On September 20, the Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) started to roll out to compatible devices, although it omitted the much-awaited File Explorer update. Microsoft saved these and other small changes for the first feature update, which is now available to devices that have already been updated to version 22H2. The default file manager for Windows 11 now supports tabs, has a new “Home” page with easier access to recent and favorite files and folders, and has a revamped navigation pane. Several improvements have been made to the current context menu. There is a new OneDrive integration as well as many other small changes.
Other interesting guides on Windows to read about: How to Upgrade Windows 11 Pro to Enterprise and vice Versa, How to update the BIOS on your Dell system, How to restore quarantined files in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, How to find and remove Malware with Microsoft Defender Offline, how to remove Microsoft Defender update on Windows 10 and Windows Server image, and How to use Windows 11 PC Health Check App.
This guide will walk you through the major improvements and adjustments that you will notice after installing the feature drop update for version 22H2.
Latest File Explorer Changes on Windows 11 2022 Update
The new File Explorer includes several improvements to make using the default file manager easier, including tab support and a revamped navigation window.
Improved Home Page Experience
File Explorer gets a new “Home” page experience in the Windows 11 2022 Update. The page is usually called “Quick Access,” but it has a new name, a new (home) icon, and a few minor modifications.
The “Frequent Folders” section, for example, has been renamed “Quick Access” and now contains your pinned folders such as Desktop, Downloads, Documents, and others.
The “Favorites” section has all of the files you’ve pinned, and the “Recent” section has all of the files you’ve used most recently, whether they’re stored on your computer or in the cloud. Furthermore, even if they are not local files, these files can be searched.
Favorites and recent files in Office.com will also display on the new “Home” page if you use a work, education, or Microsoft account.
Also, any changes you make to files that are pinned or unpinned on the “Home” page from OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams will sync and show up in your Office apps and on Office.com. Furthermore, file actions will sync and display in the “Tiles” and “Details” views.
Open Multiple Tabs in File Explore
Tabs are now supported in this version of File Explorer. When you update to version 22H2, you’ll see a tab system that lets you explore different folders and disk locations without having to open a new file manager window.
When you launch File Explorer, the first tab is the Home page, and next to it is the plus (+) button, which allows you to open a new tab.
When you right-click a tab, a context menu appears with options to close the current tab, close all other tabs except the one you’re on, or close all tabs on the right while retaining all tabs on the left.
You can alternatively open a new tab by pressing “Ctrl + T” or close a current tab by pressing “Ctrl + W.”
Also, you can change the order of tabs, but you can’t drag and drop a tab to start a new instance of File Explorer.
Navigation pane
In the latest version of File Explorer, the navigation window on the left has also been changed visually. The design makes it easier to get to pinned folders and other OneDrive items that you use often.
The profile folders like Downloads, Documents, Desktop, and Pictures have been taken off of the “This PC” page so that it only shows storage drives.
Also, the OneDrive folder will show the user who is connected to the account that is currently logged in. Furthermore, the URL bar in the OneDrive folder will provide the right path to indicate whether the file is on your machine or in the cloud.
Context menu
Starting with version 22H2, when you right-click an object, the selection no longer uses blue but instead a lighter or darker color depending on the system color mode. (This visual modification is available everywhere the new style menu is available.)
Additionally, the icons for “Properties,” “Optimize,” and “Rename” have been modified to make them simpler to find and understand.
When you right-click a file, you will now see “Add to Favorites” to pin the file to Home, and when you right-click a folder, you will see “Pin to Quick Access.”
When nothing is chosen on the “This PC” page, the See more (three-dotted) menu now displays the option to connect to a media server, with selection options and new icons for the “Properties” and “Options” items.
In addition, the “This PC” context menu now has options such as “Add a network location,” “Map a network drive,” and “Disconnect network drive,” and the “Expand” option has a new icon.
Furthermore, when you right-click a “.inf” file, you will see an option to “Install” and “Install certificate” when you right-click a “.cer” file.
Since not all the items from the original context menu are available in the new menu, Microsoft has included the “Shift + Right-Click” shortcut to open the classic menu without taking any additional steps.
Finally, Windows 11 adds a new context menu to the Recycle Bin.
OneDrive integration
In Windows 11 version 22H2, the File Explorer also has a way to add OneDrive to the experience. The new integration takes the form of a menu in the top-right corner of the OneDrive page, which includes a storage use summary. You can also verify that the files are syncing and access the application settings.
I hope you find this post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.