Microsoft announces new features and tabs for File Explorer

Due to a leak with finds unearthed in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, it’s a surprise that won’t be total. Either way, it’s official now. For Windows 11, Microsoft will indeed offer support for tabs with File Explorer.

In addition to this long-awaited feature, there will also be a new home page with quick access to folders, a new option for bookmarks and the usual recent documents. Via Microsoft’s AI Context IQ, content and contacts can be recommended based on the actions performed.

Productivity and multitasking are obviously in focus, as are other upcoming features that Microsoft is highlighting. For once, some were already known in an already official way, always with the Windows Insider program. However, Microsoft is still vague on a timetable.

For the Start menu, users will be able to create application folders and pin them. The anchoring of windows will be further optimized, especially for devices with a touch screen. Focus Assist will be improved with more options to turn off notifications and a timer, and link to Focus Sessions.

AI and security

Depending on the hardware, AI features will be leveraged for automatic video conferencing framing, adjusting gaze for interlocutor eye contact, background blur, clarity, and voice focus. In terms of accessibility, Live Captions will allow audio to be captioned independently of the application used.

Security improvements are also on the program, in particular with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for protection against phishing, Smart App Control in order to run only trusted applications.

Cloud PC with Windows 365

For companies, Microsoft is also talking about a new native Windows 365 application on Windows 11, and Windows 365 Switch to juggle between the Cloud PC and the local PC like offices from the taskbar.

Work is also being carried out to offer Windows 365 Offline in the event of disconnection, with automatic synchronization and no data loss when the connection is restored.