider testers since March, there were no visual changes at the time.
Now that the under-the-hood work is nearing completion, Microsoft has shifted its focus to visual and functional upgrades. The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23475 introduces a new Home page in the File Explorer, displaying recent and favorited files. For users signed into an Azure Active Directory account, such as a work or school account, a "Recommended" section is available at the top, displaying files that may be required. This feature was announced earlier in March, and it has now been rolled out to users.
The updated File Explorer boasts a revamped address bar and search box that function seamlessly with both local and cloud-based files, according to Microsoft. Additionally, users can easily monitor their current OneDrive synchronization status with the new indicator. With the implementation of the same framework as Microsoft’s other modern applications, File Explorer no longer feels like a holdover from the Windows 7 era. However, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will handle the OneDrive integration going forward. An upcoming photo gallery view is also in the works.
It may take a few weeks or even months for the new File Explorer to be available to all Windows 11 users as it is currently being rolled out in the Canary channel. Additionally, the appearance of the File Explorer may undergo changes by the time it becomes widely available.
