It’s been about four years since Microsoft tested and then dropped the attempt to add tabbed browsing to File Explorer in Windows 10, and now a new version released today for Windows 11 preview gives it another chance. EarTrumpet developer Rafael Rivera noticed hints of the test in March before Microsoft confirmed that the feature, as well as the new File Explorer home screen you can see above, are coming to Windows 11.
A post on the Windows Insider blog explains that Build 25136 tests the File Explorer browser with tabs, so you can jump back and forth between folders without opening a new window. However, even if you are a Windows Insider and your computer is set to receive Dev Channel compilations (for people who want to receive the most active updates, even if they are likely to be unstable), you may not see the test right away. As senior program manager Brandon LeBlanc pointed out in a tweet, the features are expanding. Apparently, they will wait for feedback before allowing it for more testers.
It also includes an experimental left navigation bar that lists first the Home button, followed by your OneDrive cloud-sync folders, then the folders you pinned for shortcuts to that computer and network devices below. In the test, Microsoft says: “Familiar Windows folders that are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed under This Computer to keep this view focused on your computer’s devices.
The other big feature I’m testing in this version is bringing more dynamic widget content to the Windows 11 taskbar. Microsoft only recently restored the Windows 11 taskbar weather widget with live updates, but now it’s testing automatically updated content for sports and financial gadgets, as well as breaking news announcements.
Media Player Windows 11 Insider tests with added date sort option and Notepad with keyboard shortcut support
Earlier in the day, the team mentioned testing an updated Notepad app, which has built-in support for ARM64 devices and support for assistive technologies such as screen readers, text scaling and access keys. The Media Player update is available to all test insiders, has added support for CD playback (some people will appreciate this more than others) and a new filtering option that allows users to sort their collections by Date Added or, as I call it, The Right Way.
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