How to Try Windows 11’s New File Explorer Tabs Before It’s Released
Windows users find their OS to have a better file management system than MacOS’s Finder. While this statement is up for debate, Mac users can use one file management feature above Windows, and that’s the Finder tabs: these tabs allow you to quickly switch between file windows as if you were sites in a web browser, a handy and efficient thing that you don’t you can do it in windows. At least until now.
Apple introduced tabs to the Finder back in 2013 with the release of Mac OS X Mavericks. Now, Microsoft hasn’t ignored the feature for the better part of a decade: The company tested tabs for File Explorer about four years ago , but ultimately decided not to bring it to its OS. However, The Verge reported in March that Microsoft is indeed resurrecting the feature for a future version of Windows 11. Although it’s not yet an official feature, it’s available to some Windows users and we hope to see more in the future.
The company is currently testing File Explorer tabs as part of the Windows Insider Preview. This latest version, build 25136 , makes File Explorer a bit more like a web browser: when you open a new window, you see its active tab in the top left corner, next to a (+), you can click to open another tab. If you whoever works in multiple explorer windows at the same time, this tabbed system will definitely be a game changer and make moving files and switching between windows a breeze.
Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t fully rolled out File Explorer tabs to those in the Insider Preview program – the company wants to gather feedback before releasing it to more testers, with no indication of when that will happen. However, the best way to try out the new feature right now is to register your PC with the Windows Insider Preview.
However, a word of caution: signing up for the Insider Preview requires Microsoft to update your computer with unfinished software. You’ll be able to take advantage of new features before other Windows users, but at the risk of inheriting bugs or other problems. You should consider signing up for the Insider Preview on a device other than your primary computer or using a virtual machine to protect your essential data. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from registering your computer the way you do now, it’s just important to understand the risks.
How to register your computer in Windows Insider Preview
With that in mind, here’s how you can sign up: Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and click Get Started. Select Link Account, click your Microsoft account, then select one of the three Insiders channels. Microsoft recommends the Beta Channel, but the Dev Channel is your best bet for early access to File Explorer tabs. Be aware, however, that this channel has the highest risk of bugs and other software issues.
Once you’ve made your choice, click “Continue” and then “Continue” again. Finally, click “Restart now”, wait for your computer to restart; Go back to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update Now to install the latest software. If you don’t see these tabs right away, please wait: I hope Microsoft rolls out this feature to your PC as soon as possible.
[ Fringe ]