Windows Insiders are getting a new preview update this week that brings File Explorer tabs to Windows 11. This long-awaited feature is part of Windows 11 version 22H2 Build 22621.608 (KB5017389). Other changes shipping with this release includes Suggested Actions for dates and contacts, and also a new Taskbar overflow menu.
It is worth noting this is a Windows 11 2022 Update release. That means while it is in preview, this update will come to the wide release of the platform. Microsoft is currently rolling out Windows 11 2022 Update to the masses, and this update will come in the near future to that wide release.
Another note is that this is a slight modification to preview build 22621.607 that shipped on the Release Preview Channel last week.
Microsoft has been working on tabbed File Explorer for a long time. Initially known as Windows Sets, the feature began as a much more ambitious project. Sets was a tabbing system that would 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. Tabs in File Explorer is not Sets (which sadly seems gone for good), but it builds on the principles of the project.
Full Changelog
- “We enhance File Explorer. It now includes tabs to help you organize your File Explorer sessions like you do in Microsoft Edge. On the new File Explorer homepage, you can pin important files for quick and easy access. Using the power of Microsoft OneDrive, you can view your colleagues' actions on your shared files. We also provide personalized suggestions based on your Microsoft 365 account.
- New! We add suggestions for actions when you copy items. For example, when you copy phone numbers or future dates, we provide suggestions, such as make a call with Teams or Skype or add an event in the Calendar app.
- We add a taskbar overflow menu. The taskbar will offer an entry point to a menu that shows you all your overflowed apps in one space.
- New! You can now share to more devices. You can discover and share to more devices, including desktops, using a nearby share.”
Tip of the day: Windows Update downloads can often be frustrating because they are several gigabytes in size and can slow down your internet connection. That means your device may work with reduced performance while the update is downloading. In our guide we show you how to limit bandwidth for Windows Update downloads, so they won't bother you again.
