At the beginning of this year, it was reported that Microsoft was working on its most significant update to File Explorer that’s geared toward modernizing and redesigning the app in Windows 11.
And today, at Microsoft’s annual conference for developers, Panos Panay shared a short video on his Twitter account to introduce Windows Copilot alongside the Dev Home.
But the video did more than just debt the new entries, it also confirmed that Microsoft was indeed working towards redesigning and modernizing the File Explorer app in Windows 11. Towards the end of the video, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the new app briefly.
Today, we announce new AI experiences and tools for #Windows11 to empower developers. Pumped to introduce you to Windows Copilot and Dev Home. #MSBuild https://t.co/MkqiKKtuFg pic.twitter.com/pf1H3o1tyW
— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) May 23, 2023
Right off the bat, aside from the new look and feel which is very apparent, you can also spot the new address and search bar which has been pushed close to the tabs in the app. You’ll also notice that all actions have been moved down below the address bar, closer to the navigation pane.
Additionally, the redesigned File Explorer also features rounded interfaces as well as blur effects which aligns with Windows 11’s Fluent design. To this end, Microsoft is yet to make the official redesign announcement though we already know that the new app will adopt WinUI 3.
As we speak, it’s already possible for some Insiders to test a version of the File Explorer running on WinUI 3, though it doesn’t feature the changes highlighted above.
Alongside the redesigned File Explorer app, we also got to glance at the new gallery feature which is in preview and should start rolling out to roll out to more users soon. The feature is designed to make it easier for users to access their photo collection.
These advancements get Microsoft one step closer to modernizing some of its legacy apps that have remained untouched and haven’t received any significant updates for a long time.
via XDA Developers