With the introduction of Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft modernized the File Explorer in Windows 11, offering a fresher look and feel to the system's essential file management tool.
See also: How to enable hidden Windows 11 features
This update is not only visually pleasing, but also comes with improved features and functions aimed at enhancing productivity and simplifying navigation.
Among the new improvements, the redesigned File Explorer now features a modern start page powered by WinUI, which incorporates the Fluent Design System into all controls and styles.
For those signed in to Windows using an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account, recommended files will appear in a carousel with soon-to-be-introduced support for file thumbnails.
The Quick Access folders, Favorites, and recent sections also receive a visual refresh, providing a comprehensive, modern user experience.
The new File Explorer features an updated address bar that can distinguish between local and cloud folders, displaying status built in. For OneDrive, the address bar will also show OneDrive sync status and provide a flyout for your quota.
Another exciting introduction is the modernized details pane (access with ALT + Shift + P). This pane offers various information about selected files, such as file thumbnails, sharing status, file activity, related files and email and many more.
This new feature improves the user's ability to manage and collaborate on files without opening them.
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A new Gallery View
Microsoft also introduces the Gallery, a new feature in File Explorer designed to simplify access to your photo collection. The photos displayed in the Gallery are the same ones you would see in the “All photos” view of the Photos app.
The new gallery is optimized to display your most recent photos and, if you have set up OneDrive Camera Roll Backup, the photos you take will automatically appear at the top of the view.
Users can choose which folders appear in the Gallery and can even add subfolders to filter specific content.
Overall, the modernized File Explorer in Windows 11 breathes new life into a tool that is central to users' daily interaction with their computers.
From the smart address bars to the detailed file information and easy access to photos, the update significantly improves the user experience, making file management easier and more efficient.
If you want to try the new File Explorer yourself, you can install the Windows Insider Beta, Dev and Canary preview builds.
Read also: Windows 11: Refresh rate improvement
source of information:bleepingcomputer.com
