Microsoft is reportedly working on a major revamp of its File Explorer app in Windows 11. The news comes a few months after the company finally rolled out a tabbed interface for File Explorer following years of demand from Windows users. The company announced the feature last April, touting it as one of the biggest improvements to File Explorer in years. However, the update was only released to the stable channel in October. Microsoft also rolled out many other new features to Windows 11 as part of the 22H2 update.
According to Windows Central, the impending overhaul of the File Explorer UI will include a modern design to match the rest of the Windows 11 interface. More importantly, it will integrate Microsoft 365 and OneDrive as part of the company's plans to offer seamless access to all its services in one place. A mockup of the redesigned File Explorer shows a new header with an updated search box and a new Home button, much like modern web browsers. It is also said to include a modern file directory box and search box, but the mockup suggests that the changes will be subtle for the most part.
Redesigned File Explorer
The mockup also showcases deeper Microsoft 365 and OneDrive integration on the File Explorer's home page, which features large thumbnails of 'recommended' Word, PowerPoint, and other recently created and opened documents. The redesign will also reportedly include rounded highlight buttons and more touch-friendly elements, extending to the navigation pane on the left as well.
The new File Explorer will also likely include a 'Gallery' area that will allow users to see a preview of photos on their PC. Another new feature that could make its way to the app is 'tagging,' which allows users to categorize files using keywords and colors, like the Finder app in macOS. According to the report, the new features are expected to be rolled out before the end of this year.
Formerly known as Windows Explorer, File Explorer has been integral to the Windows experience since Windows 95. It has undergone multiple redesigns and feature additions since its introduction nearly thirty years ago but hasn't seen a major revamp since Windows 8 was released in 2012. The incoming update could bring some drastic changes to File Explorer with the integration of Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, so it will be interesting to see how long-time Windows users will receive it.
Source: Windows Central