Microsoft is testing browser-like tabs for File Explorer in Windows 11

It’s been about four years since Microsoft tested and then abandoned an attempt to add tabbed browsing to File Explorer in Windows 10, and now a new preview build of Windows 11 released today is giving it another shot. . EarTrumpet developer Rafael Rivera spotted hints of the March test before Microsoft confirmed the feature, along with the new File Explorer home screen you can see above, is coming to Windows 11.
A post on the Windows Insider blog explains that Build 25136 tests a File Explorer browser with tabs so you can jump between folders without opening a new window. However, even if you are a Windows Insider and your PC is configured to receive Dev Channel builds (for people who want to receive the most active updates, even if there is a risk that they may be unstable ), you may not see the test. right away. As Senior Program Manager Brandon LeBlanc underlined in a tweet, the features are deployed. Apparently they will wait for feedback before enabling it for more testers.
It also includes an experimental left navigation panel that lists the Home button first, followed by your cloud-synced OneDrive folders, then folders you’ve pinned for quick access, with This PC and network drives below. In the test, Microsoft says, “Well-known Windows folders that 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.”
The other big feature it’s rolling out to test in this build is bringing more dynamic content to Windows 11 taskbar widgets. Microsoft only recently restored the Weather widget to the Windows 11 taskbar with updates. live updates, but it now tests auto-refreshed content for sports and financial widgets, as well as news alerts.
Earlier today, the team mentioned testing an updated Notepad app that natively supports ARM64 devices and supports assistive technologies such as screen readers, text-wide and access keys. A Media Player update is available to all Insiders for testing added CD playback support (some people will appreciate this more than others) and a new filter option that allows users to sort their collections by date added, or, as I call it, the correct way.