One of the best new Windows 11 features is almost here
At last, tabs are coming to File Explorer in Windows 11
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Microsofthas kicked off the rollout of a highly-anticipated new feature forWindows 11that should make browsing through files and folders simpler.
In the latestWindows 11preview build (25136) - now available to members of the early-access program - Microsoft has introduced a new tabbing system to File Explorer, similar to those found inweb browsers.
Instead of opening an additional File Explorer instance to browse a new file location, users can now simply bring up a new tab, which will sit neatly within the same window.
Windows 11 File Explorer tabs
The new-look File Explorer wasfirst announced back in April, during an event focused onhybrid workinginnovations for Windows 11.
The objective is simple: to reduce desktop clutter and make it easier to work across multiple file locations at once, by cutting down on the number of windows open simultaneously.
The announcement was well-received by Windows fans, who have been calling for the feature for years; pretty much ever since it was introduced to macOS in 2013. Until now, users have had to rely onthird-party solutionsto enjoy the functionality in Windows 11, but no longer.
Windows 11 desktop is getting an Android and iOS-flavored upgrade>Windows 11 update accidentally brings the OS to older machines>Managing your Microsoft Office account in Windows 11 is about to get a lot easier
The new tabbing system is not the only change coming to File Explorer, however. As described in a newblog post, Microsoft has also revamped the side panel, bringingcloud storageserviceOneDriveto the fore.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
“File Explorer is introducing a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane, which will make it easy for you to navigate to folders that matter to you,” explained Microsoft. “The updated organization provides easy access to your pinned and frequently used folders (Quick access) and your OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows.”
Further, classic folders like Documents, Images, Downloads etc. will no longer fall under “This PC”, a space that will now be reserved for the computer’shard drivesandexternal storageexclusively.
It’s still unclear when the new version of File Explorer will make its way into a full public build, but users can at least take comfort in the fact that testing has now begun in earnest.
Joel Khalili is the News and Features Editor at TechRadar Pro, covering cybersecurity, data privacy, cloud, AI, blockchain, internet infrastructure, 5G, data storage and computing. He’s responsible for curating our news content, as well as commissioning and producing features on the technologies that are transforming the way the world does business.
7 myths about email security everyone should stop believing
Best Usenet client of 2024
iStorage Group acquires Kanguru Solutions as it looks to expand security offering
