Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Windows 11 File Explorer Tabs

Microsoft is finally rolling out the new File Explorer tabbed interface with the release of Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25136 to the Dev Channel.

“To help you work across multiple locations at the same time, the title bar of File Explorer now has tabs. We’d love your feedback on which tabs features you’d like to see next,” the Windows Insider team said.

Microsoft first revealed the redesigned File Explorer during this April’s “Windows Powers the Future of Hybrid Work” event, one month after it began testing the feature as hidden Windows 11 development feature in March.

The company briefly tested this feature (one of the most requested Windows features on the Microsoft Feedback Hub ever) in 2017 in Windows 10 Insider builds, but soon removed it from development builds.

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In this new Windows 11 Dev build, File Explorer also introduces a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane with quick access to frequently used and pinned folders and OneDrive cloud profiles.

“OneDrive cloud profiles reflect the user’s name associated with the account,” Microsoft’s Amanda Langowski and Brandon LeBlanc added.

“Known Windows folders which are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed under This PC to keep that view focused for your PC’s drives.”​

Today, Microsoft also added more Dynamic Widgets content to the Windows 11 taskbar to allow Insiders to see breaking news alerts and more live content from sports and finance widgets.

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“This should make it easier for you to know when something important happens related to these widgets and keep you informed of breaking news,” Microsoft explained.

“The content is meant to be quick and glanceable with the ability to see more inside the widgets board if you click on it.”

Today, Microsoft also started rolling out new updates for the Windows 11 Notepad and Media Player apps that add improved performance.

You can try out the new File Explorer tabbed interface if you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program and have installed the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25136 from the Dev Channel.

If you are not yet a Windows Insider, you can still try it by registering here and deploying today’s Windows 11 Dev Channel release.

Those who want to provide feedback on the redesigned File Explorer experiences can share their opinions through the Feedback Hub (under Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer).