14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has announced a new feature for File Explorer at the company’s hybrid work event today. The file manager is getting support for contextual suggestions, something that’ll make sharing files a more straightforward experience from one end to the other.
With contextual suggestions, which are powered by Context IQ, File Explorer can automatically recommend contacts you may want to share certain files with.
The whole approach is based on an intelligent system that makes certain tasks much more convenient, so working with File Explorer is getting a substantial overhaul in Windows 11.
Wangui McKelvey, General Manager, Microsoft 365, highlighted the refreshed File Explorer at the Microsoft event today.
“One of my favorite announcements today is the refreshed experience in File Explorer. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent looking for important files and folders over the years. Now, finding files is a breeze with new contextual suggestions in Windows powered by Context IQ. This recommends relevant content and contacts across Windows—including content to the cloud. For example, I can see what files I might want, including files that my frequent collaborators are working on that I also have access to,” the Microsoft official explained.
Likely to go live in preview builds sooner rather than later
Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t shared a timeline to let us know when the new features could finally go live for users out there.
However, a major feature update for Windows 11 is expected in the second half of the year, so it’s believed some of these goodies could be part of this release.
We’ll find out more about the ETA rather sooner than later, as all the features announced today should first go live in preview builds shipped as part of the Windows Insider program. However, it’s most likely just a matter of time until the launch happens.