Windows 11 rolls out a test build with tabs in File Explorer

Image: Microsoft

Four years have passed since Microsoft tried to add tabbed browsing to the File Explorer in Windows 10, and now a new Windows 11 preview build is giving it a second chance. There were hints of the test in March before Microsoft confirmed that the feature was coming to Windows 11.

According to a post on the Windows Insider blog, build 25136 is testing a file explorer browser with tabs that will allow you to jump back and forth between files without opening a new window. You may not see the test right away if you are a Windows Insider and your PC is set to receive a Windows Insider build. The features are rolling out. They will wait for feedback before giving it the green light for more people.

There is an experimental left navigation panel that lists the Home button first, followed by your OneDrive cloud-synced folders, and this PC and Network drives below that. In the test, Microsoft says, "Windows folders which 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"

It is rolling out tests of a feature that will bring more dynamic content to the Windows 11 taskbar. Microsoft only recently restored the Weatherwidget to the taskbar in Windows 11 with live updates, but now it is testing automatically refreshed content for sports and finance, as well as breaking news.

The team mentioned earlier in the day that they were testing an updated Notepad app with native support for ARM64 and support for screen readers, text scaling, and access keys. A Media Player update is available to all Insiders for testing and has added CD support and a new option that allows users to sort their collections by date added.