Yesterday, Microsoft shipped a new build (23403) to the Dev Channel which featured a host of new features as well as the usual fixes and improvements such as Live Captions in more languages, File Explorer Access Keys, Voice Access redesign, and more.
Another significant feature that shipped with this build was the File Recommendations in File Explorer. The feature will essentially allow you to easily find files directly from File Explorer. However, it will be limited to specific users.
You’ll need to have signed into Windows using an Azure Active Directory (AAD) account to access it. Once you’ve satisfied this requirement, you’ll start getting cloud file recommendations linked to the AAD account. The recommended files could either belong to the owner of the account or a shared user.
Surprised this is already rolling out. New File Explorer recommended content feature is here for AAD joined devices (could roll out to more devices later) in Canary 25314 and Dev 23403. Should be able to turn it off from folder options, can be enabled with ViVeTool. pic.twitter.com/0YewLHEG53
— PhantomOcean3💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) March 8, 2023
In related news, Microsoft is also incorporating access key shortcuts into the XAML context menu in File Explorer. Microsoft has indicated that this addition is geared toward enhancing File Explorer’s accessibility.
If you’re unfamiliar with what an access key is, it is essentially “a one keystroke shortcut” designed to help users to execute commands in the context menu quickly. To access this new capability, simply click on a file in File Explorer and press the menu key on your keyboard.
Microsoft has indicated that it has just started rolling out both features to Windows Insiders that are part of the Dev Channel. It is not yet clear when the features will ship to general availability.
Do you have access to these features yet? Share your experience with us in the comments.