Microsoft is cooking up some significant upgrades for Windows 11, and this time, they're focusing on enhancing usability and tackling long-standing irritations. If you've ever used File Explorer tabs on Windows and wondered why they aren’t as user-friendly as browser tabs, brace yourself—change is on the horizon. Alongside this, new features for Recall and Windows CPC are shaking things up.
Let’s dive into what Microsoft is improving, starting with the star of this update: File Explorer.
Thanks to some eagle-eyed developers and reports from insiders like "phantomofearth," Microsoft seems to finally be addressing this issue. Soon, you'll be able to tweak File Explorer so new folders open as tabs instead of separate windows. And here’s the kicker—you can turn this behavior on or off through File Explorer settings. This adaptability is a significant improvement over the rigid design.
Thankfully, another insider scoop suggests Microsoft is working on an option to disable these OneDrive prompts entirely. If rolled out, this change would not only declutter the user experience but also signal Microsoft's willingness to listen to customer feedback.
Pro Tip for Users: Keep an eye on updates under File Explorer’s settings in upcoming Windows builds. If these changes go live, be sure to disable the OneDrive nag if you find it intrusive.
It's also worth noting that Windows 11 has long been requiring tweaks to shake off its 'Windows 10.5’ image—often criticized as being a minor iteration rather than a game-changer. Updates like these help Windows 11 stand on its own by solidifying features that put productivity and seamless user experience front and center.
The only question is: when will these changes officially roll out for general use? Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later because, after all, nobody needs more clutter or half-baked features in their digital life. Stay tuned, folks—we’ll keep you updated as these improvements unfold! Until then, let’s hear from you: what’s your most awaited Windows 11 fix or feature?
Source: XDA Microsoft may finally be fixing some of the most annoying parts of File Explorer
Let’s dive into what Microsoft is improving, starting with the star of this update: File Explorer.
File Explorer Tabs: Becoming Useful at Last
For over a year now, File Explorer on Windows 11 has had tabs—a feature that looked groundbreaking on the surface but was frustrating in practice. The initial implementation left much to be desired. For starters, opening a folder from the desktop or another application always launched a completely new File Explorer window rather than a tab in an existing one. So much for efficiency.Thanks to some eagle-eyed developers and reports from insiders like "phantomofearth," Microsoft seems to finally be addressing this issue. Soon, you'll be able to tweak File Explorer so new folders open as tabs instead of separate windows. And here’s the kicker—you can turn this behavior on or off through File Explorer settings. This adaptability is a significant improvement over the rigid design.
Why is This Important?
This change transforms the workflow into something more akin to how browsers like Chrome or Edge handle tabs. By keeping related folders in a single window rather than scattering them across your desktop, you’ll reduce the mess and improve productivity. Imagine this: you're designing a PowerPoint presentation with assets scattered over three folders. Instead of toggling between several File Explorer windows like a frenzied juggler, you'll now have just one instance of File Explorer neatly tabbed. Efficiency for the win.OneDrive Nag Reduction: Less Pushing, More User Respect
If you've been annoyed by that persistent “backup your folders to OneDrive” message in File Explorer’s address bar, you’re not alone. This unnecessary addition has agitated users for months. Sure, Microsoft is keen to promote its cloud storage services, but constant reminders? That's overkill.Thankfully, another insider scoop suggests Microsoft is working on an option to disable these OneDrive prompts entirely. If rolled out, this change would not only declutter the user experience but also signal Microsoft's willingness to listen to customer feedback.
Pro Tip for Users: Keep an eye on updates under File Explorer’s settings in upcoming Windows builds. If these changes go live, be sure to disable the OneDrive nag if you find it intrusive.
Recall's New Feature: Surface Contextual Files with a Click
This same insider revealed a fresh enhancement to Microsoft's Recall feature. The upcoming functionality could surface files related to the content visible on your screen. For example, highlight the text “Quarterly Report” in your email, and Recall might suggest spreadsheets, PowerPoints, or Word documents with those terms in their file names.What’s Driving This?
This clever integration is likely powered by Copilot+ and its AI underpinnings. By training Copilot to dynamically recognize on-screen context, Microsoft is enabling a seamless workflow. Imagine you’re on a Teams video call discussing last week's budget update; Recall can instantly retrieve financial reports from your files. With AI accelerating day-to-day tasks, this is another step toward turning your PC into a more capable assistant.A Glance at Windows CPC: The Future of Cloud-Powered Mini PCs?
The recent announcement of Windows 365 Link—a miniature PC purpose-built to boot exclusively into Windows 365—also hints at a new, lightweight operating system known as Windows CPC. While the OS itself might not directly affect Windows 11 users yet, it brings some exciting new elements to the table:- Bluetooth Keyboards During Setup: Traditionally absent in Windows 11, this feature now allows pairing peripherals like keyboards right from the initial out-of-box setup screen, much like macOS.
- UI Tweaks: Floating icons for Wi-Fi, audio, and accessibility settings, along with translucent backgrounds, create a fresh, modern look that could trickle into future Windows builds.
Why These Changes Matter in the Broader Picture
With increasing integration of AI in the workspace, tools like Copilot+ and features like Recall are becoming more than side experiments—they're foundational changes to the way we interact with our computers. Meanwhile, incremental improvements in usability across the operating system (like fixing File Explorer tabs) show that Microsoft is ready to address user feedback.It's also worth noting that Windows 11 has long been requiring tweaks to shake off its 'Windows 10.5’ image—often criticized as being a minor iteration rather than a game-changer. Updates like these help Windows 11 stand on its own by solidifying features that put productivity and seamless user experience front and center.
Summing Up: User-First Design, Finally?
While we've seen some missteps from Microsoft in navigating user needs versus promoting their own services (looking at you, OneDrive nags), efforts like these signal that they've been listening—at least somewhat. Whether implementing truly practical File Explorer tabs or refining their AI-driven tools like Recall, updates like these bring us closer to the user-first design Windows 11 has been teasing all along.The only question is: when will these changes officially roll out for general use? Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later because, after all, nobody needs more clutter or half-baked features in their digital life. Stay tuned, folks—we’ll keep you updated as these improvements unfold! Until then, let’s hear from you: what’s your most awaited Windows 11 fix or feature?
Source: XDA Microsoft may finally be fixing some of the most annoying parts of File Explorer
