14 DAY TRIAL // File Explorer is getting lots of improvements these days, and after tab support, it’s now being provided with a massive facelift that concerns the left navigation pane.
While File Explorer is right now quite a basic file manager that lacks the advanced capabilities of third-party alternatives, such as Total Commander, for instance, most Windows users prefer to stick with it anyway.
Microsoft knows that Windows users deserve a more advanced native file manager, and this is why it has now started overhauling File Explorer with more modern capabilities.
The most recent Windows 11 preview build, for instance, which is available today for users enrolled in the Dev channel of the Windows insider program, comes with a new left navigation pane that makes it easier to browse the most important locations on the device.
Only available for select Windows insiders
Microsoft says the rollout of this feature is currently in the early phases, so not all insiders are seeing it right now, even if they are running this latest preview build.
“File Explorer is also introducing a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane which makes it easy for you to navigate to folders that matter to you. The updated organization provides easy access to your pinned and frequently used folders (Quick access) and your OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows,” Microsoft explains.
“OneDrive cloud profiles reflect the user’s name associated with the account. Known 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. When you navigate to folders syncing to OneDrive such as Documents, Pictures, etc., the address bar displays the correct path to help bring clarity when your folders are on the cloud vs when they are local to you.”
Given the feature has only recently debuted for insiders, there’s obviously no ETA as to when Microsoft could begin the rollout for non-insider computers.