14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 comes with minor improvements for File Explorer, the new version of the old Windows Explorer, which also includes a number of new options for adopters of Microsoft’s revamped operating system.
One of the most important updates is the addition of a “Share” button in the ribbon that gives users the power to easily share one or more selected files with the help of Modern apps.
The new option was first introduced in the Preview build of Windows 10 in early October, but the company says that improved functionality should be implemented in the coming months, as development of the sharing system continues.
The very first consumer preview of Windows 10 is expected to see daylight in early 2015, and by that time, the sharing option should be fully developed.
Working with all Metro apps
As Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc explains, the sharing tool works with Modern apps that boast such functionality, so you still need to rely on the Metro UI if you find this addition helpful.
That shouldn’t be a problem, however, because users are automatically provided with a list of apps that include sharing options, so everything should be performed in a matter of seconds.
“Installed apps that enable sharing will work with this button; it will open the share experience just like in Windows 8.1 when the Share charm is used. For example – you can select a few photos directly in File Explorer, press the share button, and share directly to Facebook or Twitter if you have these apps installed,” LeBlanc notes.
“This implementation is of course in the very early stages with more work to be done in the coming months!”
Specifically aimed at PC users
Since it’s only available in File Explorer, the new option has been specifically introduced for PC users who still rely on a mouse and keyboard to get stuff done on their computers.
That’s actually the purpose of this very first preview version of Windows 10, as Microsoft tried to improve the desktop capabilities of the operating system and make it more appropriate for the traditional configuration with a mouse and keyboard.
The word is that the desktop could go away completely on tablet versions of Windows 10, so File Explorer and the new sharing option won’t be available when this operating system goes live.
This does make sense at some level, especially because it’s really hard to use the desktop on a small screen, so tablet buyers could find the Modern UI much handier on their devices.