New functions and enhancements in File Explorer arriving with Windows 11 22H2 will help users more quickly and effectively browse through their files and folders.
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic With therelease of Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft has added a number of new quality-of-life features to the fundamental operation of File Explorer. These brand-new operating system functions are designed to assist users more easily and effectively browse through their files and folders. The enhancements are not flashy, but they deserve a closer look.
SEE: OneDrive Cloud Usage Policy (TechRepublic Premium)
All qualified Windows PCs ought to receive the 22H2 spot by the end of 2022. However, if you are still waiting for Microsoft to press the Windows 11 22H2 version to your computer system and would like it delivered on your terms, you can require the problem by visiting the Windows 11 home page.
New File Explorer features in Windows 11 22H2
The first time you open File Explorer after setting up Windows 11 22H2, you will likely discover several changes to the look of the application. As you can see in Figure A, there is now a brand-new Home product noted in the left-hand navigation bar.
Figure A
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic Picking House shows an unique library that you can utilize to rapidly open recently utilized files and applications. Home likewise shows items formerly pinned to the older Quick Gain access to feature.
There is also a new Favorites area where you can pin applications and folders for quick gain access to. Just drag an icon from the Current area to the Favorites area and drop it there, as shown in Figure B. Now you have irreversible quick access to that file, folder or application.
Figure B
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic If you wish to eliminate a product from the Favorites area, right-click the icon and pick the proper command from the
context menu. As you move down the left-hand navigation bar, you will discover that Microsoft OneDrive is now more plainly displayed near the top of the list. This default modification in the display order moves the older Quick Gain access to part of the navigation bar down, which some users might find slightly frustrating.
If you click Microsoft OneDrive in the left-hand navigation bar, you will notice a new link to OneDrive Setting information in the upper right corner, as shown in Figure C. The menu attached to that icon allows users to see how much storage space is available and make other changes to default OneDrive settings.
Figure C
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic Another enhancement to the Windows 11 22H2 File Explorer now readily available is the capability to open tabs. Click the+ icon to open a new tab and after that navigate to a brand-new folder or
drive, as displayed in Figure D. Figure D Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic
These simple additions and improvements must make browsing between folders, files and applications a lot easier and more efficient. The ability to open folders in a tabbed format has actually been on the list of desired functions for a long period of time. While these modifications are fairly moderate in nature, they are significant sufficient to potentially change the method you proficiently interact with your Windows 11 desktop computer.
