Windows 11 is getting a redesigned File Explorer with tabs

Microsoft recently unveiled a set of news items about the capabilities of Windows 11 and its hybrid functions, bringing things like system-wide improvements to video-calling tools on PCs. It announces some changes to the beloved File Explorer, the biggest of which is the redesign and the highly anticipated tab feature.

According to the company’s release, “Redesigned, Cloud-powered File Explorer” lets you “view all files in one centralized location.” You’ll be able to pin files and create tabs, and your frequently visited folders will be easily accessible.

In a video showcasing new features, it looks like you can right-click on a file or document and select “Add to Favorites” to pin it. And if you want to open multiple File Explorer tabs, you can click the plus sign at the top left of the window to start a new tab, and they look like browser tabs.

The company also added a Touch Snap layout to make it easier to manage your apps on touch-enabled devices.

Microsoft called Windows 11 the most accessible and comprehensive version of Windows ever, and shared more about some of the support tools that come with the platform today. The system-wide live caption feature, announced earlier this year, will transcribe all audio on your PC, including content streaming across the web. Focus mode can help people with ADHD become more productive, the company said.

To keep your sensitive information safe, the company is bringing two new tools to Windows 11: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Smart App Control. When you enter your Microsoft account login information into a “malicious application or hacked website”, it will likely detect your protection against phishing attacks.

Screenshot showing a video of the interview playing in a window with captions at the bottom.

Smart App Control, meanwhile, uses the company’s AI and code signing to ensure that only trusted applications can be run on your PC. This is “one of the biggest attack vectors on Windows by default,” Microsoft said. The company also said it plans to add more features to its Pluton security processor and could help organizations ensure proper registration keys are placed in their fleet of devices.

Microsoft has not shared exactly when these features will be released on the public version of Windows 11, but it looks like they are coming soon.