Truly a long-awaited feature for Windows: The Explorer tab is finally in beta, and it’s available for Insiders to try out today with Windows 11 Insider Preview 22621.160. In addition, the layout of the browse pane on the left side of the File Explorer has also been updated, making it easier for users to open frequently used folders.
In the past, when users wanted to copy files to other folders, unless they used shortcut keys to copy or cut, they would have to open two folder windows at the same time for dragging. If homework or documents require files in different folders, the folder window often fills the desktop, making things confusing. The File Explorer tab allows users to open multiple folders in the same window, making the desktop more tidy. Folder tabs are placed in the title bar of the window and look like Google Chrome tabs.
As for the layout update of the browsing pane, it is easier for users to choose their own pinned and frequently used folders, as well as the cloud configuration of OneDrive. OneDrive’s cloud configuration displays the username of the associated account.
Another change is that default folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Downloads will no longer be displayed under “Local”, which allows the “Local” section to focus more on the contents of the drive.
If the user browses the folders of files, pictures, etc. that are being synchronized with OneDrive, the address bar of the file manager will display the correct path, so that the user can know more clearly whether the files are in the cloud or the local machine.
There is also a new file-related feature: Shift + right-clicking on a file displays the full right-click menu, also available in this beta version.
However, since the feature has just been launched, even if you have updated to version 22621.160 Beta, you may not see the new file manager. Microsoft said that it will observe user responses at the beginning of the launch before it is fully released, and it may take a few days to wait patiently.