Windows 11 File Explorer gets a smarter makeover with new tab features and fewer annoying prompts

Microsoft is shaking things up with its File Explorer, and users are thrilled to see long-awaited features finally make an appearance. Windows 11 beta build 22635.4515 is rolling out in the Beta Channel, and with it comes a couple of game-changing upgrades aimed at making your File Explorer experience less frustrating and more streamlined. These changes are still hidden, which is why you don’t seem them in the changelog.

For years, File Explorer users have been juggling new windows every time they clicked on a folder, plugged in a USB drive, or mounted an ISO. Well, Microsoft has finally woken up to the 2015-era dream of tabs in File Explorer, and the feature is here to make multitasking easier than ever.

Now, if you open a folder from your desktop or follow a file link, it’ll open neatly in a new tab within an existing File Explorer window — just like a browser. This new tab behavior applies to actions like extracting compressed folders, mounting drives, and more. Here’s a demo video of how this works:

If you’re old-school and prefer a fresh window, that’s still an option — just hold down the Ctrl key when opening a folder. And don’t worry, Microsoft knows you love customization: the feature can be toggled on or off in Folder Options, where you’ll now see an option to manage how external folder links behave.

Another feature in this beta build gives you control over the “Start backup” reminders that often pop up in File Explorer. Instead of letting these prompts clutter your workflow, you can now snooze them for a month or turn them off entirely.

This is particularly helpful for users who don’t need constant nudging to back up to OneDrive (or those who simply don’t use it). The new options to snooze or disable these reminders are easy to access — just right — click on the reminder button in the File Explorer address bar.

And it’s not just File Explorer that’s leveling up — Microsoft is also working on broader system improvements. For instance, updates to the Windows 11 task continuity feature allow you to more seamlessly pick up where you left off. This is especially handy for those working across multiple apps and windows, complementing the File Explorer’s new tabbing system for a more cohesive multitasking environment. There’s also a slight performance boost when browsing folders with KB5046756, further enhancing the overall experience.

Windows fans have taken to Reddit to share their excitement (and mild frustration at the delay). Many agree that these changes are overdue but are nonetheless thrilled to see Microsoft listening to feedback. File Explorer tabs, in particular, have been a popular request for years.

One could say this update is less about innovation and more about catching up with user expectations. But hey, better late than never, right? These small tweaks aim to declutter your desktop, simplify your workflow, and give you control over your reminders — finally putting the “smart” back in smart file management.

While these features are currently disabled by default, you can enable them right now using the Vivetool command (vivetool /enable /id:49143212) if you’re eager to give them a spin. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, Microsoft is expected to officially enable these features for both 24H2 and 23H2 Windows 11 users later this year. The new build also benefits from fixes to bugs such as the “See More” menu in File Explorer expanding awkwardly upward instead of downward.

With more quality-of-life improvements like this, it’s clear that Microsoft is making an effort to refine the Windows 11 experience. And as we head into 2025, these changes are bound to make File Explorer feel a little more intuitive and a lot less cluttered.

Featured image: Microsoft