Back in March, we reported on Microsoft testing tabs for the File Explorer in Windows 11. This is an idea the company has been toying with for years, including abandoned tests on Windows 10. It now seems Microsoft is more committed to File Explorer tabs and a new Windows 11 preview is introducing them.
On the Windows Blog, Microsoft says the Windows Insider Program is now getting Windows 11 Preview Build 25136. This is the first update to feature the tabs for File Explorer feature. It is worth noting this build is rolling out to the Dev Program. However, senior program manager Brandon LeBlanc says in a tweet that the feature is coming in stages.
Microsoft will wait for feedback from initial testers before rolling out File Explorer tabs to more Insiders.
As noted, Microsoft has been testing this feature since Windows 10. Back then it was known as Windows Sets and was much more ambitious than just the File Explorer. a tabbing system that will work across Windows 10. Essentially a universal tab ability for applications.
Microsoft took Sets off development in 2019 but there was evidence in 2020 that it was back in development, at least in some capacity. While tabbing in File Explorer may not be Sets, it is very similar. While it will transform the way the File Explorer works, Microsoft is not overhauling the interface of the app.
More New Features
Elsewhere in Windows 11 Preview Build 25136, Microsoft has created a new left navigation panel for the File Explorer. Here users will see the Home button first, and then the OneDrive options for syncing folders to the cloud. Next will be Quick Access folders, with the This PC section below.
Microsoft says, “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.”
Tip of the day: Do you know that Windows 11 / Windows 10 allows creating PDFs from basically any app with printing support? In our tutorial, we show you how this works via Microsoft Print to PDF and Bullzip PDF Printer to save a PDF from any app, even with advanced options like adjusted quality, multi-page printing, and password protection.
