As one of the most frequently used features on the Windows operating system, the design of File Explorer has not been updated for a long time. Although Microsoft once planned to introduce a multi-tab (tab) feature, it chose to abandon this work in the middle.
The good news is that not long ago, discerning people found out that Microsoft has restarted the program again. And with the arrival of the Windows 11 Build 22579.100 development preview, we’re delighted that it’s making good progress.
Judging from the first screenshots shared by Reddit netizens, Microsoft has pushed File Explorer (as part of the latest cumulative update) with the Sets multi-tab feature to the first Windows 11 Insider testers (Dev development preview channel).
While the software giant hasn’t disclosed when it will officially bring the improvement to all users, Insider testers found that it appears to be enabled by default (it hadn’t done so when it was revealed in early March).
Recall that a few years ago, when Microsoft withdrew the development of Sets, it said that the tab function in the file explorer is still expected to return in the future.
We’re taking Sets offline to polish it even better. Based on your feedback, we will continue to improve the visual design, as well as Sets-enhanced workflow integration for apps like the Office productivity suite and the Edge browser.
If you’ve been testing Sets, you’ll be saying goodbye to today’s build. But Sets is still expected to return for future WIP flight tests. Finally, thank you again for your enthusiastic feedback.