Rumored overhaul for Windows File Explorer would tie into OneDrive, Microsoft 365
Enlarge / A PC running Windows 11. (credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft is working on an overhaul of the File Explorer app in Windows 11, according to a report from Windows Central. The new Explorer will reportedly feature redesigned and more touch-friendly navigation, better photo viewing with larger previews, keyword and color tagging for organizing files, and tighter integration with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive.
An internal mock-up of the new interface shows a new "recommended" section of files alongside the existing areas for pinned and recent files, with large previews of various documents and information about where the files are located (OneDrive, SharePoint, and the local Downloads folder are all listed) and about recent changes. The new look will also come with "more modern code" under the hood.
The report says Microsoft wants to release the new Explorer before the end of the year. It could be part of this year's annual Windows update in the fall, but Microsoft has taken a "whenever they're ready" approach to releasing new Windows features in the Windows 11 era-it could be released at any time, or never.